ANTI-SUZANNE

Can you define your drag persona and where did your inspiration come from?

 

“My drag persona Anti-Suzanne was dreamed up by my inner child. Throughout, my adolescent years I’d always been riddled with neurosis and fear of what other people thought of me, however I always found dressing up and performing as a character much easier then just being myself. The name and persona of Anti-Suzanne came from my great auntie who died in a plane crash at the age of 24. She was a Manchester girl who was such a free spirit at a time where women were still expected to act a certain way. As the story of my Anti-Suzanne caused so much pain throughout both the women in my family and myself, I wanted to turn something sad into something humorous and embrace how this amazing woman was unapologetically herself. “

 

Can you describe your first drag performance?

 

“My first drag performance was Age Of The Virgin in August 2017- a Leeds pride event, set up for first time drag performances. I’d always wanted to perform throughout my childhood but was always scared of what other people thought. Therefore, this event felt like the perfect opportunity to explore another part of myself. Plus the Queer scene in Leeds is such a safe open space and because I loved it so much I’m now a regular performer for Age of The.”

 

What would you say your persona brings to drag culture?

 

“I love and respect my character so much because she is everything a woman is told not to be. She’s overly sexual, she dresses depending on how she feels rather than for what suits her body, she is a complex woman who is the pink sheep of her family but she doesn’t give two fucks what anyone thinks. I think Suzanne makes other women feel empowered rather than threatened and through performing I have encouraged a range of other women to give drag a go, despite it not always being a space women are accepted.”

 

What are the reasons you do drag?

 

“I do drag because it’s escapism from myself. When you are someone who is constantly in their head, it’s such a release to perform, as a character that doesn’t care what other people think and Suzanne’s fearlessness is something I’ve transferred over to my day-to-day life as Caitlin.”

 

What do you do outside of drag?

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“Outside of drag I’m a support worker for adults with Learning differences and epilepsy.”

 

Why do you think drag is so important right now within this era? I.e. Artistic landscape, Political Attitudes, Current events

 

“I think drag is so important in today’s society because drag is an art form that challenges people’s narrow perceptions of topics such as gender and sexuality and through humour and performance art you are able to bring up issues in a way that resonates with the audience. Also, Queer safe space nights allow platforms for people within the LGBTQ+ community to feel secure and part of something special.”

What are your opinions on transgender and gender issues within drag culture? E.g female drag artists

 

“If you look into drag history, drag started within the trans community. Therefore, Ru Paul’s recent comments regarding drag only being for gay men is extremely narrow minded and I think this ‘open’ community leaves out many important groups within the LGBTQ community and I think it’s important that drag nights showcase a diverse range of performance art.”

 

What are your future aspirations within drag?

 

“For my drag future, I would love to eventually step away from performing as a queen and start organising my own drag nights.”

 

With the rise of popularity of drag, what efforts could be done to ensure drag stays true to its roots?

 

“To stay true to it’s roots I think it’s important that people support the smaller scale drag nights and that individuals collaborate with other members of the LGBTQ community. “