Anastasia Beasley is making waves in the drag king community as they strive to elevate drag kings to the same level as drag queens. As a drag king performer, they have seen the impact of drag on young people and the LGBTQ community, and believe it has the power to be a catalyst for change.
For Beasley, drag is a form of self-expression, a way to turn themselves into “a symbol of a man.” They see makeup as a type of war paint that gives them the confidence to be their most extravagant self. In dance spaces, drag kings and queens can play an important role in holding court, guiding the culture, and being a safe space for people to talk to.
Beasley believes that there is a lot of interest in elevating drag kings, and there is now a groundswell of support to acknowledge the full breadth of the queer community. Young people in regional areas are already aware of drag and queer art through online spaces, and it means a lot to them to have their own queer role models and ways to explore their identity. Beasley is now preparing to be part of an upcoming exhibition at the Science Gallery in Melbourne that focuses on breaking society’s binary codes.
