A queen of a dozen faces, and even more aspirations, Lady Gagita is wasting no time when it comes to claiming her spotlight. In our local kingdom of drag artists, she's solidified her position as a celebrity impersonator of the highest caliber. Aside from Lady Gaga, who became her gateway into the craft, the Drag Den contestant has also channeled the likes of Katy Perry, Nadine Lustre, and even Elvis Presley.
While transforming into different stars has become her bread and butter for the past decade or so, the 29-year-old attests that drag, first and foremost, is an avenue for queer expression. No matter which A-lister she's performing as, she always makes it a point to highlight herself, her community, and her values through her work.
Read our exclusive inteview with Lady Gagita below to learn more about her journey with drag, and why she thinks the art form is inherently political.
Preview Pride: Lady Gagita on How Drag Helped Her Become Her Truest Self
Please state your gender identity, sexual orientation, and preferred pronouns.
"I am gay, biologically male, and I prefer to be called he/him out of drag [and] she/her in drag."
When did you first come into terms with your SOGIE? What was your experience like coming out?
"Since I was young, I already knew I [was] gay. I didn't have a hard time coming out because fortunately, I [was] accepted by my parents."
When did you start getting into drag? How has this career helped you express your most authentic self?
"I started doing drag 12 years ago [in] 2010 when my Telephone parody video became viral. Back then, I didn't know that I was already doing drag. Drag has helped me discover my true self. If it wasn't for drag, I wouldn't [become who I am] now."
How do you think your drag helps uplift the queer community? How does your work celebrate or highlight them?
"Drag is political. I've expressed my political opinions, particularly my thirst for equal rights, through my drag. I believe that's how I help uplift the queer community; [by speaking] through my performances."
What can you say is your biggest break yet as a drag artist?
"Aside from Drag Den, [my] biggest break might be when I met one of [the personalities I impersonate] back in 2018, which is Katy Perry. She recognized my work as her impersonator. [That] opened a lot of opportunities."
What inspires you to keep expressing your truest self despite the pushback from society? How do you, in your own way, fight back against the discrimination LGBTQIA+ people face daily?
"It's the people who've believed in me since day one that [allow] me [to express] my truest self. I believe that as long as there is one [person] who believes in you, [you should] keep going.
In my own little way, as a social media queen, I have [been] using my platforms to share my life, [to tell people] that it's okay to be gay, [to reach out] to people who [still have] 'ancient' mindsets, and to inspire the young queers to resist discrimination."
What’s one misconception about the queer community do most non-queer people have that you want to debunk?
"Simple misconceptions like [being gay only applies to men], and that there should be a masculine/feminine set-up in a gay relationship. 'Ancient' mindsets like these need to be debunked."
What would be your message to your younger self? How about to young queer kids who are still discovering themselves?
"I want to tell my younger self, 'I am proud of you. Keep being brave and determined to reach [your] goals because it will [bring] you somewhere. Do not listen to what the judgmental [people in] society tell you. Keep doing you, you are indestructible.''
"And to the young queer kids, listen to your heart. Be surrounded [by] people who believe in you. They will be your greatest strength [in letting your] hidden talents come out. They will be the [ones] who will help you reach your dreams. Keep doing you!"
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