Name : Raul Rover
Age: 34
Location: Brighton
Style of drag: The Gentleman
Drag has been a relevant talking point in this era of social media. However, the emphasis on queens and their popularity in contrast to kings is conspicuous. Why do you think it’s this way?
“I entered the game in the early 2000s and, although progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. From the beginning, my main objective has been to be that pioneering figure and break the generational curse. That has not happened yet – I’m still optimistic. More light indeed gets shone on drag queens, and rightly so. The work they’ve done to break down barriers makes them worthy of it. A queen’s personality is much more dramatic and an act of ‘bitchiness’ compared to the laid back persona of a king. We aim to represent a manly man, and as we know men are less likely to show emotion. We as kings just represent that. The element of bitchiness itself is prime time T.V. Everyone loves a bit of drama and controversy and, queens hold an abundance of that. Not to mention, their dress code is also pleasing to the eye. Dresses are so much more appealing than a lame suit is. Even as a king, I look at the dresses and think to myself, “If only I was born a man!” The diamonds, colours and fabric layering, whatever, you name it; drag queen dresses have it. I’d love to see something as attractive as dresses for us female performers, so if you’re a costume designer, contact me! Raul would love to hear your ideas!”
How has drag, or being Raul that is, changed your life?
“Raul has flung me into some sort of stardom within Brighton. I was born and bred here. I’ve seen how far the queer scene has come in the city; we even have LGBTQI+ flags all over the beach. I’ll never forget when my close friends told me that drag is why that flag is flying high. If I died tomorrow, that gratitude would accompany me to my grave. If Raul hasn’t done enough to change the drag king game, at least he brought attention to the LGBTQI+ scene. Oh, I’m getting a bit off track here, let’s circle back to the king aspect. Raul has given me something to live for. Before I found Raul, I was in a dark space. I never imagined that the kid who used to get bullied in the playground would eventually attract his bullies to watch him on the main stage. Raul showed me how an alter-ego can help bring joy to other people’s lives. Live, laugh and enjoy!”
You talk about your bullies coming to watch you; that must’ve been a crazy feeling. What’s your dream performance?
“Ohh… I’ve had my dream performance, from a personal standpoint! My dad came to watch me once, and when I tell you that it made me BAWL, it really had me BAWLING my eyes out. Even talking about it now, it gives me Goosebumps. He and I have had our differences, but living my dream made him proud enough to come to see me living my dream. I also dream of having my own T.V. show because I love the thrill that presenting brings. There’s no better feeling than orchestrating the flow of a show.”
There’s talk about drag eradicating gender; what do you identify as?
“I am genderless. I don’t think that in this day and age, gender has a definition. As long as I am comfortable with myself, I don’t have to identify as anything; we’re all unique in our own ways. Assigning gender to ourselves just creates an unnecessary pressure to act and behave ourselves accordingly. I’ve had some narrow-minded people try to tell me I’m female, but I don’t bite. I just tell them they should class me by whatever makes them comfortable around me.”
Do you think queens are doing enough to shine more light on kings?
“You’re trying to get me in trouble, haha! But I see where you’re coming from. Given kings are already at a decent level in terms of recognition (thanks to shows and investment), they are in some regards. However, you need to remember that queens are already struggling with deep pressures. In some parts of the world, drag queens are still being criminalised and subjected to mental and physical abuse. So, there’s still work to be done in light of these ethical issues. But without getting too political, yes, we kings can still reach that level. I sense that all it’ll take is that one presence or just that little bit more attention. Grant us that, and you’ll see us rise.”