You may not know the name Clinton Leupp. But there’s a good chance you know Miss Coco Peru.

Clinton created the drag icon, Miss Coco Peru and has become a celebrated storyteller and performer. Miss Coco has been entertaining us with comedic monologues and endearing stories for 25 years. In addition to the many original stage shows, she’s found in films including Trick, Girls Will Be Girls, and TV series such as Will & Grace and Arrested Development. Miss Coco has found additional notoriety in her clever YouTube videos.

There’s an intriguing story beyond Miss Coco — how Clinton followed his dream of working in entertainment and creating his own unique path. Clinton started Coco way before it was mainstream (AKA, no Rupal’s Drag Race). In our chat we get into the challenges and highlights along the way, and even talk career advice, other fun anecdotes.

After this interview, I went from fan, to admirer. Clinton was brave enough to find his truth and live it so publicly — inadvertently helping others find acceptance and a role model.