International Drag Day: Local Artist Spotlight
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Every year, on July 16th, the art of drag and drag culture is celebrated internationally. The day spotlights the significance of this vibrant community and drag artists' contributions to the art and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
This year, QMUNITY is giving the stage to local drag performers and artists to celebrate their impact on the community in BC. We spoke with Lavender Flame, Strawberry Short King, Brandi Za’hora, Mx. Black Ice, Ginny Tonyk, and Leo Moon to get the tea on being a drag artist in the local scene. We wanted to know about their drag style, their backstory, and why they do what they do.
Give it up for,
Lavender Flame 🔥
Introduce yourself and your drag style.
“My name is Lavender Flame, and I describe myself as “the hyper-femme fatale of your dreams”. While I love to dip my toes in many different facets of drag, I’m drawn the most to the glamour of Old Hollywood, the sensuality of pin-up and rockabilly fashion, and anything that gives me the chance to show off my sumptuous curves!"
Where are you from and where do you perform?
"I currently live in New Westminster, but lived on Bowen Island when I started, and work in Vancouver."
Why did you begin doing drag?
"After coming out and breaking up with my ex during the pandemic, I found myself watching the first season of Canada’s Drag Race. I was inspired by the creativity of each artist, and how their makeup and wardrobe were used to express their signature style and who they are as performers. As bars and events started to reopen, I started checking out local shows in Vancouver and found a vibrant and diverse drag community with different inspirations and perspectives. I then began experimenting with makeup for a year before making my unofficial debut during a lipsync competition at a Whitecaps Pride event - and then my official debut at a Pride spotlight show a month later!"
How does being in drag make you feel?
"Performing in drag makes me feel like this is what I was meant to be doing. I was in dance and musical theatre for most of my childhood life - but I was dissuaded from making it my career. Getting to perform in drag - especially getting to travel to perform - makes me feel connected to my childhood self and the dreams of performing she had."
What is one thing someone can learn from participating in or watching drag?
"There is no one way to do drag - just like there is no one way to be human. Vancouver is home to a wide and beautiful variety of drag queens, kings and things - each with their own style and viewpoint - and some of my favourite performers here are the ones that aren’t afraid to step outside their comfort zone and try new beats, new looks, or new songs. If anything, drag feels like the perfect medium to play around and experiment - whether you’ve found your style or not. So play around and see what you like!” – Lavender Flame
Next up, please welcome
Strawberry Short King (Berry) 👑
Introduce yourself and your drag style.
“My name is Strawberry Short King. I would describe my drag style as camp! I love a theme, a character. I like to tell a story to the audience."
Where are you from and where do you perform?
"I'm from Vancouver. I'll perform anywhere in the city that wants a silly little king in their show."
Why did you begin doing drag?
"I've been a performer since I was very young. Piano lessons, drama club, singing, all of that. I first started experimenting with drag makeup during the 2020 lockdown to create masculine cosplay looks because I'm a big nerd. When I moved to Vancouver and got more involved with the queer community, I started to go to drag shows and was particularly inspired by the kings in this city. And so Strawberry Short King was born!"
How does being in drag make you feel?
"In a literal sense, it's a bit of a sensory hell. I wear lots of makeup and a binder and a silicon chest plate so I'm a compressed, sweaty mess. But once I get on stage that all falls away and it's just pure fun. Being in drag also is a space where I allow myself to feel into my masculine energy. I don't know where I would be in my non-binary gender journey without Strawberry Short King, to be honest. He allows me to be sexy, silly, and wild. Being a caricature of a man can be quite freeing for the soul. I recommend it."
What is one thing someone can learn from participating in or watching drag?
"Show up, celebrate trying something new, express appreciation, support people going through tough times, respect folks who paved the way, speak about what you believe in. Drag isn't a commodity you consume. It's a community.” – Strawberry Short King
Lets welcome to the stage,
Brandi Za'hora⭐️
Introduce yourself and your drag style.
"Hello! My name is Brandi Za’hora (legal name: Dawson Jones) and I am a local drag queen situated in the town of Prince George, British Columbia. My drag style would be considered “New age drag” and I also make most, if not all, of my outfits by hand. As for my performing style, I draw inspiration from other artists like Mirage Amuro, Nini Coco, Charli Xcx, and Kesha."
Where are you from and where do you perform?
"I [was] born and raised in Prince George BC and perform at different local businesses, for example: The Thirsty Moose, The Underground, Omineca, The Civic Centre, and Ignite. But I will be moving down to Nanaimo for schooling in the fall."
Why did you begin doing drag?
"I began drag in January 2025 and started performing in July of 2025. I’ve been curious [about] makeup and drag since 2020 and I’ve been doing theatre since I was 11. So naturally, it made sense to try out drag. My debut was possible [thanks] to Kathy Lou, who was the owner of The Underground and provided a space for burlesque and drag queens in a conservative town."
How does being in drag make you feel?
"Being in drag makes me feel gorgeous and powerful of course, but it also makes me feel very appreciative and humble. Because if it wasn’t for the queens and performers before me I would have never had the opportunity to start drag and meet like-minded drag performers."
What is one thing someone can learn from participating in or watching drag?
"Personally, I think one thing that people can learn from participating and or doing drag is that there isn’t “one way” to do drag. Drag itself is an exaggerated version of gender expression, but isn’t limited to just that. There are drag queens, drag kings, and nonbinary drag performers who all have different styles of art. Some performers just do lip syncing, some do live vocals and perform with bands, but all drag is valuable nonetheless.” – Brandi Za’hora
A round of applause for,
Mx. Black Ice🧊
Introduce yourself and your drag style.
"I am the Drag Thing you didn’t see coming and fell for. Whether it’s contemporary horror or hip hop, I will keep your mind frozen in a moment of reflection. I am Mx. Black Ice."
Where are you from and where do you perform?
"I’m actually from Montreal, QC but now live in Vancouver. You can find me anywhere in the Metro Vancouver, just call!"
Why did you begin doing drag?
"To prove to myself I can exist as my truest self in front of the world and face my chronic fear of rejection that comes from being misunderstood.
See, I am chronically masking. My autism, ADHD, my anxiety, and my pain. It makes me feel invisible. So I did what I know by personifying the mask through makeup, as I’m a makeup effects artist by trade. I would do my makeup for up to 5 hours, sometimes more, then just sit in it in front of the mirror for another 8. Trying to understand the masks; the clown, the broken doll, the corpse, the zombie, the monster. Looks I found myself recreating over and over again. Maybe with the hope of understanding the deeper parts of myself.
That understanding didn’t come from the reflection though. It came from real people who continue to embrace me as I am because I continued showed up and put myself out there. So even if they don’t understand me, they accept me.
These are parts of who I am, and thats more than okay."
How does being in drag make you feel?
"It gives me ease and control. I don’t have to explain. You, the audience, can see and feel the words I struggle to speak in my day-to-day. Through the makeup, the choreography and freestyle I bring to you on the stage."
What is one thing someone can learn from participating in or watching drag?
"Yourself. It’s a third space (first being your home and second being work) that allows you to be vulnerable and open to receive the people around you. How you navigate builds resilience and confidence to show up as you are. There are all types of environments, performers and performances out there that will challenge you, make you laugh, make you uncomfortable or you may not feel anything at all. So ask yourself; why? That’s where the growth begins, with acknowledgment." - Mx Black Ice
Put your hands together to welcome,
Ginny Tonyk 🍸
Introduce yourself and your drag style.
“Hello, I'm Ginny Tonyk, a dazzling drag performer and a bearded queen! As a proud father of two (yes, I’m a bio dad), I strive to show the importance of creativity and self-expression. My drag style combines playful humor and fierce artistry. I have been called a comedy queen and a sewing queen, as I create many of my own outfits. Just because I’m a bearded queen doesn’t mean I have a big face bush; my beard is manicured and part of a stunning mug. Whether I'm gliding on roller skates, soaring on stilts, or enchanting audiences with my saxophone, my performances reflect my passion for inclusivity."
Where are you from and where do you perform?
"I hail from the small town of Oliver, BC, Canada’s wine capital, and primarily perform throughout the Okanagan Valley and the interior of British Columbia. I also love making trips to the big city, performing in Vancouver and Victoria, and even performing on the Gulf Islands. Along with performing, I also teach a youth drag workshop for my community, with a fully immersive curriculum over eight weeks that wraps up with a student showcase."
Why did you begin doing drag?
"My journey into drag started with pure ego and inspiration from "Drag Race." I thought, "I can do that!" Drag became the perfect blend of all my performance styles, combining elements of music, dance, and theater. It allows me to showcase my skills, whether I am performing with my saxophone, dancing in various styles, or crafting my own outfits. This multifaceted approach enables me to express my creativity fully and engage with audiences in dynamic ways."
How does being in drag make you feel?
"When I am in drag and performing, I feel unstoppable. I have zero reservations in that moment and I am free to express my thoughts and feelings. This bravery allows me to share my authentic self with others, creating a genuine connection with the audience. The rush of performing fills me with energy and confidence, making each performance an exhilarating experience."
What is one thing someone can learn from participating in or watching drag?
"One key takeaway from participating in or watching drag is the value of self-expression and acceptance. It teaches us to embrace our individuality and appreciate the beauty in our differences, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive community.” – Ginny Tonyk
A final round of applause for,
Leo Moon 🌙
Introduce yourself and your drag style.
“Hello clowns and lovers! My name is Leo Moon (they/them)– a non-binary drag thing who enjoys being campy, dramatic, and sometimes even sexy! I love to get weird with my drag– from all ages acts consisting of tap dance, hand puppets, and eating dirt– to 19+ numbers involving kitty pools and in 4” stilettos… my drag has a little something for everyone."
Where are you from and where do you perform?
"I am currently residing on unceded lək̓ʷəŋən land (colonially Victoria), performing all across Vancouver Island… and you can occasionally catch me performing in Vancouver, too! Next time you are visiting the island make sure you look to see if I’m producing a show while you’re in town– you can find them at @haus.of.moon on instagram!"
Why did you begin doing drag?
"I began drag in the winter of 2022– specifically so I could explore individualized performance art for queer community. Like many drag artists, I originally started performing for myself– to be seen and understood by community, to explore my gender through a creative lens, and to channel my art (I’ve always been a dancer and actor) in a way that felt authentic. But as I continued to perform, I very quickly realized that my newfound drive came from having the AUDIENCE feel seen and represented. I have a special place in my heart for family-friendly drag. There is something incredibly special about a queer kiddo expressing that they feel seen and represented."
How does being in drag make you feel?
"Performing in drag feels so good!! It allows me to approach performance with a playful attitude, and the freedom that comes with the art allows for so much improvisation and audience engagement. Because my drag is highly influenced by clownery, performing allows for me to be the biggest, heightened version of myself. I get so much queer joy and gender euphoria as a non-binary trans performer."
What is one thing someone can learn from participating in or watching drag?
"Gender is fake– put on the tutu!”
– Leo Moon
Drag plays an important role in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and beyond by questioning and critiquing gender roles and expressions. The art of drag is critical to our community by celebrating non-conformity not only in queer and trans spaces but in straight and cis spaces as well, widening the idea of what gender expression can look like.
To support drag artists and performers, like those who've been highlighted above, follow them on social media, keep an eye out for emerging artists, attend performances, tip well, and of course show up for story time in libraries because drag is for everyone.
Happy International Drag Day!
