A weekly competition in Saskatoon is simultaneously encouraging first-time drag performers to thrive in their craft, as well as showcase their skills to judges and audience members alike.
“This is the second week of Drag Race YXE,” said judge and drag queen, Frida (Aldeneil Espanola.) “We are trying to find up-and-coming emerging drag superstars to be the leader of the next generation.”
Traditionally, the term “drag queen” refers to a man who dresses up as an oftentimes exaggerated feminine alter ego. Drag queens may perform for audiences through acts like lip-synching, dancing, or comedy routines. However, drag is not limited to gender, as it is an art form that can be enjoyed and expressed by all.
The competition itself is inspired by the television show RuPaul’s Drag Race. Like the show, there is a new challenge for competitors every week.
“This week is the fashion category,” said Espanola. “They had to make their own dresses from [already] existing dresses. So it’s like an upcycling challenge.”
During the show, performers strutted the runway, showing off their handmade outfits. Afterwards they were critiqued on what they put together.
“I’ve met and gotten advice from so many people that I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to talk to if it wasn’t for this,” said competitor Crimsyn (Nik Podgursky.)
Throughout the night there were many lip-sync routines that left the audience cheering and holding out tips for the performers.
“[The show is] really fun,” said audience member Jodi Hartung. “I am a RuPaul’s Drag Race watcher, so it’s fun to have that kind of competition aspect [to this show.]”
To others in the audience, the show meant more than just entertainment.
“I’m a drag queen myself,” said an audience member who preferred to go by her drag name, Roxie. “Being able to see the younger queens come in and make a mark for themselves is something that I love, and I enjoy so much, because it’s a new generation, and it’s inspirational.”
Drag Race YXE has cultivated a positive atmosphere for audience members and competitors alike.
“It’s an amalgamation of queer joy,” said winner of week two, Ayana Xia (Asher Rillo.) “This is where we can express ourselves, and we can be safe. And I’m just so proud that we can have a space like this in Saskatoon. Especially during these times.”
The next upcoming challenge for competitors is something called the Snatch Game.
“Snatch Game is a game popularized by the show RuPaul’s Drag Race,” said Rillo. “It’s basically an improv challenge where you also impersonate a celebrity, and your whole goal is to make the crowd laugh.”
While all competitors will have received exposure to the community through this event, the winner of the overall competition will be crowned and awarded $500.
The event is ongoing and located at Lucky Bastards Distillery, with the remaining shows taking place on Jan. 23 and Jan. 31.
Additional information about the show can be found here.
Drag Queen Ayana Xia being cheered on after winning Drag Race YXE’s week two competition. Video taken by Jasmine Page.
