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The Four Questions is a monthly series of short-form interviews in which we catch up with an artist we've previously gotten to know through their work at The CJM. This month, hear from Miss Shugana, a San Francisco-based drag queen who has performed at The CJM for events during Purim, Hanukkah, and more, who is dedicated to using her art and energy to make the world a better place.

The Four Questions

Q: What does The CJM mean to you?

A: The CJM is where creativity, community, and culture collide—exactly my kind of party! As the "Purim Queen," I’ve had the honor of bringing cabaret magic to families who count on The CJM for connection to Judaism and art. It’s a place where tradition gets a modern remix, and I love every second of it!

Q: What is a project you're working on now that you're excited about?

A: Right now, my partner and I are taking fun and connection very seriously! We produce Women’s Weekend Russian River, NorCal’s premier LGBTQIA+ event in Guerneville. It’s a rare and cherished space where women, non-binary, and trans folks can let loose, build community, and reconnect with joy—something that is desperately needed right now. With only about four events like this in the whole country, we’re honored to carry forward its nearly forty-year legacy.

Oh, and when I’m not planning that, I’m hosting a monthly drag show in Santa Cruz at Shug Shack—because life is too short for bad wigs and boring nights.

Q: Where/how do you find inspiration?

A: People. I love learning what makes us different and what makes us laugh. Humor has a way of bringing people together—it’s why I keep my heels high and expectations low (at least when it comes to my talent). Nothing fuels creativity like shared joy and a little mischief!

Q: What is your favorite Jewish food or tradition?

Matzah ball soup—straight from the box! Don’t mess with perfection. I just tweak the chill time, add extra water, and load it with whatever veggies are hanging out in my fridge. It’s a cure-all, a hug in a bowl, and the only reason I’ve survived cold season.

About the Artist
Headshot of Miss Shugana
Miss Shugana

Miss Shugana has been performing and using her art to raise money for the community for eleven years. Tikkun olam has always been her driving force. 

She began performing once a month to help raise money for the Castro Country Club, a sober club in San Francisco. She soon blossomed and expanded her reach for community fundraising with the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. She and her partner were the first cisgender women to reign together and lead the council as Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, and they broke ground, raising over $100,000, which had not been done for a long time or ever by the organization. Miss Shugana has inspired new trans people and women to join this male-dominated scene, and she loves seeing how it is continuing to flourish. In addition to fundraising, Miss Shugana is proud to be Miss Faux Queen San Francisco 2017 and first runner-up in the Mother Pageant. She is thrilled to partner with The CJM!