Drag Syndrome are a "Drag collective featuring highly addictive queens & kings with Down-Syndrome." Founded by artistic director Daniel Vais just last year, these kings and queens have taken off as the world's first drag collective group.
Drag Syndrome are artists brought together by their love of performing and an extra chromosome. Each with their individual character and persona when performing both on and off stage. Their energy is infectious and their shows are sell out. Known as “the new queer cultural heroes” - FRAGILITY LND they are currently touring the world on an 'international gender bender'.
Having met the group myself, assisting on a photoshoot for Gay Times magazine earlier this year, there's such a stigma around Down Syndrome, that naturally made me a bit nervous. Five minutes in and we have a fierce diva playlist on and everyone's dancing around the studio. What was clear during the shoot was that drag gave them the confidence to express themselves and their alter ego. Horrora said it makes her "feel excited, feel sexy, it's like I'm famous." Another thing they all particularly like is the way it's a method of meeting new people. "The thing I like about drag is meeting other people, lots of makeup artists, drag artists, lots of new faces and old faces."
Taking inspiration from RuPaul's Drag Race stars, Ruby wax, Beyonce and each other, their routines are unique every performance. They believe as artists it's fresh and new if they listen to the music and just express themselves.
Something that really stuck with me was when Horrora was asked what advice she would give others with Down syndrome who want to start a drag show, she replied
"Don't be scared, don't hide in the shadows, come out and see the light. We are the light. You can't stay in the dark forever. You better come out and you will feel the love. Please come and join us. If you join with us, we can banish the darkness together."
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