Drag artists arouse passions in many different directions. In Spain it is frowned upon by religious circles, while in Austria the drag culture is on the rise.
The capital region has had enough glamor and glitter this weekend, as the Helsinki International Drag Fest has brought numerous internationally known and respected drag artists to Tanssi talo.
The range of performers for the wide-ranging event ranges from fresh talents to long-established artists like Finnish Pola Ivanka and American Sherry Vine.
Cancel culture is not suitable for drag
The main performer at the Helsinki International Drag Fest on both Friday and Saturday is the hot name of the drag scene, i.e. Black Peppa, known from RuPaul’s Drag Race. The artist from Birmingham, Great Britain, known for his wild performances, believes that politics has not disappeared from drag culture.
– The fact that I put on make-up, put on high heels and dress like me and then face this big bad world – it’s very political, it’s like I’m wearing a suit of armor. Queer is political in itself now if ever we should fight even more for equality.
Even in the drag scene, the competition is fierce and Black Peppa emphasizes that the best way to succeed in the industry is to be yourself.
– I don’t need to stand out from the crowd, I’m just myself and I don’t apologize. I’m Black Peppa and that’s what I do best. You shouldn’t care what other people think: be who you are and you’ll stand out from the crowd.
Black Peppa also takes a strong stand on an issue that originated in the United States and gained a foothold in Europe as well: she has had enough of the cancel culture, which aims to boycott people who have wrong opinions. The cancel culture and the demands of political correctness have also had an impact on the drag scene, which includes the bare surface and lack of roughness as essential parts.
– In my opinion, the entire cancel culture could be canceled, no more of this horse shit that goes by the name of cancel culture, thank you. It feels like everyone is scared, self-expression is lost and people are really on their toes about what they’re doing. However, the basic idea of \u200b\u200bdrag culture is to have fun: we are drag artists and not philosophers.
The drag show offends religious circles
Politics can also be seen in the performance of Moscow’s Porscha, which is played in the background by the upbeat electro music of the Russian band Ic3peak.
– The situation is difficult at the moment. We have to pretend that we are some kind of parody artists. Russian law does not accept LGBT people, but despite this there are gay clubs, queer culture and activists in Moscow.
An essential part of Porscha’s presentation is a samovar, inside which there is a hanging rope.
– From there the dark truth is revealed.
Porscha herself admires actress and model Julia Fox, who is known for her experimental and bold style.
– She has outfits made from waste material, but she still looks amazing. I’m aiming for a similar end result.
The Spanish Venedita Von Däsh has also caused disapproval in her home country, but for a different reason than Porscha. His performance includes religious elements and traditional Spanish imagery.
– At first I play a virgin and then I throw away the clothes. Some religious people will be offended by this, but sorry.
According to Venedita Von Däsh, the popularity of drag culture in Spain and other parts of the world has been increased especially by the Drag Race series: she herself has participated in Drag Race España.
– Drag is doing particularly well in the Canary Islands, but different drag variations can be found all over Spain. However, I would like more inclusion in the genre, such as drag kings and transgender people.
Conchita Wurst has been a good role model
Austria has not been particularly known for its lively drag scene in the past, but now the situation has clearly changed. Pandora Nox and Philisha Conditioner are currently the country’s most internationally known artists.
– When we started doing drag a few years ago, there were a couple of other artists in addition to us. Now the scene is bigger, more colorful and more visible. So we are on the right path, says Austrian drag artist Pandora Nox.
– He has been a great role model for the drag scene not only in Austria but also in the rest of the world, Nox and Conditioner say in unison.
Pandora Nox calls herself \”superwoman\” on social media, and her colorful image also includes a clear message.
– My mission is to tell that you don’t have to be a gay man to wear drag. Drag is about breaking gender roles and stereotypes, not what you have between your legs.
