‘Showbiz!’ entertainer Murray Hill became what he didn’t see

Murray Hill, a veteran drag king and performer, reflects on his journey from a suppressed, traumatic childhood to embracing his identity as a middle-aged man in his memoir, *Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man*. He discusses his transition from a visual artist to a prominent figure in the queer cabaret scene, emphasizing the importance of community and "chosen family" in navigating isolation. Hill highlights his role as Fred Rococo in the series *Somebody Somewhere*, noting how the show’s authentic portrayal of human connection serves as a radical act of visibility. He also addresses the challenges of modern anti-trans rhetoric, the generational shifts in queer identity language, and the complex process of forgiving his abusive mother. Throughout, he underscores his commitment to taking up space as an elder in the queer community, advocating for empathy and survival through performance.