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ighlight and h o t d e t a e r c publication is ituations on the Scottish This feature e current s h t n o xploration e s r d e e d il a a e t r e e d t a a c edu udes atched” incl l Drag Race n u S a “ P . u e R n “ e n c o S t g Dra sigh the try and an in is t r a ticipating on r r e a e p u s q t is t into r a h s with Scottis nyone with an interest in UK’s” succes tion is for a surrounding a n ic r l a b e u l p l is il h w T nd show. in Scotland a g a r D y nd celebrate l a l e a l ic o if h c w e a p s s , a e Drag pact the scen im t a h t s ic p o t queer art.
This publication is dedicated to my Mum. Thank you for the endless support. Love you always.
Contents DrAG DEFINED...
...page 10-11
Scottish Drag Explored...
...page 14-23
culture vs progression...
...page 26-27
diveristy in scottish drag...
...page 28-33
financial difficulties in the scottish drag scene...
...page 34-39
me, myself & drag...
...page 42-51
political power with drag...
... page 52-59
diamonds are a girls best friend...
...page 60-63
scotland takes the win...
...page 64-68
g a r D
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? G A R D s i t Wha Drag is an artform which expresses ones gender into a transformative perspective, allowing users to excerise their creative abilities with their artistry. Drag as a term refers to the performance of masulinity, femininity or various other forms of gender expression. The term “drag’ comes from the 1800’s where male performers used to drag their peticoats when playing juxtaposed gender roles and the term ”drag” was brought back by queer people in The 1920’s. the use of clothing, hair, makeup and the ability to transform ones body shape are all aspects involved in drag and it allows for complete creative expression with whatever or whoever people wish to look like.
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Scottish Drag Scene An insight into the Scottish Drag Community, its history, discussion surrounding performance venues as well as highlighting some of the many talented queer performers through a digital shoot concept.
Scotland is one of the best countries in the UK to have so much range and diveristy with its performing arts scene. Specifically the Queer Scene has shown progressional growth and demand as time has went on. Drag Culture has been bigger than ever thanks to the likes of the television program, “Ru Pauls Drag Race” and the queer scene has only gotten bigger each year. In Scotland, unlike the United States of America, Drag Artistry was not as popular as it was then until now. Drag in Glasgow specifically originated in the 1950’s with performers doing standard hosting acts, bingo, karaoke... you get the jist. But as time went on we saw a striking demand for drag in Scotland, arising in the years between 20142016. This was the time where there was a gap in the market and we had several different LGBTQ+ venues explore drag culture in Glasgow, Edniburgh and Dundee. Glasgow had found itself several different Drag shows over the years. But at the very start of it was Glasgows leading queen of the scene, “Rujazzle”. Rujazzle was the founder of “Mothertucker” which is an active drag show in Glasgows City Centre, performed at the Polo Lounge (Popular Queer Club/Bar Space). The show allowed for a diverse line-up catering to any and all types of drag. With their weekly shows they often had wacky, bizaree and fabulous themes which allowed the artists to explore their creativity and push limitations with their drag. “Mothertucker” was such a success that the show was then given a further extension and allowed for even more drag events to happen in Glasgow. “Suck” was the show given birth to by the queens of mothertucker, giving an even larger platform to artists across Glasgow area (and sometimes outwith) to perform and showcase their artistry. Mothertucker is not the only drag show in Glasgow, there is also “Trigger”, an alternative variety of drag artists that showcase every and all types of drag. Trigger (located in queer club AXM) was founded in 2015 by CarrieAnn Crow and has become an established spot in Glasgows queer scene. Glasgow has become such a landmark for Scottish Drag Culture over the years and in light of this it only gets bigger each year. However, Glasgow is not the only place you can find Scottish Drag. Edinburgh is home to the talents of the “Rabbit Hole”, featuring amazing talents like Violet Grace, Alice Rabbit and Tanya Windes plus many more artists. The show offers a queer excursion (into the Rabbit Hole per say), allowing entries to experience the royal taste of Edinburghs diverse drag scene and give amazing performances. The Rabbit Hole show is located in CC Blooms (a famous queer bar/club located in Edinburgh City Centre) and is a lanmark for the Edinburgh Drag Scene. Another performance space is“Tracks” created by Chanel O’ Connor and Havana Meltdown in 2019. The show was a very unique and captivating display of talents from across Scotland and it became such a staple in the Scottish Drag Scene very fast. It offered an insight into the queer culture in Edinburgh and showcased one of the most diverse lineups weekly in the whole of Scotland. Aside from Glasgow and Edinbugrh another famous location for Drag in Scotland is Dundee. Dundee is home to Drag Race UK superstar Ellie Diamond. Being a rather small community, Dundee was able to come together and create an amazing stand out drag show which was unsual at the time for such a small city. “Bingo Wigs” was founded in 2018 by drag events company “Slay Presents”, Bingo wigs became a raging success and it highlights an amazing array of talents the Dundee scene offers. The drag artistry that comes from such a small city is grately unmatched and of all the three distinct locations mentioned, they each bring a new captivating take to what Scottish Drag is.
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1 - Kiko (@Kikodq) 2 - Voss (@voss.co.uk) 3 - beeswaxx (@beeswaxxdrag) 4 - violet grace (@purpledisgrace)
5-Saturn (@SATURNSATANNIS) 6- SLEEPY (@SHE.IS.SLEEPY) 7- BRUISE (@originalbruise) 8- ally oops (@allyoopsss)
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The UK is most certainly one of the best places in the world in terms of drag and the british culture is extremly facinating to merge with queer drag artistry. Scotland is the cherry on top of this. Scottish culture and drag culture work together so well and you’ll find a lot of Scottish artists tend to bring a lot of their culture into their performances or names etc. Bringing Scottish drag into the mainstream light is so important and the artists/performers deserve to be highlighted as they are just as exceptional as the rest of the UK Drag scenes. It is without a doubt that Scottish drag artists are very versatile and you’ll find a lot of them tend to experiment with so many various aspects of their drag to create a unique explosion of art. Scottish Culture is always depicted as almost a laughing stock in cinematic /televised roles and it does not stop there - we always find scottish people being given the “jokey” character and never to be taken seriously or respected. Which is why when Drag Race UK Series 2 began and seeing two Scottish Queens on the same series this was such a glorious moment for the community. The program “Ru Pauls Drag Race” is a cultural phenomenon, it has been an endless push to give hundreds of queer people the chance to elevate their artistry and showcase it to the world. Bringing “Drag Race” to the UK was one of the best thing the show has ever done. Lawrence Chaney and Ellie Diamond were both fantastic representations of Scottish Drag, and they were able to show a very personal side to themselves and growing up in Scotland as well as touch on a variety of issues with the Scottish drag scene comparitively to the rest of the UK. The series got to elevate and showcase not only the talents Scottish people but also bring to light a human side and not a potrayed character only meant for the witty one liner. Drag Race UK has given Ellie and Lawrence such a clear pathway into their future within drag, which is something we should be seeing more of from Scottish drag artists. The show is ridiulous to not put on Scottish performers each and every season as “Scot’s” are great entertainment! Awrite hen!
A noticeable trait seen within the artists in Scotland is that they really do see each other as family and although not everyone may get along, the scene stands strong with its relationship to other individuals in the community and are all so uplifting of each other. Communities like queer scenes and spaces are certainly neccessary especially during such crucial and difficult times. With the eruption of COVID-19 onto the world it was faced with a lot of uncertainty, difficulty and strain on the arts. The drag scene in Scotland was thriving one minute then suddenly *boom* artists are all back home and back to being bedroom entertainers for the foreseeable. One thing was certain that the scene would adapt and develop, which it did and drag went digital. Facing these questionable times and with drag being such a contact heavy activity, it was hard to try stem that into a new light so that drag artists can still be creative and express their amazing talents. Going digital certainly saved drag and it once again pushed creatives to engineer their drag to fit the “new norm” of digital drag days. The Scottish scene came together here and were definately supportive of one another in these times and almost everyone went to creating online digital content from digital drag performances, makeup l ooks/tutorials, s ome even began youtube channels. The s cene w as not giving up and it proved itself when it came together during the Black Lives Matter movement. They collated together as artists and done a full charitable performance to benefit the movement and donate to such an important cause. With over 20 artists coming together this made for such a fantastic performance show and it expressed the importance of the scene coming together for such a vital movement in todays society. The Scottish Drag scene is a family, through and through.
9- October fist (@october_fist) 10- stefani (@stefanibanksofficial) 11- rujazzle (@rujazzle) 12- purina alpha (@purina.alpha) 13- skinny minnie (@skinnyminniequeen)
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Scottish Cultures & the Scottish Drag Scene
Discussion surrounding the acceptance of the Scottish Drag Scene within Scottish Culture and the rise of mainstream drag communities in 2021.
With drag sweeping the country from Glasgow Subway promotions to Irn Bru commercials Scotland has become enriched in mainstream drag culture. With every brand and sponsorship these days using drag as a means of profit, it is without a doubt that everyone from any and all backgrounds have been w itness to t he d rag of t oday. This does p lay into t he question o f whether d rag is going t o be accepted i n Scotland comparitevely to t he r egular commericals/ads? This is only questioned as Scotland has a very strong culture and a lot of heterosexual people are against queer exploration in many of todays popular media. Not everyone will have an i ssue with d rag culture being b rought i nto the mainstream, however m any people are brought up to think being different is wrong and punishable by torment, abuse and essentially trying to hurt people. Scottish heritage is such an important factor and a broad subject which can be explored through queer artistry as it has and will continue to do so. The question of peoples safety in drag walking through the city centre from 10 years ago to today has drastically changed and we can see the insults being exchanged for comments and the love people express towards drag artists today is phenomenal. But with love, there will always be hate or negativity behind queer facinations to the heterosexual eye, especially someone of such an influenced background.
Scotland will continue to be cultural through and through. As years progress and the country becomes more accepting Scotland will continue to adapt and showcase drag artistry through media, performances and becoming staples i n the queer community. Scottish D rag is never going to go away and with the success and demand for drag nowadays its only going to get bigger and better each year. Scottish culture may be a touchy subject especially when using it to explore a queer art form. However this should be seen as progressional and a movement forward in both communities to celebrate Scotland and the individuality from being raised in such a n inticing country. Drag w ill b e accepted and i f some people oppose t hat, they have every oppourtunity to progress forward and adapt into the new mainstream of drag today.
A further investigation on the diversity in the Scottish Drag Scene and why diversity is key in the Drag Community
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Ariana Mande (@ariana.mande) Transgender Scottish Drag Legend Photographed above, wearing WMNS WEAR Sheer Bodysuit
Scottish Drag allows people to be expressive and it caters to anyone and everyone. The drag scene in Scotland is extremly diverse and does not question or ever tell anyone who can participate. Drag being a male dominated industry and focusing soley on the likes of drag queens, we are not shown the entirety of the drag community as a whole. Drag Kings, Transgender Drag Artists and Female Drag Artists are all key pillars to the Drag community and they are not highlighted enough through mainstream media as well as the general public. Scotland i s one o f the most d iverse communities i n the UK d rag scene and i t displays a range of artists from all genders, ages, sizes etc. The limit does not exist in Scotland and performers are all given the oppourtunity to highlight their artistry. The show “Ru Pauls Drag Race” has had brief exchanges with showcasing diversity through trangender drag artists being featured. With Gottmik being the first transgender man on season 13 of the US series, this was a first in the shows herstory hopefully becoming a stepping stone into the right direction for the show to bring more range of drag artistry out there onto such a d istinguished queer p rogram. Drag K ings and Female drag a rtists a re a lso very taboo for the show to highlight. With Drag Race UK arising we can only hope as seasons progress they are able to showcase diveristy within the drag scene and highlight Scottish drag kings, transgender drag artists and female drag artists as the series goes on and give everyone an equal platform just as the Scottish scene does.
Maya Jaye (also known as Ariana Mande) is a Scottish Drag Legend who has been brought into the limelight by debuting at Glasgows “Suck” competition in 2019. Since then Maya has went through a successful start in the drag scene and continued to showcase her amazing artistry. Through drag this was also a starting point for Maya to realise she is transgender and throughout her glowing journey she has contuined to define drag and continue to take over the scene both digitally and with her striking performances. Drag once again asserts itself, showing there is no limitation to ones self identitiy in relation to their art. The Scottish drag scene is and will always be accepting of anyone who wants to explore drag, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, age etc. Diveristy is a proud trait for the scene as well as being able to showcase individuality and personal uniqueness which is exactly at the heart of Scottish Drag.
Ariana Mande (@ariana.mande) photographed above, wearing WMNS WEAR Sheer Bodysuit & Mugler 1994 Black Trim Blazer
A look into the Scottish Drag Scenes financial situation and the difficulties faced, as well as the expectations to be met from UK queens who compete on “Ru Pauls Drag Race UK”
Latex (@theonlylatex) wearing Get Frocked UK (@get_frocked_uk) Custom Christian Cowan Inspired Garment
Me, Myself &
Drag
A personal insight into my Drag persona “Latex” and my experiences with the Scottish drag scene.
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Latex wearing custom Oliver F.J Jones Blazer and Wigs & Co. Custom Styled Wig
Drag is so important to myself and I have never resonated with such a personal subject before experiencing the artistry of drag. It is creative freedom and I do drag to explore more a spects s urrounding m yself and my p ersonal journey. I l ove everything t hat entails with the artform including hair, make-up, styling, editing, photography - anything you can think of. I see Drag as an outlet to excerise my skillset and dabble into the performance industry, something I have always wished to do but never been able to. Drag allowed me to do so and in that I was able to create my persona “Latex”. She is a fashion illustration brought to life. A chameleon of drag, you could say. Being able to shapeshift and play with fashion is such an important factor to my drag, I could not see myself doing anything else. I aspire to be Scotlands premire fashion queen and make a name for Latex throughout the entire UK. Scotlands drag scene has been one of the most welcoming communities I have experienced. The scene is filled with so many creative characters and to feel accepted in a country full of them is such a privilege.
Latex wearing custome Oliver F.J Jones Leather Painted Jacket & Hair by Styled by Vodka.
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For Freedom!
A discussion facing the political factors of Drag in Scotland and why being Political is such an important involvement to Drag.
Scotlands Drag scene may feature a lot of discussions surrounding just “drag life” but another key talking point is the political movement made by doing drag in Scotland. The UK is such a political talking ground from any and all aspects of politics, Scotland h owever s trives i n its Politics and this h as n ever c hanged. Now I know what you a re t hinking, “ what has drag got t o do w ith politics?”, w ell, d rag is a nd always will be considered a political movement. Drag is a massive middle finger to society and has/always w ill b e a statement. Seeing d rag entertainers show t heir support for politics it is the statement we need today to progress forward and educate not only younger queer people but also bring politics into a further mainstream by adding in political aspects in makeup looks, performances and even instagram posts. As fun and playful as drag can be it should also be taken seriously as it goes against societys “ norms” i n a direct w ay. D rag is n ot j ust about gender politics. Pushing for trans rights in Scotland a nd s howing support for feminism a re b oth direct ways which Drag artists are using their voices to make change and hope for a better future for everyone as a country.
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Lady Rampant, (@ladyrampant) Glasgows Political Queen
Lady Rampant in her suffragette look embracing the message “The Future is Female”.
Lady Rampant who was voted Scotlands Most Political Queen at the Glasgow Drag Awards in 2020 is a drag artist and activist who uses every aspect of her drag to push a message of political factors t o her audiences and u se her v oice t o educate. R ampant has c ontinued t o empower Scottish politics and made fantastice use of her masters degree in constitutional law through her drag to show her passion on changes made in Scotland and what needs to be done to help our future. Lady Rampant explores several many aspects of politics in her podcast “the Rampant Rundown” using her platform to the best of her ability all whilst wearing a killer heel.
Lady Rampant, (@ladyrampant) Glasgows Political Queen
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Diamonds really are a girls bestfriend! An interview with Drag Race UK Superstar Ellie Diamond! This Interview will look at Ellies experiences in the Scottish drag scene and her journey to success through Drag Race UK..
With your success on Drag Race how have you been since filming? Ellie: I’ve been keeping as busy as much as I can, Covid has put a little bit of a pause on things but we’ll get there eventually.
Being on the show what were some of your favourite unaired moments? Ellie: I think everything for me was all aired, there was a moment with me and Tayce talking about our family upbrining and being very similar with how we both grew up in theatre but thats the only thing.
When preparing for the show how did you mentally prepare yourself? Ellie: I didn’t prepare for it going in the first time, I just knew who I wanted to potray and showcase to the world who Ellie was. But after the COVID break it was easier knowing everyone and speaking to them over the time away (even though we were not supposed to). It was more excitment going back to it and seeing everyone.
On the show you discussed a lot of personal moments, particulary with your family - how have they reacted with you being on the show? Ellie: I got to share a moment with my brother on the show which was very special to me and him. He has been very supportive of me and eveyrthing I do.
With the Drag Race platform what do you hope to do with this? Ellie: First and foremost there is not as much oppourtunity up in Scotland surrounding Drag, I want the chance to tour and be able to perform on stages again and do some more things with makeup, I also have a panto planned this year and being a musical theatre kid I am very excited about it. Its going to be 29 dates back to back. But she’ll be fun.
You have made such an impact to people watching from Scotland by making it on the show and all the way to the finale! What do you think that’s going to do for the Drag Scene in Scotland? Ellie: I think it will open up a lot of doors, I think it’s going to put Scotland on the map. And applying for S2 from Scotland first time as a brand new face they saw something new and she got on girly. England has everything going for them with oppourtunities in drag from BBC , Recording studios etc. It is all happening for everyone else but it is not fair Scotland does not get given better oppourtunities when there is amazing artists in Scotland not getting recognised for their work.
Would you consider Drag Culture to be widely accepted across Scotland? Ellie: I think it depends, eveyone is bound to recieve negativity, that is life unfortunately. My experience, straight men who are drunk either keep walking or want to find out more about drag. I love a discussion with a straight man on drag because I know I will always be on top! PERIOD! Having discussions is always the best thing to do, having people who question drag its important to educate through and through.
With COVID-19 hitting all industries, the drag/entertainment industry took a major toll. There was little to no support from the government during these times. Could there have been more beneficial ways to ensure job security for the drag artists that struggled during this time? Ellie: I think there was a better way to go around it. Like sneakily, not legally. It definately is a loss missing performances but I think there could have been a better support system for artists who couldn’t afford to live. For me I got a regular job to survive and make money, it’s what we need to do to get by. And it bettered me during the entire situation. I felt humbled working on the grind making money and being able to prove to myself that I did that and eveyrone can try their best to get through whatever remains of this pandemic.
Do you think being on the show will change any financial situations for Drag Artists in Scotland? Ellie:I would love to say yes. But it needs to be people bringing up the question and open conversations surrounding the topic and have adult conversations, not go into defensive nature from both sides of the coin. People do tend to claim all drag is valid but we still see people getting paid more than others. I have experienced that and went through that and it was seen as patronising asking for it and I ended up leaving the show and i’ve been through it. But opening conversations educates people and how to resolve those situations.
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With the show airing it will create a huge reaction from audiences around the world, particulary other queens from the franchise. Have any of your favourite drag race artists reached out to you at all and who? Ellie: Perioddd! I’ve had a couple, Aja being one. She sent a lovely message not too long ago. And I had a call from Todrick Hall one evening, he is gay ICON to me and I was shook. He is such an amazing inspiration. That was cool getting contacted by him. Michelle has messaged also and I speak to Ru Paul on the regular as one would.
Here’s a question Michelle gave to Lawrnece durign filming but do you plan on moving away from Scotland any time soon? Ellie: I have no idea. I don’t like to speak about my future but gurl, Dundee sucks and i would love to move to Glasgow, I always feel like my most authetic self in Glasgow - walking down St Enochs Centre, Starbucks in my hand, ready to go! In the future of future I would love to move back to America at some point.
What is next for Ellie Diamond? Any 5 year plans in the making? Ellie: I am just excited to get back on the road again and perform, bust my ass and start touring. Which I find could be a weird experience. Club, Club, Bus, Another Club... but that will be fun to get into that routine and work it around my time schedule. I think we will get oppourtunities to get to go to the American Drag Con and other oppourtunities like that., but gurl we just need to wait and see.
I want to personally thank Ellie for taking the time out of her schedule to be interviewed for “Snatched”. And if you are not, which you definately should be, follow Ellie Diamond and her amazing journey on social media. - @elliediamondofficial (instagram) - @elliediamondofficial (tiktok) - @elliediamond101 (twitter) - @elliediamond (youtube)
This section focuses on the winner of Drag Race UK and how this win will impact the Scottish Drag Scene as well as a talk on the winners success and journey on the show.
With the success and hardships of Drag Race UK Series 2, we have our winner! *spoiler alert* And they hail from Helensburgh! That’s right, Scottish Drag Legend Lawrence Chaney is the winner of Drag Race UK Series 2! Condragulations to Lawrence for performing tremendously during the season and taking the crown home to Scotland! Lawrences win is drag race herstory and this has given such a platform to the Scottish drag community which will change the scene forever. Having Scottish representation and potraying such a dynamic and personal relationship with Chaney we all got to fall in love with them on the screen and learn about their personal history and what it is like being Scottish and doing drag. Lawrence was able to showcase a unique mindset going into the compeition and has made such a mark for the next Scottish artists to get on the show. Highlighting the talents held in the Scottish drag scene will make for a triumphant movement going forward. The drag community is raring to get back into action as we await COVID-19 restrictions to be eased. And with that the scene can celebrate Chaneys current reign as the UK’s first *Scottish* drag race superstar. Moving forward for the local scene there will be more hype and discussion over Scottish drag artists and the expectations to be made because of this win. It will stir up discussions regarding financial costs and whether or not Scottish artists will now be taken seriously and paid a more financially stable rate, pushing for Drag to be a full time job for some and make a living doing what they love.
Whilst being on the show Lawrence alone was able to discuss several topics which are often found to be true with a lot of drag artists. A key one being around ones confidence in Drag. Drag as a whole is a very intimidating art to anyone, if you do not understand it then you’ll simply be even more confused. However the confidence level of a drag artist with them in and out of drag can be a massive shift and give a sense of humanity to the drag artists who are seen as glamazon warriors. Lawrence was able to give a personal side to herself on the show and we got to see who Lawrence really was behind their drag persona. This is a very common trait with a lot of artists and drag can be used as self expression in themselves, almost as a suit of armour which is a coping mechanism of dealing with critical issues in their life. Drag has grown so much with this humane potrayal on television and drag artists elsewhere look to the show as a celebration of queer history and for many Scottish artists this resonates having Scottish people showcased in a positive manner on the show. Aspiring for a better more functional future of drag in Scotland.
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Lawrence Chaney has made Scotland proud and in her reign she will continue to do just that. Lawrence has had many oppourtunities since her win and has worked extremly hard to get to where she is. Being seen on national television, touring, meeting other famous celebrities, being on other television programs... the list is endless. Lawrence is bringing Scottish drag into the mainstream and with this it will give others aspiring goals to work as hard and have a true dedication for their artistry just as Lawrence does. The Scottish drag scene is endlessly proud and looks forward to Lawrences success in her future.
ene rag Sc re D h s i u Scott s feat g the n. Thi ty which n i o r i t o l a p c i r ex Publ muni you fo tched a com e focus on Thank ut the Sna people on ow w ds ho cate ong. N of Scotlan l u d o throug e s r o s t o s f e ed ucc ated is cre en overlook ontinued s c e b d t an tis s. has mphs rag Ar u D i r t e th
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