Eva Le Queen clarifies misconceptions about drag: 'Hindi siya gender expression, ito ay artistic expression'

Eva Le Queen recently shared insights about drag performance, clarifying that drag is an art form and its performers can be likened to other artists like poets or painters.

The Filipino drag artist guested in the latest episode of the "Updated With Nelson Canlas" podcast, where she talked about how there are many misconceptions about drag.

"Ang lagi kong analogy diyan is para lang kami ding painters or writers or para kaming nagsusulat ng musika or nagsusulat ng tula. Kung anong 'yung nabuong personality, ano 'yung performance na nabuo, 'yun yung art form. Marami kasing misunderstanding about drag," the drag artist said.

Drag is not necessarily a form of gender expression, with Eva clearing up that it is an art form.

"Hindi siya form of gender expression, ito po ay talagang artistic expression. Kumbaga sa normal na buhay ko hindi naman ako nagbibihis nang ganito eh. So, ito talaga, this is an art form na gusto kong ipakita sa ngayon and then mamaya magtatanggal na ko ng makeup, tutulog na ko ulit bilang lalake," said Eva.

The "RuPaul's Drag Race: Global All Stars" contestant and "Drag Race Philippines" Season 1 finalist likewise shared that there are straight people who do drag and it just so happened that drag is also a satire of gender's social construction.

Per Eva, there are drag artists who are cisgender, meaning their gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth, but they can take on a different persona or role in drag.

"Meron ding mga non-binary, so talagang nilalaro niya 'yung gender construct eh kasi, aminin natin, ang concept ng gender, it's a spectrum. Hindi siya black and white. Anytime, anyone can go there," said Eva.

"That's what drag is about, it pokes on that, it lets you know that you can be anything that you want in life. You have so much freedom and you can do whatever you want as long as hindi ka nakakatapak ng tao."

The Eva Le Queen persona, for one, was inspired by the Evil Queen, the iconic Disney villain from "Snow White."

"In simple terms, ang lagi kong sinasabi, drag, we sell a fantasy. So, ito pong nakikita ninyo, ito 'yung fantasy ko as a person. Gusto ko na mukha akong mayaman, gusto kong mukha akong makinis, mukha akong madame, ganito 'yung buhok..." the drag artist continued.

Ultimately, drag is for everyone — and those who wish to do drag can count on drag performers themselves to welcome and help them.

"Gusto namin i-enjoy ng lahat, kahit sino pwede mag-dress up the way you want to be, you want to feel good about yourself. Hindi namin ipagdadamot ang drag sa kahit sino. Kahit babae, lalake, bakla tomboy, kahit sino pa 'yan. If you want to do drag, we will help you and masaya siya. Sobrang saya niya," said Eva.

In an interview in "Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel" back in April 2023, Eva expressed joy over drag now "being enjoyed by everyone from all walks of all life" and no longer just by members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Eva Le Queen debuted on "RuPaul's Drag Race: Global All Stars" last month, showcasing Filipino drag excellence on the international stage. Eva bowed out of the show in 10th place early this September after being eliminated in the fifth episode.

The drag artist now plans to travel and experience drag around the world, and to write about it in a coffee book.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News