PERFORMING AS RESISTENCE, DRAG CULTURE IN KOSOVO
To understand what a drag queen is, firstly the conventional meaning of drag queens must be said, which is the dressing of a man in women’s clothing, usually for performance purposes. This meaning of drag that can be classified/understood as reductive, has changed throughout time and has been transformed into an art form that is difficult to describe, always more flexible, by serving as a challenging of gender norms and simultaneously as a channeling of personal expression.
Illustration: Argjira Kukaj
On a Friday, inside 4 walls of a safe space, the place is loud, packed full and people are dancing. The DJ plays music until the time comes for the performers to come out. When the music stops the lights turn on the stage and the crowd starts cheering, excited for the coming performance. Vjeshta comes to the stage and “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga starts to play. Vjeshta Shtatori starts performing, transmitting the emotion of the song she chose with different body movements and lip movements throughout the lyrics, looking like she herself is singing the song and telling a story.
Vjeshta goes and other performers of the night come in order, each one with a planned performance and with a clear message of existing regardless of opposition from the outer world. Or better said, the reality that prevails out of the walls of this safe space.
This is the way a Friday goes in a party organized by people passionate for the freedom of the LGBTI community. Kosovo recently started creating such safe spaces where drag queen performances take place. This year’s party which was open for everyone, almost gives hope that such a form of expression through performance is welcoming different groups of people in a place, leaving behind prejudice, to leave space to the opening of a mind.
To understand what a drag queen is, firstly the conventional meaning of drag queens must be said, which is the dressing of a man in women’s clothing, usually for performance purposes. This meaning of drag that can be classified/understood as reductive, has changed throughout time and has been transformed into an art form that is difficult to describe, always more flexible, by serving as a challenging of gender norms and simultaneously as a channeling of personal expression.
It looks like all of this is clear to Vjeshta Shtatori when she climbs to the stage. She says that drag is a personal experience, a good form of showing another side of the person.
“Drag is also to do things that you can’t normally do as a boy. Also, a precious thing of being a drag queen is the opportunity of showing emotions and transmitting messages through the performance you do”, says Vjeshta Shtatori.
To be a drag queen sometimes a costume or makeup is enough. For a performance to be complete it doesn’t necessarily have to be accompanied by acting or dancing. But the climb to the stage bears a responsibility of creating a bridge between the performer and audience. And for Icy Gloomix drag is something very personal.
“As a drag performer, I’ve learned to judge what works and doesn’t work with an audience. I’ve learned to carefully select the songs. And most importantly, I learned to perform. I no longer fear speaking publicly. I’m confident in my voice, body language and style in drag”, said Icy Gloomix.
Besides on a personal level, drag also serves as a tool of joining an isolated community that inside of these narrow walls have a space to express their creativity. Isolation and marginalization from society opened other opportunities for artistic expression from this community that are surprising and diverse. This undoubtedly brings an encouraging spirit for other people of the community to express that which is punished from society outside these walls but is celebrated inside the walls.
“To have the opportunity to express your art and creativity through drag is wonderful. Drag is a way of distraction and helps us focus our attention on something that is completely fun, it shows us strength and positivity and being loyal toward yourself and your wishes. It’s a celebration of the fluidity of gender”, says the drag queen Icy Gloomix.
These gatherings or parties can also be seen as a form of resistance toward strict rules that don’t leave space for artistic expression in non-conventional forms. Resistance comes in different forms inside of these spaces, from clothing and personal style as a form of protest on restrictive hetero-normative lines to stage performances from drag queens. During all of this time this resistance is cheered on with support by the audience which is knowingly or unknowingly taking part in the demolition of the present oppression and building of a freedom of the future. The message of this drag world is clear: the LGBTI community resistance will continue through creative means, in every place where there is will and a platform that offers a channeling of this will.
The author of this article has chosen to remain anonymous.
This activity is supported by Engagement for Equity Program – E4E, financed by United States Agency for International Development – USAID, and implemented by Advocacy Training and
Resource Center –ATRC.
