Bebe Zahara Benet is appearing at DragWorld this year for the very first time. We spoke with the dream queen about the upcoming convention and all things drag…
Hannah Montgomery: What is your opinion on the current drag queen movement?
Bebe Zahara Benet: There is always room for progression. What I love most about the current scene is its increased inclusivity. No matter how you identify, you can be a part of this art form and express yourself the way you see fit. Drag is for everyone.
Hannah Montgomery: What do you think is required to be a ‘Queen’?
Bebe Zahara Benet: Being a queen is about identifying your purpose—why do you want to do drag (money, fame, political protest, etc.)?—and owning your stardom and all that makes you unique. It’s not about crowns or titles or gowns, all of which are nice. It’s about having a point of view and not being afraid to share it with the world. When you can own who you are, unapologetically, you are a true queen.
Hannah Montgomery: Some people may be anxious about stepping into the world of drag. What advice would you give to those individuals?
Bebe Zahara Benet: I always tell anyone interested in the drag art form to first identify their purpose. Why are you doing drag? What motivates you? What do you have to say? If it’s to gain confidence, I’d advise them to start small and build that confidence in the mirror, among a small group of friends and then to branch out from there. I’d also encourage people not to compare themselves to others. We all have our own race to run!
Hannah Montgomery: Can you tell us more about your involvement with DragWorld?
Bebe Zahara Benet: This will be my first time appearing at DragWorld and my first time appearing in drag in London. I am so excited to be a part of this event. People should expect head-to-toe fabulosity! I am ready to have a great time and interact with my amazing supporters.
Hannah Montgomery: What do you think is so special about DragWorld?
Bebe Zahara Benet:Â DragWorld brings together such an eclectic bunch of entertainers in one place. The shopping is great, but getting to meet people and look them in the eyes and thank them for their support and kind words is what excites me the most about the event.
Hannah Montgomery: The festival season is in full swing. Why do you think festivals are so popular?
Bebe Zahara Benet: I am into live music, so festival season is one of my favorite times of year. There are so many great chances to get out and see live artistry, from Afropunk and Outside Lands to Made in America, there’s something for everyone. Festivals allow us to escape and commune with people of similar interests and tastes. Music is a great uniter and we could all use some unity these days.
Hannah Montgomery: And finally, what is your personal motto?
Bebe Zahara Benet: Another day. Another slay. To me, this means: take every day as it comes and face it head-on. Grab this moment by the horns and slay it.
Dragworld UK takes place in London on 18 & 19 August.
You can purchase your tickets here.Â
>Â Hannah Montgomery
