The children of the drag
Everyone has their own thing. Some swim, run or climb. And then others dress up, put on make-up, dance, sing and sway.
Welcome to the little-known and flamboyant world of drag... children's country.
Welcome to the little-known and flamboyant world of drag... children's country.
You read that right. Drag Kids, closing film of the Montreal International Documentary Encounters (RIDM), presented this weekend, features four children (three boys and a girl) from 9 to 11 years old not quite like the others: Stephan (aka Lady Gaga, from Spain), Jason (Suzan Bee Anthony,
from the United States), Bracken (Bracken Gvasalia, From Vancouver) and Nemis (quel.
You may have seen or heard them before: they were visiting Pride Montreal in 2018. The film tells their very first encounter,
and especially behind the scenes of this original and unusual performance in the metropolis.
Their thing: drag. Glitter, feathers, heels, eyelashes. And, of course, imitation, through dance and singing.
An early passion that, yes, you guessed it, can still shock. Even in 2019. But before you judge, read:
from the United States), Bracken (Bracken Gvasalia, From Vancouver) and Nemis (quel.
You may have seen or heard them before: they were visiting Pride Montreal in 2018. The film tells their very first encounter,
and especially behind the scenes of this original and unusual performance in the metropolis.
Their thing: drag. Glitter, feathers, heels, eyelashes. And, of course, imitation, through dance and singing.
An early passion that, yes, you guessed it, can still shock. Even in 2019. But before you judge, read:
At the end of the day, all it is is: children who wear make-up, dress up and make lipsync.
That is what it is. I do not understand why it is so difficult for some to understand.
That is what it is. I do not understand why it is so difficult for some to understand.
Mother of a child drag
It is the mother of one of the four young people who says so. And the film, directed by Canadian Megan Wennberg, tends to demonstrate this. With sensitivity and modesty, we are presented, in turn, each child and his parents, in their journey, however different and unique it may be.
"These are kids who happen to love drag," the director said in an interview. It's part of their lives. But it's not their whole life! »
It is the mother of one of the four young people who says so. And the film, directed by Canadian Megan Wennberg, tends to demonstrate this. With sensitivity and modesty, we are presented, in turn, each child and his parents, in their journey, however different and unique it may be.
"These are kids who happen to love drag," the director said in an interview. It's part of their lives. But it's not their whole life! »
Questioning
It must be said that the parents concerned gave in judgment and criticism, often bordering on homophobia.
The question that comes up most often: "But why do you make your son gay?"
It must be said that the parents concerned gave in judgment and criticism, often bordering on homophobia.
The question that comes up most often: "But why do you make your son gay?"
"But they don't do anything with their child," says Megan Wennberg. These kids are just the way they are! »
Nevertheless, the children hear it regularly, this one: "Are you gay?" Much to the chagrin of their parents:
"But he's 9 years old, how on earth do you want him to know?"
And what do we say to all this? In all four cases, parental support is total, infallible and above all inspiring. "All children have the right to do what they think is natural," says one mother. "He's my son, he's my baby, what am I supposed to do, other than encourage him?" And the latter: "I say: I have a child who plays in Fortnite,another who likes to go to drag shows and be fabulous!" What do your children do in their spare time?
Nevertheless, the children hear it regularly, this one: "Are you gay?" Much to the chagrin of their parents:
"But he's 9 years old, how on earth do you want him to know?"
And what do we say to all this? In all four cases, parental support is total, infallible and above all inspiring. "All children have the right to do what they think is natural," says one mother. "He's my son, he's my baby, what am I supposed to do, other than encourage him?" And the latter: "I say: I have a child who plays in Fortnite,another who likes to go to drag shows and be fabulous!" What do your children do in their spare time?
For their part, one suspects, the children also had to manage their share of comments. Their answers show a maturity that is surprising.
"I have a friend who says drag queens are men who dream of being women. But that's not true," Nemis told the camera.
A drag is a man who personifies a woman. Nuance.
Young Bracken, the only girl here, has long been intimidated. "I'm told I can't be a drag because I'm a girl. I'm told I should be a drag king.
But for her, drag is a form of "hyperfemininity," she says, not without pride. "And I feel stronger in drag!"
Evolution
One thing is certain, 20 years ago, a course like theirs would have been almost unthinkable. "And that's a very good sign," confirms the director. It's fabulous for these children to have parents in it too, who encourage their passion. Maybe it's a sign that times are changing.
If they have been bullied at times, it has nothing to do with what could have happened 10 or 20 years ago. »
She is also very confident about their future. "They are four intelligent, creative and confident children," she concludes.
I'm very curious to see what they're going to do next: will they continue the drag? Going to something else? »
"I have a friend who says drag queens are men who dream of being women. But that's not true," Nemis told the camera.
A drag is a man who personifies a woman. Nuance.
Young Bracken, the only girl here, has long been intimidated. "I'm told I can't be a drag because I'm a girl. I'm told I should be a drag king.
But for her, drag is a form of "hyperfemininity," she says, not without pride. "And I feel stronger in drag!"
Evolution
One thing is certain, 20 years ago, a course like theirs would have been almost unthinkable. "And that's a very good sign," confirms the director. It's fabulous for these children to have parents in it too, who encourage their passion. Maybe it's a sign that times are changing.
If they have been bullied at times, it has nothing to do with what could have happened 10 or 20 years ago. »
She is also very confident about their future. "They are four intelligent, creative and confident children," she concludes.
I'm very curious to see what they're going to do next: will they continue the drag? Going to something else? »
Thank you for your visit