While in Western countries they are pretty regular at party scenes, they are finally making a foray into the LGBT communities here and their parties.
Sighting drag queens may still be a rare feat in India, but they are gradually gaining prominence. While in Western countries they are pretty regular at party scenes, they are finally making a foray into the LGBT communities here and their parties.
A similar party was hosted at a five-star hotel in the city on Friday. This, however, isn't the first time a party such as this was organised. In the past year, several renowned drag queens performed at several plush locations in the city. Organisers say they see it as a rising trend; Indian drag queens who remained in the closet so far, are finally coming out to live the way they desire.
The organiser of the parties said, "Drag is an art. It is a way of expression. I still remember it was 2008 in London when I saw the first drag show. I was completely bowled over by the concept. The performances were witty, funny, extravagant, and so glamorous. When I started hosting these events, drags were not very popular in the Indian scenario. They would just mingle with the crowd and give away freebies."
The desi drag queens feel thrilled about these events, too. One of the drag quens, Sushant, said: "I think we were always the pioneers in drag. Right from the days of monarchy in India through the colonial era, we have thrived. It is the British who changed the mindset of people, and over the years, our existence became shadowed. It took years of sentising and encouragement for us to regain this position in society."
Drag shows in parties as a concept has prevailed for many years, but is new to our country. Now is the time for budding drag queens to showcase their talent. The more these drag shows gained popularity, more people from the community began approaching the organisers to get a chance to showcase their talent.
The Friday event was an exclusive LBGT party where internationally-famed drag queen Lady Bunny along with Indian drag queens were present.
From inviting drag race winners like Violet Chachki and Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 to perform to providing a platform to the desi queens like Rani Ko-HE-Nur, Maya-the Drag Queen, Kushboo, and Betta Naan Stop — these five-star parties have done their part to popularise drag shows in India.
The director of the luxury hotel believes "drag blurs gender boundaries and these parties and the drag performances also smash homophobia through humour.
In March 2018, a Rekha Tour was organised, where drag performers and transgender artistes paid tribute to legendary Bollywood actor Rekha.
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