Edward Cowley

Edward Cowley is a New Zealand-Samoan[1] facilitator, entertainer and fa'afafine.[2][3]

As a drag queen called Buckwheat (after the Our Gang character), Cowley has twenty years experience on the Auckland entertainment scene,[4] including national television,[5] events with national politicians,[6] hosting an annual flight from New Zealand to the Sydney Mardi Gras and been party to a high-profile media standards complaint.[7][8] He is a regular feature of the Auckland Pride Parade.[9][10]

Cowley worked for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation for almost ten years, working in Pacific and Men's outreach.[11] As a facilitator and event coordinator Cowley managed up to 14 facilitators.[8]

Cowley competed at the 2010 Cologne Gay Games,[12] coming fifth in the body building.[13] His preparation was filmed for a 20/20 special on drag queens losing weight.[14] He also competed in charity boxing.[15][16]

References

  1. ↑ "HIV AIDS Pacific churches PIAF Maire Bopp Dupont New Zealand Aids Foundation". methodist.org.nz. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012. Samo
  2. ↑ http://www.realtimearts.net/article/52/6948
  3. ↑ http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/faafafine-star-at-pasific-event-in-queensland
  4. ↑ "20 years of drag". gayexpress.co.nz. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  5. ↑ "Tuesday February 27 | Good Morning | Television New Zealand". tvnz.co.nz. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012. Assume the brace position! We're mile-high on Good Morning today with drag queen Buckwheat. She's along to tell us all about Air New Zealand's 'Pink Flight' to the Sydney Mardi Gras this Friday so stay tuned - you could win return seats for two!
  6. ↑ "Hone's dated a Pakeha but never a man". nzherald.co.nz. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  7. ↑ "GayNZ.com TV3 fined for dragging up Buckwheat story". gaynz.com. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012. The Broadcasting Standards Authority has fined TV3 $2,500 for broadcasting news items claiming the Ministry of Social Development had hired popular Auckland drag queen 'Buckwheat' to motivate staff.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "» Broadcasting Standards Authority". bsa.govt.nz. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012. 3 News and Nightline – items reported that the Ministry of Social Development had hired a “prominent drag queen to motivate staff” – reported that the National Party believed taxpayers’ money was being wasted – allegedly inaccurate and unfair
  9. ↑ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9696637/From-burly-to-ultra-glam-in-an-hour
  10. ↑ http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/22/article_14588.php
  11. ↑ "'New Zealand Newsroom @ Eventpolynesia.com'". eventpolynesia.com. 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2012. Edward Cowley, aka internationally-renowned drag diva Buckwheat, is to leave his role at the New Zealand AIDS Foundation on October 5, after nearly nine-and-a-half years of service to the community in Auckland.
  12. ↑ "GayNZ.com Cologne Calling: Buckwheat". gaynz.com. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  13. ↑ "The 2010 GayNZ.com Honours". gaynz.com. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012. Edward is also a mighty competitor, switching the dress and heels for heavy metal and tanning lotion in order to live his dream of competing in bodybuilding at the Cologne Gay Games. He finished in an impressive 5th place - but to us Edward and Buckwheat are pure 24 carat gold.
  14. ↑ "20/20 | Television New Zealand". tvnz.co.nz. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  15. ↑ "GayNZ.com Buckwheat to fight Miss Ribena in charity boxing battle". gaynz.com. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  16. ↑ "Including Buckwheat on Seeded – Radio Week – Entertainment – New Zealand Listener". listener.co.nz. 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.

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