Kohl hopes that films such as this one “celebrate queer culture, and help people, particularly the vulnerable, feel connected”. “It’s heartbreaking for isolated people, but there are positives to come out of this.” “People are taking time to rethink about what Pride is, to remember how it started and to honour people like Marsha P Johnson ,” says Kohl. “People are attracted to drag because it’s an alternative space to the mainstream, and it was cool to see this space open up to all outcasts.” She recalls young teens dressed up in drag, who previously might not have had a platform to freely embrace their queerness.ĭrag Syndrome’s life-affirming performance strikes a poignant note during 2020’s virtual Pride when, it seems, reflection is taking precedence over celebration. The event – the first of its kind in Great Britain – “attracted a real mix of outsiders, not just queer people,” recalls Kohl. Seeing their disabilities celebrated in an environment that’s both fun and challenging for them was empowering.” “They were understandably nervous before going on stage, but the crowd embraced them. “It was a crowded, intense and overwhelming environment,” Kohl explains. Kohl was “unexpectedly moved” by the reaction to Drag Syndrome’s performance at DragCon UK. “They are complex, tough people doing their own thing, walking paths that haven’t been walked before, and opening doors for others in the process.” Some identify as gay, some would like to transition, and others just like to dress up,” says Kohl. “There’s a real mix of strong personalities. “He likes to take control.” Horrora Shebang, another core member Kohl became close to, has a “goth horror aesthetic” and Davina Starr is “camp and flirty”. “He’s really talkative and funny,” says Kohl. Justin Bond – “King Justin Bond if you’re NASTY!” – acts as the informal leader of Drag Syndrome. “Their whole vibe was amazing, I kept thinking about them afterwards.” The award-winning filmmaker was shooting Freida Slaves for a short about the drag queen, when she came across Drag Syndrome on The Glory pub’s parade float. Kohl, whose directorial work focuses on marginalised communities, first met the group at Pride London 2018. “Drag Syndrome’s artists are radically challenging preconceived notions of sexuality, gender and disability, while being authentically themselves. “I wanted to change the, ‘oh, they’re so sweet’ reaction that these individuals often receive,” Kohl tells British Vogue. Jess Kohl’s joyous short film following Drag Syndrome – a collective of drag kings and queens with Down’s syndrome – on a day trip to RuPaul’s DragCon UK is about empowerment.
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