Meet Harpy Daniels: US Navy employee by day, drag queen by night
Joshua Kelley, 24, works for the US Navy as an administrative supervisor at day—and performs as drag queen Harpy Daniels at night.
Kelley, who joined the service two years ago, even dressed up as Harpy Daniels at a US Navy event, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Lip Sync Battle, in November 2017.
The US Navy employee, who won Miss Gay Harrisburg America 2015, was inspired to do drag after watching RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013.
Kelley started performing in drag back in 2013. (joshua00307/Instagram)
Speaking to PinkNews, Kelley said: “Harpy is a fierce, fun, and fabulous queen.
“She lives to entertain, give poise, grace and serve body and face! Harpy is the rounded package deal of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. She sees beauty in all and lives to inspire others to be yourself.”
Kelley said that he did not find it difficult to tell his colleagues that he performs in drag, adding: “Once I built myself as a sailor and showed my professionalism and military bearing, I shared my passion and I’ve received back so much support and acceptance for what I do.”
The 24 year old explained he used to perform as Harpy Daniels full-time, but joined the navy to support himself financially.
“The reason [I joined the navy] was because the cost of living, college loans and keeping up with drag were to much to handle at my age.
“So I joined the Navy [and have] gained great work ethics, met great people and have had a wonderful new experience in my life.”
Kelley said his colleagues have welcomed his drag persona Harpy Daniels. (joshua00307/Instagram)
Kelley aded that his father was a US Navy veteran and so “it was an easy choice to pick the navy out of all other branches.”
The US Navy employee regularly posts as Harpy Daniels on social media, and so far has more than 1,000 followers on Instagram.
He explained that he does not get much time off at his job, but said that “on my off days I practice makeup, costuming, and choreography for new performances.”
Kelley is currently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, where he works on the navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron, a form of aircraft operated by the service.
