Kelly Kline
1. Hi Billy, please tell us a bit about you.
Well, my name is Billy Mercer, and I’m a 45-year-old gay man from a small town in Texas. I moved to Austin in 1998 for the first time and absolutely fell head over heels in love with this city. I have done makeup and hair for almost 25 years and feel lucky I get to travel all over the world with my clients. (It wasn’t luck, I worked my butt off.) After living on both coasts, I have called Austin home again for the last decade. I’ve got two children, Saint & Chloe. Ok, they’re dogs, but they’re my version of kids. Ha!
2. Tell us about Unite the Fight Gala and why you are competing for the coveted title.
The Unite The Fight Gala is a night to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community while raising awareness & funds for Out Youth, Kind Clinic, allgo, and Equality Texas, by getting dressed up in drag for the very first time and putting on one hell of a show! Eight Austin locals get paired with a local drag superstar and work for over 4 months on a number to perform for over 2000 people.
To me, drag is a form of protest, and I love nothing more than to piss people off, so I felt this gala was right up my alley. No, but seriously, I’ve always had a fascination with doing drag, and what’s better than getting all dolled up for a good cause raising money for my own community? Not much else, I’m learning.
3. Who are some of your local inspirations?
The one. The only. The Wonder Woman of Drag… Miss Kelly Kline. She is Austin’s brightest star, and I’ve been a fan of hers since the very first time I saw her in the late 90’s. Sorry to age us, Kelly! Now I’m lucky I get to call her a friend, so getting to meet her on this side of things has been a very exciting chapter in my life. I have big shoes to fill, but I know I’ll make her proud.
4. How much experience do you have in drag, and what can we expect to see in your aesthetic?
I have zero experience. I mean, I’ve been traipsing around in heels since I was a little gay, but that’s the extent of my “drag” experience. But I have been a makeup and hair artist for 25 years, so I do know a thing or two about putting a look together, so you can expect to see me serving a fashion-forward look and performance. Did I mention drama? There will be lots of that in my performance. I’ve been preparing for this moment ever since I learned how to walk in heels over 30 years ago.
5. We know that you are a professional makeup artist. Has anyone ever done your makeup in or out of drag, and does it make you nervous? Why?
Surprisingly… no! Kelly and I worked at the MAC Cosmetics counter together, and she would always tell me I’d look so pretty in drag, but my dreams never came to fruition. Until now! The only thing I’m nervous about is that I haven’t shaved my face in twenty years, so I’m a little nervous about seeing myself without it.
6. Since the Gala gives back, tell us about some of your favorite charities.
Out Youth has always been on my radar through my friends, Gen and Jared Padalecki. They are the most philanthropic people I know and have always invited me to the Glitz Gala and have been going for years. But this is my very first-time raising funds on this level, and it certainly won’t be my last.
7. What would you tell your 10-year-old self about what he can expect in the future?
I would tell my 10-year-old self that LOVE is the answer. Your family loves you unconditionally, and you’ll always be able to count on them, so never be afraid to be your authentic self. They’ll be your biggest support and will never hold who you are against you. In fact, they’ll love you for it. So just shine, baby!
8. Do you have a life partner, and how do they feel about you participating in the Miss Unite The Fight competition?
I do, my partner Jamie and I just celebrated 11 years together. He is patient and kind and has been my biggest cheerleader throughout this journey. He’s the most supportive person, and I’m lucky to have him in my corner. I couldn’t do this without him!
9. What part of what you are presenting are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the look. It’s going to be a real show stopper, so the other girls better bring it! Also, the music is going to set the crowd on fire! AND! The heels! They’re so dreamy! Basically, I’m excited about ALL of it!
10. Will this be the start of a possible future drag career for you?
Never say never! But I will need at least 5 more jobs because drag is SO expensive. I’ve always been a big tipper for the queens, but from now on, it’s going to be big bills. Ha!
11. Where can fans get tickets and donate to support you?
You can head to the links on my socials, @billymercer, or Kelly Kline’s socials, and you can purchase tickets or make cash donations there. But be sure to select “Team Billy Mercer” at checkout, as there are 3 Billy’s competing for this year’s crown. See y’all there! Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this one!
Ann Parker
