When it comes to embracing one’s authentic self and fearlessly facing adversity, few excel quite like Asian American drag queens. In recent years, these queens have had to demonstrate incredible courage as their ethnic and artistic communities have come under attack. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian American communities across the nation have been subjected to harassment, verbal abuse, and hate speech. Additionally, drag performers have experienced an unprecedented wave of hate and intimidation, especially due to right-wing protests against “drag queen story hour” events.
Despite these challenges, Asian American drag artists refuse to be silenced or forced underground. They have worked tirelessly to establish themselves and their art, and they are not backing down. Kanika Peach, a 28-year-old Vietnamese American drag artist residing in New York City, shares her perspective, stating, “As a first-generation Vietnamese American, I have been conditioned to never show vulnerability and to assimilate to play nice, but we need to remember our voices are strong and we are powerful right now.”
Legislation targeting transgender and LGBTQ+ rights has more than doubled since 2022. While many drag artists have been vocal advocates, Peach emphasizes the importance of allies stepping up to support the community as well. She urges people to take action, whether that means reaching out to loved ones, attending rallies, or allocating funds to the trans community. Standing idly by is not an option. Furthermore, supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander drag queens by attending their shows is crucial. The drag scene is currently experiencing an influx of fresh and talented voices, making it an optimal time to show solidarity.
Kekoa, an Indonesian-born drag artist who performs in New York City, acknowledges the rise of representation for Asian American drag performers. They mention the latest season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where the top two contenders both represented the AAPI community. Kekoa believes that society, especially in the media, is beginning to appreciate and celebrate Asian representation. They express their delight in seeing more queer Asian content flood their social media, noting that unity in diversity accurately describes the current state of Asian American representation in the queer and drag scene.
To celebrate Pride, HuffPost features Kekoa, Peach, and other Asian American drag artists reshaping the game. These artists have shared their experiences, shedding light on their journeys and the challenges they have overcome. By highlighting their stories, HuffPost aims to encourage inclusivity and support for the Asian American drag community, effectively defying adversity.
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