back to LearnEpisode 7: Wendell French | Culture, pride and safe spaces for queer mob
At just 25, Wendell French – known on stage as Felicia Foxx, the Aboriginal Enchantress – is using the art of drag to challenge stereotypes, celebrate culture and create safer spaces for young queer mob across Australia.
In our latest Mental Fitness Conversations episode, Wendell sits down with Mundanara Bayles to share how culture and community have shaped their mental fitness journey, and why being true to yourself can be one of the greatest acts of courage.
Growing up in Dubbo, Wendell’s connection to culture has always been at the centre of who they are. But as they share in the episode, that connection hasn’t always come easy.
“It takes work to really know who you are,” Wendell says. “You have to do the groundwork – because once you’re grounded in your identity, there’s no room left for hate or judgement.”
That sense of grounding is what fuels Wendell’s confidence both on and off the stage. Whether they’re performing as Felicia Foxx, mentoring young people or launching their new venture Rainbow Emu Entertainment, Wendell’s mission is to help others find pride and belonging through self-expression.
For Wendell, drag isn’t just performance – it’s storytelling. It’s a way to connect with community, express emotion and show that you can be proud of every part of who you are.
“Drag helped me understand that I can celebrate all of myself – my culture, my queerness, my creativity – and use that to build something bigger than me,” they share.
Through Felicia Foxx, Wendell challenges old ideas of masculinity and identity, showing that vulnerability and strength can exist side by side. Their message is simple but powerful: mental fitness comes from knowing who you are, staying connected to your people and doing the small things every day that keep your mind strong.
With Rainbow Emu Entertainment, Wendell is working to create inclusive, empowering environments for young people to explore who they are through performance, culture and connection.
“It’s about visibility,” they share. “When young queer mob see someone like them standing proud in their identity, it gives them permission to do the same.”
Wendell’s journey is filled with courage, creativity and connection. It shows that when we do the inner work to understand ourselves – and surround ourselves with people who lift us up – we build the foundation of lasting mental fitness.
“If you’re grounded in who you are, there’s no time for judgment, hate or negativity.”
Listen to the full episode: Culture, pride and safe spaces for queer mob with Wendell French – part of our Mental Fitness Conversations series with Mundanara Bayles, produced in partnership with the Black Magic Woman Podcast.
Why this episode matters
Mental Fitness Conversations is part of Gotcha4Life’s commitment to a suicide-free world, through connections, cultural understanding and meaningful storytelling. In partnership with Black Magic Woman, this series reflects the diversity and strength of First Nations voices, and the importance of culture and community in building mental fitness.
Listen to Episode 7 with Wendell French
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Content in this podcast covers topics related to mental health, including suicide which can be confronting and distressing. Please consider your needs when listening. Click here for support services you can contact 24/7.
