Navy Drag Queen Harpy Daniels (Joshua Kelly Interview)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Early Life and Discovery of Drag
Joining the Navy
Excelling as a Sailor
The Navy Drag Queen Harpy Daniels Takes Flight
Performing in Drag While Deployed
Viral Stardom for Harpy Daniels
Advocacy and Leadership Roles
Appointment as Navy Drag Queen Digital Ambassador
Promoting the Navy as Harpy Daniels
Use of TikTok and Social Media
Criticism from Conservative Voices
Arguments Against Kelley's Ambassador Role
Defense of Kelley's Qualifications
Impact on Navy Recruitment and Inclusion
The Future for Kelley and Harpy Daniels
Introduction
Joshua Kelley, a talented sailor in the US Navy, made waves by concurrently serving his country and performing in drag as his alter-ego, Harpy Daniels. Drag queen Amber LeMay was lucky to have the chance to talk with Josha Kelly/Harpy Daniels. (see the video above) This groundbreaking figure has attracted both widespread attention and pointed criticism. Let’s take a look at Joshua Kelley's journey from small-town Pennsylvania to the deck of an aircraft carrier, how he pioneered a place for drag queens in the military, his polarizing role as a digital ambassador, and what the future may hold.
Joshua Kelley US Navy Sailor and drag queen
Early Life and Discovery of Drag
Born in Pennsylvania in the early 1990s, Joshua Kelley spent his childhood in the small town of Berwick along with their twin brother, Jacob. Their father was a Navy counselor with over two decades of military service under his belt. After discovering a passion for drag by attending a drag show during college at Bloomsburg University, Kelley created his drag persona, Harpy Daniels, in 2013. The name paid homage to his favorite animal, the harpy eagle. Harpy Daniels competed successfully in regional drag pageants, foreshadowing future success.
Joining the Navy
Craving financial stability, Kelley enlisted in the Navy in February 2016, becoming a yeoman. His first assignment was with the VFA-115 squadron aboard the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. Kelley embarked on this new journey with the Navy despite the military's historically tense relationship with LGBTQ+ individuals. At the time, transgender personnel had only been allowed to serve openly for less than a year. However, Kelley said he experienced no discrimination and was judged solely based on his abilities.
Excelling as a Sailor
During Kelley's first deployment to Yokosuka, Japan from 2016-2019, he distinguished himself as a skilled sailor. He earned two Navy Achievement Medals for his stellar service and became deeply involved in promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance and leadership. Kelley served as President of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions chapter. His stellar performance also earned him Sailor of the Quarter awards and a promotion to Petty Officer Second Class.
The Navy Drag Queen Harpy Daniels Takes Flight
While honing his naval skills, Kelley continued developing his drag persona. He organized shows aboard the USS Ronald Reagan with approval and sponsorship from the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department. Under the Harpy Daniels alias, Kelley entertained fellow sailors with lip-syncs and energetic dances, often sporting a blonde wig and sequined gowns. Drag provided stress relief and joy to his shipmates. Kelley also won second place in a 2017 lip sync competition. Thus, the Navy Drag Queen Harpy Daniels began her career.
Performing in Drag While Deployed
In November 2017, Kelley, who identifies as non-binary, made history by performing in full drag aboard the USS Ronald Reagan during active deployment in the Western Pacific. Video footage of the Navy drag queen Harpy Daniels strutting down an aircraft carrier corridor in a dazzling outfit went viral, earning over 5.1 million views online. Kelley later said he wanted to show that pursing your passion is possible, even while serving.
Viral Stardom for Harpy Daniels
The 2017 drag show catapulted Harpy Daniels into internet fame. The videos introduced many around the world to the concept of an active duty drag queen. Major media outlets like NBC, Navy Times, and Gay Star News shared Kelley's groundbreaking story. This rush of attention gave Harpy Daniels a platform to become a representative for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion.
Advocacy and Leadership Roles
Kelley has actively strengthened LGBTQ+ communities through volunteering and leadership positions. He served as Military Liaison for Hampton Roads Pride from 2021-2022. He also spent 2020-2021 as the Events Director for Stonewall Sports, planning LGBTQ+ sporting events. Kelley's passion for advocacy only grew over the years.
Appointment as Navy Drag Queen Digital Ambassador
In March 2022, Kelley's talent for outreach was recognized when he was appointed as the inaugural Navy Digital Ambassador as part of a drive “to attract the most talented and diverse workforce”. This selective pilot program ran until November 2022 and chose Kelley as one of just five sailors to participate. The goal was expanding the Navy's audience and candidate pool. Kelley saw it as an opportunity to share his positive experiences as a proud gay sailor and drag queen.
Promoting the Navy as Harpy Daniels
As part of the pilot program, Kelley frequently appeared on social media in Harpy Daniels makeup and costumes. He leveraged the drag persona's significant following to highlight the Navy's inclusive stance and benefits of enlisting. Kelley became the first prominent representative of both LGBTQ+ and drag communities in the Navy through this ambassadorship. US Navy drag queen recruitment is an interesting idea especially for reaching out to Gen Z, but it has caused some to criticize the Navy, as you will read below.
Use of TikTok and Social Media
To maximize his digital reach, especially among younger demographics, Kelley often posted on TikTok as a US Navy drag queen influencer. These Navy drag queen recruiter videos were very popular and received many views. This became a source of controversy, as the app was officially banned on government devices over data privacy concerns about its Chinese ownership. Kelley maintained that the views were his own and not officially endorsed by the Navy. Still, critics argued recruiting via TikTok sent mixed messages.
Criticism from Conservative Voices
In November 2022, Kelley's role as a US Navy drag queen ambassador prompted objections from several Republican senators and veterans. Critics said Kelley inappropriately represented the Navy through his drag performances and use of TikTok. Former Navy SEAL Robert J. O'Neill accused the Navy's diversity efforts of compromising readiness to face China. A group of GOP senators demanded the Navy Secretary explain Kelley's appointment.
The Pink News reports that Joshua/Harpy Daniels has responded by saying “Haters only hate when you are winning,” Kelley captioned the video. “LGBTQ+ people never could serve open because of DADT (Don’t Ask Don’t Tell).
“Now that we can, you can see who the homophobic and transphobic people are.”
And, of course, The Daily Mail had to write and article about “Fury over Navy's first 'digital ambassador' - non-binary drag queen Harpy Daniels who was appointed to attract new recruits amid crisis.“
And Fox News regular and conservative show host Charlie Kirk had to throw in his own homophobic comments.
Charlie Kirks homophobic tweet about Harpy Daniels
Arguments Against Kelley's Ambassador Role
Those against Joshua Kelley serving as an ambassador raised several arguments. They contended that his drag performances did not align with most Americans' values and had no place in the military. Critics said the Navy should not appear to endorse non-traditional gender expression. Some charged that Kelley's social media activity was unprofessional and posed security risks.
Defense of Kelley's Qualifications
Supporters of Kelley pointed out his impressive track record as a sailor, leader, and role model. They argued that his advocacy had opened the Navy to wider segments of society, which could help with recruitment. Defenders noted that Joshua Kelley followed all necessary rules and procedures during his service and ambassadorship. Prominent LGBTQ+ voices emphasized that diversity bolsters the armed forces.
Impact on Navy Recruitment and Inclusion
The long-term impacts of Joshua Kelley's time as an ambassador remain unclear. On one hand, he expanded outreach to underrepresented groups. The pilot program itself was deemed a success. Time will tell whether Joshua Kelley and their drag persona Harpy Daniels shifted perceptions of inclusivity in the Navy.
The Future for Joshua Kelley and Harpy Daniels
Looking ahead, Kelley seems set to continue serving while performing as Harpy Daniels. He has proven resilient against criticism and become a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ sailors. However, ongoing opposition in some military circles may complicate any future leadership roles for Kelley. But his popularity suggests Harpy Daniels will keep inspiring audiences for years to come.
Joshua Kelley blazed a trail as an openly gay sailor who gained renown for honoring his country in and out of drag. While attracting criticism from social conservatives, Kelley excelled as a digital ambassador and brought passion to promoting Navy service. His story showcases the armed forces' increasing diversity and the power of being true to one's identity. Kelley's multi-faceted legacy will continue impacting both the military community and LGBTQ+ visibility.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
