TUESDAY, Oct. 6, 2020 (American Heart Association News) — Drag queen Mutha Chucka is known for splashy costumes, striking hair and makeup, and humorous, politically pointed performances. A fixture of the San Francisco nightlife scene, Mutha has blossomed into a beloved celebrity, locally and beyond.

“People embraced me, and I just kept pushing the boundaries and pushing the boundaries,” Mutha said. “I love the hair, I love the makeup, I love the clothes. … I love to engage with the audience. I have fun.”

Mutha, also known as Chuck Gutro and to some friends as “Chucka,” first performed in drag in 1976. As a 14-year-old in New England, he donned his mother’s clothes and wig and entertained a surprised audience at a church youth talent show.

“It was quite some time ago,” he said, “and I never looked back.”

Whether lip-syncing to classic songs, sewing dazzling dresses, mentoring other