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Pussy LeHoot

Echo Hall of Fame 2011 Pussy LeHoot

Pussy LeHoot During a 31-year drag career, Pussy LeHoot has made raising money part of the act. Kevin McSweeny, the man who is LeHoot, said he did his first fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy in 1982. But when news of HIV/AIDS reached Phoenix that became LeHoot's major cause, with benefits for the Joshua Tree Feeding Program and other groups. LeHoot is a fixture at Charlie's as the "comedian MC" for weekend shows. McSweeny said LeHoot has been called "acid-tounged, venomous and bitchy" for raunchy monologues. "It's just part of the persona," he said. McSweeny said he learned from LeHoot's drag mother Tish Tanner. Although Tanner said she didn't want to be a grandmother, before she died she learned that LeHoot had become drag mother to Barbra Seville.

BACKGROUND:
McSweeny, 51, graduated from Coconino High School in Flagstaff, where he dressed as a woman for the first time in a school play. He moved to Phoenix and worked in hair and makeup. Twelve years ago, he started the show at Charlie's, where he also works as a bartender and coordinates special events.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
McSweeny said he's proud of LeHoot's pageant titles, including five Miss Arizona Gay Rodeo Association titles and the International Gay Rodeo crown in 2005. McSweeny said LeHoot's victories in Miss Gay Phoenix and Miss Gay Arizona pageants were groundbreaking for a plus-size drag queen. LeHoot was Miss Gay Pride in 1997 and won the Sexiest Bartender Contest this year. McSweeny said he likes to return to his hometown to raise funds for Flagstaff Pride.
FUTURE:
After recovering from physical challenges a few years ago that had LeHoot doing the show with the aid of a cane and stool, McSweeny said he wants to keep his act going. McSweeny said he doesn't dance, but actress Kirstie Alley's appearance on Dancing With the Stars has inspired his goal of participating in Dancing With the Bars.
PHILOSOPHY:
"I've always tried to be myself," McSweeny said. "I've never tried to put on airs and I've always tried to have fun in whatever I do."