The drag queens go up to the front |The press

Kiara and Rita Baga are more visible than ever this summer.In addition to using their stands to recall the politicized history of the Drag Queens in the middle of the pride, the two Montrealers will take part in the first edition of Canada's Drag Race, the adaptation of the famous program RuPaul's Drag Race, broadcast onCrave Canada and Outtv from July 2.

By learning that she was one of the 12 selected Canadian women, Kiara was overthrown."It's something very big," she said.I know that my life will change from the broadcast [of the show].In the Drag world, people know Mado Lamothe in Quebec and surely Rita Baga, but few shows talk about us.It puts us on a general public platform.»»

For her part, Rita Baga was in shock." I could not believe it.I told myself that as a French-speaking that auditions for an English program [reality TV is also offered with subtitles in French on Crave], I would surely not be taken. C’est un rêve de faire cette émission-là ! J’ai regardé toutes les saisons américaines plusieurs fois !»»

Even if Rupaul does not come to Canada’s Drag Race, the original format is respected. Les drag queens doivent faire preuve de « charisme, d’unicité, de nerf et de talent»» en arborant leurs plus beaux looks et en relevant de nombreux défis (jeu, humour, lip sync, personnification, danse, etc.)).Obviously, the two Quebec participants cannot say a word of pre -recorded programs in the greatest secrecy.

"I can only say that I got out of it tired," explains Rita Baga.These are long days.In the Drag community, we often tell ourselves who would be good in what challenge, but when you live it, you see if you are really good for what you imagine mastering.»»

They day, they night

Since mid-March, the Drag world has been strongly disrupted by the cancellation of the shows decreed by the government in its fight against the pandemic.In order to reverse the situation, Rita Baga set up the first virtual show by Drag Queens in just three days.

The concept was based on the Haus of Baga evenings that I lead on Tuesdays at the Cabaret Mado.In 24 hours, the Drags sent video services filmed at home.Public members made donations of $ 9,000, which were redistributed among the artists.

Rita Baga

An initiative that delighted Kiara."I was happy to explore a new [mode of expression] and produce drag despite confinement.Me, this is my only job, to be Drag Queen.I had several big contracts that were canceled, so the donations allowed several drags to have a small salary.»»

From week to week, the Drags of Montreal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and even France continued to entertain their confined admirers at home."Now there is practically a virtual show every day," reveals Rita Baga.I feel that there is a shortness of breath from the public, so it was decided that the last virtual show would be in June and that we would resume in September, even if we want a return to normal.»»

Drags and politics

Month of pride, June is an opportunity to highlight the emergence of the LGBTQ+ rights movement during the events of Stonewall, in 1969, while drag queens and trans women in color chose to revolt.Some 51 years later, how do Drag Queens perceive their role in society?"The drags are in the foreground in the parades as one of the symbols of the community, illustrates Kiara.We are colorful, we attract the eye and we are there to entertain, but also to get involved politically.»»

Rita Baga believes that it is up to each to express themselves according to their personality."In everyday life, I kept informed and I had opinions, but I did not share them.Lately, I made a 180 degree turn.»»

I think recent events have enabled several drags to return to sources, to educate themselves and to be more politicized.I try to use my platforms not only to promote my art, but also to inform the audience.

Rita Baga

Without a doubt, recent events were linked to the Black Lives Matter movement and the numerous assassinations of trans people, especially of trans people in color.Herself Métis, Kiara claims that she took responsibility for educating.

"Someone had to express themselves and show how important this cause is," says Kiara.People have no idea of the power they may have.I am not the most vocal person in general, so if I claim something, people feel that it is important.»»

In the batch of information that she put forward on social networks about the injustices that people of color undergo, Kiara stressed the fact that several drag queens make cultural appropriation by carrying certain types ofbraids."Sometimes people don't know it.Sometimes they don't understand.I decided to explain this.»»

Rita Baga is one of the drags that committed this false step ... and a few others."The rise in the Black Lives Matter movement makes us aware of our mistakes, our privileges and the way we want to support the cause," she notes.Kiara has taken extraordinary leadership in there.»»