Who is Jessi Ryan?
I am a non binary, multi-hyphenate performance and visual artist, published journalist, producer, emerging DJ and comedian, who moved to Naarm at age 18 and has continued since to pursue art and creativity above all else.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Probably nothing, why fuck with perfection? But in all seriousness if I could do things differently in a way which delivered real lasting impact for the arts in so called Australia – sign me up – we need long lasting change in terms of the way the public thinks and engages with art, it is not a luxury, it is an essential part of a working society.
Who inspires you and why?
I find my greatest inspiration on those legendary nights out, lost in sweaty communion on a dancefloor post 3am, then often on my way home via the 86 – which is also where I inadvertently have found a number of collaborators, such as Rosie Rai – who recently DJ’d with me at Section 8 and is also responsible for the soundtrack in SKIN.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m incredibly fortunate to know that my work, particularly in journalism, does indeed make a positive difference in the world – particularly as a “minority voice” within mainstream press – recently as an example having a 1300 word full page print article on trans theatre – published in The Age . Bringing to light difficult or lesser known issues is not easy, nor is working as a freelance journalist a “walk in the park” either, but I still wholly believe in the power of the media to change discourse in a positive manner.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m married to my career, and don’t take holidays, but I do tour – and my favourite tour destination is definitely Malaysia, scratch the surface of Kuala Lumpur – and you will find a city as queer and brimming with creativity as my home town here in Naarm. The best, most subversive (and most ridiculous) drag shows I’ve seen are in KL at a little gay venue called Blue Boy in Bukit Bintang…
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Straight to Section 8, or as my friends refer to the venue “jessi’s living room” – I’ve been partying with these legends for 18 years… This little venue has over the past two decades become a centre for Melbourne’s many diverse creative and cultural communities.
Any given night of the week you can rock up to Section 8 and be greeted by everything from a live 8-piece jazz ensemble to reggae DJ’s spinning vinyl. I often refer to Section 8 as the “heart of Melbourne” and the 86 tram (also an attraction in itself) “the aorta” pumping blood through the lively and essential inner north of Melbourne.
Section 8 is “my favourite venue of all time” – I recently had the pleasure of MCing, DJing and producing a sold out Midsumma Carnival after party at the venue earlier this month. What can I say – I live for the night!
What are you currently reading?
The news – as a journalist I don’t just write the headlines, I am also deeply engaged with the media cycle, and as an individual in my position – I feel it’s imperative to be on top of world events in order to respond to them truthfully and whole heartedly.
What are you currently listening to?
As an emerging DJ – when am I not listening to something? Right now though I am enthralled in the 2025 album release, Did I Stutter? by queer Bundjalung artist Djanaba. I first came across this artist when she was playing at Footscray Community Arts during Midsumma in 2024 – make a note of her name – its only a matter of time before she blows the fuck up – world class production on this album.
Happiness is?
Being able to continue to be a creative force for change – impacting lives through art – when the world at large (and at present) is a scary and dangerous place…
What does the future hold for you?
In the immediate future, I am producing, presenting and performing in my new solo exhibition and performance project SKIN, 6 – 8 February at @14 Gallery in Collingwood via Midsumma Presents. I am also delivering a reprise of the interviews which featured in my wildly successful 2025 Midsumma Presents exhibition and performance project QRAVE – via Victoria’s Pride St Party on Sunday 8 February.
Fast forward to 26 March, when my new Melbourne International Comedy Festival Show All Guts, No Glory! (Directed by Fiona Scott Norman) will debut at Club Voltaire – where I presented my first ever comedy show Functional Bottom in 2024. Lots more in the works for 2026 and beyond!
Jessi returns to the Midsumma Festival with a deeply personal and reflective experiential project SKIN – which comprises an EXHIBITION (6 – 8 February) and PERFORMANCE (6 February) – @14 Gallery, Collingwood.
Image: Jessi Ryan (supplied)