You may have seen Pose, the hit TV series about the ball room scene, but let’s not forget about the real house mothers please. Ladies and gentlemen, meet one of the longest-reigning mothers of them all—Mother Juan Aviance.
You were raised in Boston. What do you miss about it? It was an easier way of life when I grew up in Boston. So, if anything, that’s what I miss. Other than yourself, who was the fiercest voguer of all time? Well, to be fair, we’re all fierce in our own special way! What’s the most complex style of vogue? In vogue, it’s all pretty complex. For me, I tend not to vogue any particular way but my own. What D.C. venue do you miss that’s gone? Where it all started—Tracks. What politician were you the most excited to meet in D.C.? One time my house did a vogue show at a D.C. festival, and we met Mayor Marion Berry, so that was pretty exciting. What New York Venue do you miss that’s gone? Hands-down, the Sound Factory!
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What’s your favorite house song? The House of Aviance adopted theme song, “You Gotta Believe,” by Fierce Ruling Diva. Of all the collaborations that you’ve done, which was the most special to you? That would be an event that I vogued in starring Jennifer Hudson. She was kind, witty, and down-to-earth. Who would you kill to produce musically? (laughs) I wouldn’t “kill” anybody, but whoever’s ready and willing to be produced by David Ohana Aviance of Aviance Records, hit us up! How did you come up with your name? It actually came to mind one day while shopping for fragrances. The Aviance Night Musk commercial popped into my head, and I said, “That’s it… “Aviance.” If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? When that day comes, I’ll let the people have their say.
What do you want to live long enough to see? Peace on earth! Will you ever retire? I plan to but not sure if it will ever be a 100% retirement. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? I’ve been asked, “Will you ever do drag or transition to be a women, since you’re the ‘mother’ of the house.” FYI, the answer is, “No!” How long have you been the “mother” of the House of Aviance? Thirty years! I founded the house in August 1989, so August 2019 is our 30th anniversary. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Hmm… I’ve met many celebs, but I pretty much held myself together, or I’d like to think I did. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? All the Trump drama!
What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Unfortunately, I don’t travel much, but the few places that I’ve been I loved… San Francisco, Tel Aviv and Puerto Rico. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To live each day to the fullest, cuz’ life is short. What did you learn from your parents? To live life with honor, compassion and integrity. Who’s your favorite performer? As a lover of the arts, it’s hard for me to pick a “favorite” anything. Let’s just say that I love a good performance when I see it! What’s your best characteristic? My compassion for others. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love lazy days at home watching TV and talking on the phone. I also love the beach, but being in New York City, there’s only a few months of summer, which sucks.
What celebrity do you have a crush on? Well he’s not a celebrity per-se, but I love me some Prince Harry! Who do you admire? Billy Porter. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My Mom. Where would you go in a time machine? To the beginning of time. What would your last meal be? Tons of seafood… Please! What do you worry about? The state of the world today. What are you afraid of? Not being able to provide for myself. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A harp. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf for sure!
Other than your house children, who depends on you, and for what? My friends and fans outside of the house depend on my guidance, advice, or just for me to sit and listen. Who are you closest with? God. What would your autobiography be called? Who Said Gay Men Don’t Have Children. What’s on your bucket list? To travel the world and teach vogue. What’s your greatest regret in life? I have no regrets! What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? I’m a cry baby and a sucker for love stories. Where can we see you? Currently, I’m hosting a party at Christina Visca’s “Birdcage” every Sunday at Le Bain in the Standard Hotel. You can also see me on my website or at my pride party in New York City on Monday July 1!