Interview: Drag queen and DJ, Kuciia Diamant

The biggest stereotype is that people assume that all drag queens 

want to change their sex. Not only are there are manly drag queens, but there are also feminine queens. Being in drag doesn’t mean you want to change who you are.

 

Right after I was discharged from the army, I moved to Itaewon and worked at a club. I got to meet this professional drag queen friend who inspired me a lot as a performer. Seeing her on stage being applauded for and being shown so much love made me want to be a part of this culture. I started doing drag four years ago 

and as I was also learning to DJ, I got the chance to DJ for my own 

party. As far as I know, I’m the first drag queen-DJ in Korea, but there are a lot of drag queens out there all over the country.

 

The drag community is still small, but it’s starting to grow little by little. There are more performers working at various clubs than when I started, but I don’t think they are fully accepted as members of society. However, I’ve seen some drag queens in the mainstream media and hopefully people get more opportunities to see how diverse society truly is. 

 

All of my friends are very supportive and it’s wonderful to get a lot of positive messages through SNS from people I’ve never met. I feel so lucky to have been allowed to work with so many talented and supportive people. They give me amazing advice on how to improve my performances. And especially one friend of mine, who is in the fashion industry, has helped me make costumes for the queer festival and given me critical feedback so that I practice way 

harder. I’m very fortunate to be around supportive friends every time I get catcalled or harassed. Because before I make a scene, they always stand up for me and protect me from violence. I’m very grateful, but at the same time, it hurts to see my friends getting into trouble. 

 

First of all, I was very honored to be a part of such a big event. Not only it was my first outdoor performance, but there were also a 

lot of protesters screaming behind the stage and I had to walk though them. But as I walked up on stage and saw the audience, the only thing I thought about was that there are thousands of people shouting out to me. It was a true “love wins” moment.

I had to practice literally every day for my previous performances. I wanted to be more than just a drag queen and so I had to work harder than ever before and spend a lot of money. And most importantly, I had to first find my own identity. Even now, it’s hard to create different types of costumes and performances every single time and I worry about making a mistake on stage. The audience always tends to see new things and they’ll forget you unless you satisfy them. On the other hand, the best moment is being on stage and seeing the audience singing and dancing along.

Of course, there was a moment when I wanted to give up. I had to choose between work and love. But, if I’d chosen love, I wouldn’t 

have been able to walk where I’ve walked. I’m so glad that I’ve chosen work, because every time I get a message from young drag queens or kings, I feel very responsible and it makes me eager to work harder.

 

Never say: “Bro” “Are you a transgender?” “Can I touch your hair?” Do say: “Queen” “Love your outfit!” “Fierce!” 

 

(facebook.com/TheKuciiaDiamant). Instagram @Kuciia