​Jose Isaza/Josie Ana Poosiekat
(He, Him, His/She, Her, Hers)
 
Jose Isaza, who personifies Josie Ana Poosiekat, was born in Panama to Colombian parents. At fifteen, he immigrated to Anchorage, Alaska, with his single mother and two siblings. Shortly after graduating from high school, Jose moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for performance art. There, he attended and graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Jose then relocated to New York City, where he spent most of his time dancing hip-hop at Broadway Dance Center. An interest in performing in heels sparked after taking several classes from Yanis Marshall in New York City and Paris, which subsequently led him to perform in drag.
 
In Alaska, he has had the opportunity to work with several companies, including Perseverance Theatre, Underground Dance Company, and Pulse Dance Company. He recently had the honor to perform as Josie Ana Poosiekat for the ACLU of Alaska during Transgender Awareness Month. He is currently completing a program in Human Services at the University of Alaska Anchorage, through which he had the incredible opportunity to intern at Covenant House Alaska—a homeless youth shelter. Jose identifies as a gay, immigrant male of color, and is grateful to have the opportunity to live and work in this country.  His dream is to pursue performance art and drag as the platform to advocate for equality and safety – especially for the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and homeless youth. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and is currently learning French, hoping to use language as an advocacy tool in francophone countries including in Africa and the Middle East.
 
Instagram: josie.anap
Facebook: Jose Isaza