Iva Rosebud

What do you do in your day-to-day life?
I’m a 'tradie by day, and a drag queen by night'. By day it’s all 'MATE!' and by night it’s 'DAAAAARRRLINGGGG!'. So when I'm not wearing wigs and heels you can catch me as a landscaper digging in the garden or paving a new garden path with long red acrylic nails! Let me know if you need assistance, ey. Your bushes look like they could use a trim!

Why do you do it?
I love the connection to nature. There's something so beautifully grounding about working with the soil, observing any new flowers that have bloomed, or learning about the bio-diverse relationship between plants. Did you know trees talk to each other through an underground network of fungi linked to their root systems?!

What do you love about the city you live in right now?
*sings* Melbourne, MELBOURNNNNEEEE (in the style of New York, New York). Everywhere I go, I always feel a longing to come home to Melbourne. I moved here ten years ago to study Music Theatre at the VCA and have called it home ever since. Overall there is a strong sense of community here, whether it’s in the arts scene or among my friendly neighbours, I feel that we uplift each other! I feel there is a passion for supporting emerging artists, we understand that we are all on the same team and are stronger together. So why not do it while looking absolutely fabulous, eating at a delicious wine bar with gender neutral bathrooms full of potpourri, or at a café with a coffee that you know will be good no matter where you go!

What’s the best thing about being part of the LGBTQIA+ community?
The beauty and freedom of expressing one’s self and identity. And. . . Platform Crocs!

In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood thing about the community?
That we know what we’re doing! We’ve really only been allowed to be loud in our queerness for a short while and despite the gorgeous fashion and fabulous parades we’re all just figuring it out along the way – we never had a blueprint for how to live our lives,  so we are crafting our own narratives. But also. . . Platform Crocs!

Do you have an LGBTQIA+ icon/spokesperson that you look up to and if so, what do you love about them?
A certain song written by French singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour comes to mind, “What makes a man, a man?” (Originally titled 'Comme ils dissent').  He sings “I know my life is not a crime, I'm just a victim of my time.” Although Aznavour wasn’t a gay man himself, he used his music to portray an honest, frank and emotional portrait of the marginalisation experienced by his own gay friends. Which I believe speaks to  the importance of allies using their platform to amplify queer voices and foster an inclusive society. 

How do you define happiness?
A long table, in a beautiful garden, surrounded by my nearest and dearest, having a long lunch that goes on well into the night! Oh and remember, the only penis that matters in life is your HAPPINESS!

Are you happy with your work/life balance?
Honey, I'm in the arts. The only balance I get is when I remember to drink a glass of water before bed after opening night!

What is the best lesson you’ve ever learned?
Life is short, treat yo’self!

What is your spirit animal?
I wish I could say Lola, the treacherous and seductive lionfish from ‘Shark Tale’, but it's probably more like Dory from ‘Finding Nemo’. Memory of a fish but a heart of gold!

Iva Rosebud will appear in 'Club Kabarett' at Meat Market (North Melbourne) from 17 April-24 May, 2026.