What if there was a mix of Eurovision and RuPaul’s Drag Race? Well, hun imagine that … there is! The EuroStars Drag Contest reality TV series is just around the corner.
Drag has been a part of the Eurovision song contest since 2002 when Sestre represented Slovenia with “Samo Ijubezen.” In 2014, Eurovision crowned a drag queen as its winner and, Conchita Wurst left the world shook with her looks and talent. Alongside her shiny dress’s elegance and acclamation of her distinguished beard, Conchita seized the Eurovision stage, followed by stating that “you can achieve anything, no matter who you are or how you look.”
Eurodrag’s next bout is set to take over Europe and explore the best drag talent of the continent, with the first episode releasing on May 1st at 7 pm (GMT+1)!
The EuroStars Drag Contest derived from EuroDrag and was created by the spectacular drag queen Linda Gold to celebrate the art of all drag types. EuroStars is an all-inclusive drag contest, open to everybody, from Kings and Queens to trans and non-binary people.
Linda Gold said that “EuroDrag launched in 2015 as a protest towards shows like RuPaul’s drag race, which, at the time, excluded everyone that didn’t represent the creators’ interpretation of drag. Now, finally, five years later, after living out of a suitcase and travelling from bar to bar, we’re able to see ALL types of drag on mainstream TV in the form of EuroStars. I can’t wait to watch it!”
Aiming to uncover Europe’s extraordinary drag talent across 30 countries, the lavish series will come in three episodes, all filmed in actuality, from start to finish.
What is the EuroStars series’ format?
The format of EuroStars will be a unique blend of Europe’s favourite song contest, Eurovision, and the world’s most famous drag race, RuPauls’ series.
In the first two episodes, known as the contest’s semi-finals, 33 drag artists will compete for the 12 spaces of the glorious third and final episode. In both semi-finals, 17 and 16 artists will participate. The five winners at the end of each episode will go on to the series finale. Those triumphant winners of the two semi-finals will be selected by the host and the studio judges. Two fortunate artists that will compete with the other ten will be chosen by a public vote.
Coming from different European countries and backgrounds, the drag contestants of Eurostars will have the opportunity to share their personal stories and get closer to the viewers. The series will feature astonishing talent, as well as plenty of banter and comedy!
The big winner of Season 1 will be chosen by the total score of the 30 judges spread across Europe. The judges’ panel will include drag stars from all over the world, many of them coming from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Drag Race Holland, Canada’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s.
Drag Race UK. Eurovision participants will also be part of the judges, including Rasmussen, the Danish representative at Eurovision 2018, and one of the backing vocalists at Eurovision 2019, Dinah Yonas Manna.
The three resident judges of EuroDrag, Drag Race Holland contestants Sederginne, Janey Jacké, and drag king LoUis CYfer, will also have a saying in the crowning of EuroStar’s Season 1 winner, as will the host and founder of EuroStars, Linda Gold. The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite contestant by using an online poll.
The 33 contestants of EuroStars 2021 have been announced, and they are all impressive! Find out the representative of the 33 European countries competing here.
England will be represented by Black Peppa, a previous EuroDrag winner. Black Peppa is a brilliant drag queen, model, dancer, and designer from Birmingham with Caribbean heritage and a front runner of EuroStars 2020.
“My style is very hard to put into one sentence but I can best describe it as fetish punk glamour meets Futurism, with a sophisticated twist of haute couture in there,” Black Peppa told EuroDrag.
The drag stars of the future are about to be discovered on EuroStars Drag Contest 2021, and they will take the world by storm. Although the best will win, everyone embarking on this journey will share the glory!
Get ready for Europe’s most established drag competition that will feature all types of drag.
Starting May 1st, airing live on LatestTV, also available on streaming services, including Sky, Amazon Prime, Virgin Media and Revry; you can’t and certainly don’t want to miss it!
Queen @phaedraphaded showcases her experiences behind the scenes of performing in drag.
“Kings and Queens are constantly jostling for first position line-up. Here, the hustle and bustle of the changing rooms force personalities to square up head-to-head. There’s shade thrown and bitchy comments to be ignored. Stomachs rumble as meals are skipped to prepare for the harsh fittings of corsets, and polo mints are passed around as Dutch courage is always encouraged. The feeling of anxiety and apprehension rises and the shakes set in as I convince myself that it’s all worth it in the end. Whatever, if it isn’t my best performance, I can laugh it off with few drinks afterwards. That always helps. I sashay onto the stage, and the blinding lights beam across my forehead as I get into a stance. As I shake my wig to the side and smooth down the curls, I whisper to myself, “there’s no room for nerves here. This is it”.
In a world of stage queening, GiGi thought it was time to listen to an honest account about the difficulties of shimmying your shoulders in extraordinary outfits. So, we’ve looked to a real queen, Phaedra Phaded. The Greek drag queen artist based in New York gives us insight into the battles of bitchiness backstage, toxic work environments, and her own journey into becoming “a straight thin, gay fat, Womana.”
It’s common for queens to celebrate after shows by boozing with their fellow performers. “I drank so much alcohol the night after my first show backstage,” Phaedra shares. “So much that I stumbled across the road and into my hotel. I woke up the next day and found I still had my pads and wig on, my dress on the floor, a lash stuck to my forehead, and my lipstick smeared everywhere. She laughs, “whilst I was gripping the toilet, my best friend at the time turned to me and said, you were pretty faded last night! Ever since I’ve been Phaedra Phaded.”
“Kim, would you stop taking photos of yourself? Your sister’s going to jail.” @kpachococina@dragqueendivas” (May, 2019)
Case in point: There’s nothing wrong with commemorating a fierce performance. However, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies when it comes to the aftermath of show performances. Constantly performing at bars and clubs can actually place you in an unhealthy environment. We look to Baga chipz MBE to understand the ease of slipping into bad habits. She spoke with The Stage about her experiences whilst acting and said, “because I performed in clubs and bars every day, I’d always have a drink. It wasn’t good, but since the customers would buy them for me, I’d almost always have one in hand. I was drunk so often.”
In an era in which entertainment is hyper-focused on audience gratification, a significant amount of pressure can be felt when it comes to live performances. “I think one of the hardest things is constantly reinventing yourself to remain interesting. You never want to see people get bored of your act, so I always try to change it up and elevate my performance and style,” Phaedra says. “Then, when I do get on stage, I do my best to keep my audience and myself happy.”
“90s Girl Group Realness… but you’re all the Beyoncé” (December, 2018)
But it’s not all about staying snatched and singing with sassiness. Drag queens have been known to encourage some real bitchiness backstage. “Negativity comes in every environment, and in drag culture, there are such strong personalities, especially ones that are fuelled by their own ego. This can sometimes come in the form of queens battling between talents and beauty. Still, I believe drag should be silly, fun, and light-hearted, and also used in the right way if you want to make a statement.”
According to a report carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development(CIPD) in 2020, 65% of employees said that work harms their mental health. Whilst these harsh figures prove that your job can become a huge stressor, it doesn’t even factor in the effects of negative workplace behaviours. Those can decrease work performance by a further 30%, says a 2018 study published in the IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. Given that these facts highlight the true impact of toxic work environments, it’s no wonder that performance cultures can exasperate symptoms of stress with backstage bitchiness, ultimately impacting performers’ mental health. Kings and Queens should be treated as equals in terms of talent. Still, it seems a pattern of spitefulness is emerging when stars attempt to nudge out their competition.
The midlands-born drag artist and former RuPaul’s Drag race UK contestant, Baga Chipz MBE, can relate. As she spoke to The Stage about the impact of negativity backstage, she revealed that “there are many jealous drag queens. I get a lot of stick in the dressing room,” she says, “the thing is that you have to be happy for people, or it’ll eat away at you. Jealousy is not good for the soul. People should just be happy for each other.”
Wake up, darlings. Drag culture isn’t just about slapping on copious amounts of makeup, jumping between closet changes, and supporting your sisters on the way to stardom. “These types of environments can incite jealousy and resentment in ways that cancel out thriving cultures,” says Phaedra.
Vinegar Strokes, a South London drag artist and “straight up comedy queen,” told the Belfast Telegraph a similar story about personalities that clash behind the curtain. “The atmosphere behind the scenes can be similar to a pressure cooker. There’s constant ratty and catty behaviour pinballing between stressed drag artists,” she says.
The backstage experiences have proven to her that these types of environments can be toxic. “Instead of being understanding of one’s situation by speaking to each other with dignity,” Phaedra says, “lots of drag artists find pleasure in spreading negativity.” Backstage Bitchiness is often seen but not addressed by management. Venue owners mind their own business as there’s no time for concern. Worries solely focus on the quality of performances, not cattiness, so they can run their business without hiccups.
Phaedra’s aware that it’s normal for most working environments to harper some sort of negativity. Still, she points out that resentment kindled by jealousy within an industry so focalised on being centre stage, can cancel out thriving cultures. “I’ve seen it all before,” she says. “I actively choose to avoid this for the sake of my mental health because, at the end of the day, it’s just drag.”
“Soaring high corseted in my customised @fashionnova giggarama because I’m that bitch (on a budget)” (May, 2019)
Meanwhile, embracing the act of drag is also something that brings immense happiness to Phaedra’s life. With her insight into performing live on stage, we’re in awe as her big heart is revealed to be the catalyst for her own happiness. “The best thing about drag is seeing people happy. It inspires me to keep doing what I do when I see people having a great time,” she says with a smile.
Phaedra credits her stage confidence to a fellow queen’s advice. “The best advice ever given to me was don’t be afraid to break the wall between stage and your person. I’m an incredibly interactive entertainer, and at some point, in my performance, I will break that barrier. It’s those moments for me in which performing really becomes fun,” she explains.
Whilst reflecting on the past few months, she looks to the future positively. “During the pandemic, I haven’t been able to perform as I wish. Shows are now virtual, and there’s precedented panic about the coronavirus. Still, I look forward to when I can share my performance with audiences again.”
As Phaedra signs off, she leaves us with some excellent words of wisdom for any new queens out there, “BE. KIND. BE. HUMBLE. BE GORGEOUS DIVA!”
Fancy finding out what sassy staple item you need to perfect your performances? Check out our quiz here!
Makeup and dressing up is fun and an excellent means for self-expression. With an abundance of styles to explore, the looks are truly endless!
A drag queen look, however, is complex. It is time-consuming, calls for skill and innovation, and willingness to go that extra mile. Whether you’re a beginner or simply curious enough to experiment, you’ll want to race past your comfort zone.
You don’t need to hoard the beauty department for an entire kit.
We’re starting easy. With just a few essentials, you’re only a few steps away from looking sensational. You may even be a step ahead – some of these may already be in your vanity case. If not, just go steal them from your sisters’!
Assemble these, and you will have a great starter kit to help you transform into the fabulous queen you want to be!
Oh, drag – a word that echoes so many things. Dramatic eye makeup, sass and flamboyant outfits. It may seem new to many of us, claiming its place on the scene with RuPaul, but those in the know understand that it’s a long history. While it has become very much part of our society, it hasn’t always been its confident and sassy self as we know it today. In fact, there may be many things we don’t know about it. At reputation level, its world flaunts extravagant shows and characters and embodies empowering life themes. However, underneath that layer, there’s actually a lot of history and rawness.
Drag is an integral part of Millennia’s culture and heritage, even though it can sometimes feel like a modern phenomenon because it tackles socio-political and socio-cultural themes in its unique way. For drag lovers such as ourselves and our dear readers: let us take a brief trip down memory lane into a sextet of its history. As we know, history is part of who we become.
It started as a hobby, became a career and ended as a life-changer — the LGTBQIA+ activist talks all things life and drag. Meet Nicole Nasty, a make-up artist, hairstylist and the nastiest queen of the Greek drag scene.
“Before I got introduced to drag, I wasn’t familiar with it at all. All I was, was a hairdresser and a make-up artist. I was introduced to drag through RuPaul’s drag race, which a friend suggested I watch. After a year of watching the show, I learned so much about drag and its history. So much so, I got started professionally as Nicole Nasty in 2018. The art of drag really intrigued me because it combines a range of arts I feel passionate about, including hairstyling, make-up, dancing, and acting.
Drag has helped me a lot personally and professionally. And Nicole Nasty has definitely helped Nikolas in every aspect. Nikolas is a more reticent person, while Nicole Nasty is more social. She’s an extrovert, perhaps something Nikolas wishes he could be. Nevertheless, they have much in common. Both of them are feminists and LGTBQIA+ activists. Nicole Nasty is comic, sexy and very creative. Her style tends towards pop, youthful, sexy and nasty, (obviously?!), as you can tell by the name! Nikolas chooses self-expression through art, as Nicole Nasty on stage, because it’s easier for her to be who she wants to that way.
My friends were really excited and showed a lot of encouragement when I told them that I would become a drag queen. My family has been very supportive as well. I would consider myself lucky to have such understanding parents, even though it should be a norm for every family. My parents were already familiar with drag culture through a Greek entertainer, Takis Zacharatos, an impersonator of different famous personas. My mother is my number one fan; she has seen me perform many times and even lent me dresses when I first started as a drag queen. My father would also attend my shows if I didn’t perform so late at night. However, he still watches the videos afterwards and loves them nonetheless. In terms of dating, being a drag queen hasn’t really been an issue. If any of my dates aren’t comfortable with me being a drag queen, then I simply move on. It’s not my problem; I’m all good, hun!
Being a drag queen in Greece is difficult; I’m not going to lie. But I do try my best and trust the process. It takes patience, determination and a lot of hard work. When I first started, I used to go out dressed in drag a lot. Now, not so much anymore. Staring has a lot do to with that. While I haven’t encountered terrible behaviours, it does depend on the area you’re in Athens; you could either get compliments or mocking. I have definitely experienced the latter, where I was bullied at a movie set for being a drag queen. We were doing a photo shoot on the street in Athens, and there was this middle- aged woman who kept taking pictures of us. Then she finally came over and asked me, “what are you?” Smiling, I replied that I was a drag queen, which followed by her insisting that I was a man and all that.
On the grand scheme, Greece has taken steps forward in terms of LGTBQIA+ and accepting drag, but that doesn’t mean we have reached the ideal level of respecting each other’s freedom. Personally, I’m optimistic, and I believe that slowly but surely, we’ll get there.
My first performance was very emotional and was probably the only time I felt highly stressed to perform. It was a fundraising show for Zak Kostopoulos’ trial, a Greek LGTBQIA+ activist who had been brutally beaten to death. It was the experience that convinced me drag was what I wanted to do. On stage is where I feel most confident because I know I’m going to impress. I recognise that I naturally have something that will entertain the audience; they won’t be able to take their eyes off me! Unlike other drag queens that find it disrespectful, I love it when other people join me on stage; it’s beautiful. I want the audience to have fun; that’s the goal.
Like most performers, I’ve also had my fair share of embarrassing experiences on stage. One that comes to mind right now is when I tried to do a wig reveal, snapping my wig on stage and uncovering the one I have underneath. It didn’t go as planned, and I accidentally ended up taking off both of them. Oh well, that didn’t stop me. I don’t let these mishappenings get to me. Instead, I went to a mirror and humorously stuck one of the wigs back on my head. I continued the show, like a real queen, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The splits I proceeded to do made everybody forget the incident.
The pandemic has impacted me in terms of livelihood, as I am financially dependent on my drag performances. However, I’ve remained busy despite the lockdown, occupying myself with live streams and drag makeovers on social media. I’ve also expanded my YouTube channel by collaborating with other drag queens, and it’s been fun; it keeps my creative juices flowing. Drag is an integral part of Nikolas; it’s his creativity, it’s the claim to his rights, and oh my God, it’s so much fun!”
Welcome to your entertainment fix, where we will be helping you with your homework! But shhh, don’t tell anyone.
In this issue of GIGI magazine, we will be giving you the top four most iconic movies that anyone who’s anyone in the drag community has seen. So, get your note pads, pens, and crowns because it’s going to be a long day.
There are over 200 drag queens on our screens – but why are only 1.2% of them south Asian?
Amidst the front room reigned by infectious energy and ubiquitous echoes of laughter, a bowl of strawberries is passed around the sofa. Gradually, as the lights slowly start to dim, so does the bowl of fruit’s speed – something more exciting is brewing now. The clock has struck 7 pm, and for Brighton University’s students, it means only one thing: it’s time for RuPaul.
Amongst the crowd sits the lean figure of Adam, applying contour with one hand while getting ready to tweet with the other. In his world, this is escapism, while in his parents’, a nightmare.
As Adam leans over the sofa with interest and his face reflecting the applied Fenty beauty, his friend Rosie murmurs to him, “You’ll be there one day!” “Hmmm”, he murmurs back with doubt; “The chances of that are slim.”
For a statistic that’s been swept under the carpet, it’s pretty damning. Receiving plaudits for its showbiz factor that has the power of getting anyone on their feet, drag is definitely on a monumental rise. Amidst all of this success, however, the lack of inclusion of south Asians is rarely discussed. Does success in this industry really only entail talent and chance? Or is there a more profound, unrevealed secret behind the scenes?
“My family disowned me,” is what Adam reveals when he’s asked about his family’s reaction to his drag dream. “Being gay is a huge no-no in an Asian household anyhow, but to impersonate a woman as a man… that’s a death wish. It was like a double whammy for them that they couldn’t stomach. But I was happy, and that’s all that mattered. I just left my home and never looked back.”
When Adam came out to his family in 2019, they utterly rejected it. Due to the strong religious and cultural beliefs, this is no surprise that south Asian communities are vehemently opposed to homosexuality. Yet, Adam says it was really his passion for drag that sent his relationships to an all-time low. “Growing up in an Asian household, you’re never taught about expression. We have an abundance of colourful dresses in our culture made for women, and subconsciously, I think that that’s where my love for dressing up as a woman started. What was made for women was made for me” Adam explains. “A big part of the drag community is gay, and sometimes when I try to go to castings, they think my background will hinder any success, which honestly, is quite upsetting. That negative stigma around drag and queerness in the Asian community ultimately plays a significant role compared to my white counterparts.”
Although it’s been two years since Adam has distanced himself from his family, it’s still apparent that agencies are marginalising him for stereotypes beyond his control. While his friend Billy starred in many university drag competitions, Adam has tried countless theatre projects and castings, all to no avail. Perhaps a lack of inspiration and pioneers, Adam believes, may be another reason why south Asian people feel distant to drag.
“Look at most of the people who star in these shows; they all talk about being inspired by fellow countrymen or the community they were raised in. The fact that I can’t name any influential Indian drag queens from the top of my head makes you think. Am I made for this industry, and will I ever be accepted? It sure does play on your mind.” Adam recalls how he met the first aspiring Pakistani drag performer at a casting show. “We were talking about how we could be that change in society. When the agents asked us who inspired us to do drag, everyone credited western performers. It was then that that fire for us to be that change was ignited. We almost felt embarrassed for our reason for doing drag; it was sheer means of expression. While others did it because they were inspired by the industry, we simply didn’t have anyone in the industry. Only ourselves.”
Adam’s frustrations reveal a significant conundrum in the entertainment field – a tremendously westernised standard that needs to be acknowledged. As long as you’re from a conventional white background, the chances of success are much higher. Research from PRIDE, found that “Only six black queens even crossed the average marker of 569k followers.” So much for praising drag for its inclusivity! In fact, in RuPaul’s 12-year history, “there have only ever been two queens of South Asian descent or heritage.” That is two out of 166, and 1.2%, which is simply unacceptable and one of the many reasons aspiring south Asians don’t believe drag is in their cards. Is there a way that the drag community, as a whole, could bring this exclusion to an end and inspire the next generation of south Asian performers instead? Given there’s barely any south Asian drag acts, exposure must come from within.
As the show neared its end, Adam introduces Stephanie, his 23-year-old agent and a Brighton University student union member. Being a member comes with significant responsibilities. Even she has tried her utmost to break down barriers for ethnic minorities to succeed in drag. Firmly believing that the field’s moguls could do more to help ethnic minorities, she mentions that certain days are made to celebrate diversity within drag.
“It’s all about exposure in this field. The interest in drag is evolving, and since it’s not as established as other performatives, exposure truly is key. Other performatives have certain days to celebrate diversity, and drag can do more. South Asians already feel ostracised by their families; the last thing they need is to feel something akin to that within the industry. Look at Bollywood, it’s a huge south Asian franchise that has reached unprecedented success levels due to its togetherness. Drag culture should follow suit. Instagram and TikTok are optimal platforms for drag performers to showcase themselves. It would be great if the industry could promote some of these pages, not for sympathy, but for the brilliant talent that goes unnoticed.”
Social media is beneficial in helping gain exposure because it can help mellow that stigma and resistance certain groups feel towards drag. The more our feeds subject us to it, the more normalised it’ll become. Implementing a normalisation of drag in certain demographics is the first crucial step. And while this is important, Stephanie still highlights that the weight that parental support carries in south Asian communities isn’t to be underestimated.
“If only Adam’s parents could see how talented he is, I think it would help them revaluate their stance on drag. Asian parents are so fixated on maintaining a good image and what extended family has to say that they forget to put a child’s interest at heart. It’s either education or nothing. Drag is an education, and it’s a way of life. Imagine how many south Asian performers worldwide are destined for the stage but are put off because of shaming their families’ reputation. It’s disheartening.”
While in mid-conversation, Adam bolts in with a vibrant saree, a traditional Asian dress. As he starts strutting down the hall of his university accommodation, effortlessly, like a faithful regular at Paris fashion week, Stephanie chuckles and says, “he’s like this all the time.”
“I’ve been his agent for a while, and he’s a real live wire. It’s about making him realise how good he is. I can only do that with his family’s support. He is destined for stardom.”
This situation is all too common – how many south Asians are victims of the industry and their family’s lack of belief? This constant battle of miscommunication ultimately leads to massive resistance from all parties involved.
As we can see, a significant impetus lies in family beliefs. Therefore, gaining some insight from a south Asian mother seems relevant. Given this subject’s local level of taboo, you can class this as a moment in history.
Tania is a gay Indian and mother to a son who recently received death threats when posts of him in a dress circulated the web. She confirms that being born into a south Asian family affects a drag queen’s ability to come out and affirm themself. She also adheres to the fact that authoritative figures in the industry are playing on this insecurity, and that to their benefit. “The family is not the main issue”, she says. “Our countries are depicted as ones of a third world that have nor morals or freedom. It’s these companies’ way of shifting the blame, and it’s an easy way out. They don’t realise that they’re the catalyst for change, and for change to happen, they need to do more. As parents, we are just pictured as the bad guys. And while I agree that the old generation way of parenting is strict, it’s outdated. It’s a new generation now.”
Tania refutes any claims of subconscious racism, instead suggesting a lack of education amongst the involved parties. “If we all work together, we can push this idea of resistance to one side. I would love and support my son if he chose to do drag. It would be a match made in heaven!”
If there ever was a time to break stigma and resistance for south Asians in drag, that time is now. Family values have a considerable part to play indeed. Yet, it’s up to the industry and the companies to bridge this massive gap. With the significant consumption and use of social media, the idea of ‘resistance’ can be eradicated. Drag should be a culture that is celebrated regardless of colour, sex or gender. Instead of pointing fingers at each other for all of eternity, we should communicate and educate. With Gen Z and Millennials on the rise to becoming parents, we can no longer blame families. We are being raised in a modern era where everyone is open to acceptance. Perhaps with south Asian queens such as Priyanka taking plaudits on RuPaul’s drag race, could we finally see an influx of south Asian queens?
Although you could say that most queens would rather be associated with a fierce heather than with a hot mess booger, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to doing drag. It’s all a form of expression and art, and it’s all valid. As tweeted by @CrayolaTheQueen, “Drag is about destroying rules about gender. It is punk, subversive and transgressive.”
However, there are four types of queens that RuPaul’s Drag Race would be incomplete without.
