Killer Queens

For my series Killer Queens, I have photographed 40 individuals from Birmingham's (UK) LGBTQ and drag community; the scope and participation of which demonstrates the growth of this countercultural scene in contemporary Britain. The body of work celebrates and explores performance and self-expression. The work ultimately addresses current issues surrounding identity, sexuality and community spirit, and tells a strong collective story about discovery. Fascinated by the ways in which drag artists can create endless variations of characters, in the most unique and innovative ways, I set out to document the scene. At first glance, the images may look like glamorous perfection, but on closer inspection details and imperfections draw attention to their constructed nature; the fake hairline of their wigs and the texture in their skin, coming through the surface of many layers of glossy makeup. Just like the artists I capture, I am constantly drawing attention to the artificiality and playfulness with forward-thinking aesthetics, using a drag strategy with my photography. I am jarring, not trying to disguise reality, but instead, uncovering their raw beauty, which I value and am keen to articulate throughout my work. Motivated to entertain and educate, the talented artists I have worked with embrace and advocate their multi-layered identity, offering a podium for inclusion and diversity. Utilising drag as a tool to creatively question the construction and ascription of identity, they ‘play with gender’ and magnified stereotypes. If the work focusses on the drag community, ultimately, it addresses societal issues at large. Gender performativity is choreographed by everyone in our every day lives. With these photographs, I aim to make aware that despite the fact that everyone is born with a specific shape and form, we have the freedom to experiment with new appearances, attitudes and identities through re-invention. We are never fully formed.