Drag is typically defined as a type of entertainment where people dress up and perform, however, drag is continually evolving, especially within the British community. Drag extends beyond makeup, big hair and comedy shows; drag today addresses gender, sexuality, social issues and many other hugely important components within our society. Drag artists who discuss these topics whilst simultaneously performing in 10 Inch heels are Bimini Bon Boulash and Tayce, both runners-up in season two of Ru Pauls Drag Race UK.
Tayce and Bimini have both been candid when discussing important matters such as non-binary representation and the systemic problems facing black individuals in the UK and on a global scale. Going beyond their activism, Tayce and Bimini also provide us with killer looks and haute couture realness, which has since landed them both modelling contacts with influential agencies, Models 1 and Next Models.
This is quite a historic moment not just within the British Drag scene, but also within the international fashion industry, especially regarding representation and inclusivity. Bimini, who identifies as non-binary, stated on Twitter “Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought this possible. This opportunity is a huge crazy, mind-blowing moment for my gender-non-conforming ass”. Bimini has since released photoshoot after photoshoot and announced that they’re releasing a book. Bimini’s impact within the fashion atmosphere does not seem to be slowing, with them walking in London Fashion Week and being featured in Vogue. The rate of their swift success demonstrates the demand and the appreciation for more diverse models and non-binary representation within the fashion industry, something which has been neglected for several decades. Hopefully, Bimini’s success continues, and they act as a catalyst for more inclusive representation and enables non-binary people to have more of a voice within traditional media.
Newport-born Tayce is the classic definition of ‘model material’, with a hint of Welsh charm. Within Drag Race he often discussed how systemic racism impacted him whilst growing up. Tayce also examined the negative stereotypes associated with being a black gay man in Britain and the toxic masculinity that comes with that. Highlighting that there is also a severe lack of gay, black British representation in traditional media and within the fashion industry. Tayce will soon be staring in Klub Kids’ Noir: The Tour, a performance that features some amazing black kings and queens, whilst also raising and donating funds for Black Lives Matter, Black Trans Femme in the Arts and UK Black pride. Tayce has just been signed to one of London’s largest modelling agencies, this is a huge step in the right direction for black LGBTQI+ representation within the fashion industry and will hopefully help to begin to deconstruct the oppressive ideologies which continue to silently plague the fashion industry and black creativity.
As we continue to take inspiration from drag queens in all aspects of our lives, from the baking of our makeup to the slang we use on Twitter, the least we can do is appreciate Drag for the art form it is and welcome the changes that it brings to the fashion industry. Queens like Bimini Bon Boulash and Tayce accurately predict what the future face of fashion will look like and hopefully foreshadows the increased inclusivity of the fashion industry.
j'adore georgia 