As it launches its first season, Drag Race Mexico promises to be a glamour-infused celebration of Latin America’s drag culture. Expect a fashion extravaganza, powerful performances and some fierce competition as the series unfolds on Paramount+.
We spoke to the show’s co-hosts, RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Valentina and Drag Race France contestant Lolita Banana, about the evolution of their drag personas, what they expect to see from the emerging queens and what the community and its allies can do to help drag continue its evolution around the world.
Being your authentic self onstage
Both Valentina and Lolita Banana have evolved their onstage personas over the years, and their love of drag only gets stronger.
“What I love most about stepping on stage is being able to show people who Valentina is – the glamour, authenticity and essence of who I am, a Latin diva,” says Valentina.
For Lolita Banana, it’s the freedom of drag that the performer loves most. “It allows me to explore what can be done on stage. Once you break the gender barrier, anything is possible. It allows me to do what I like most in life, which is entertain people.”
Valentina says that while it’s taken years to develop their character, drag has been life-changing: “When you start with this art, there is no going back. Time has helped me to perform better on stage and be more confident as the diva I am. I like that some drag acts take inspiration from me – maybe in the future a House of Valentina will be possible!”
Lolita Banana recalls how her first performances were a long way from what she does on stage now. “At first my make-up was very ugly and I couldn’t walk, much less dance, in heels. But being a dancer I always had a knack for the stage and that meant I evolved quickly.”
The impact of drag culture in Mexico
The launch of Drag Race Mexico is a huge moment for drag culture in Mexico, and a sign that its popularity is getting ever bigger. “Drag Race has made drag an art that is respected and widely consumed in Mexico,” says Lolita Banana.
So what can we expect in the show from some of the country’s up-and-coming drag stars? “I would like to see that passion that characterises Latino people: glamour in each of their outfits, creativity when carrying out the challenges and confidence when on stage,” says Valentina.
“What we take on stage must always be of quality because people have expectations of seeing us on stage,” adds Lolita Banana. “As a judge, what I expect from the new drag artists is that they have a lot of respect for the art, for the profession.”
Uniting for change
As drag grows in popularity, its community and allies are uniting to show the world just how powerful this art form is in giving a voice and a platform to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It is up to us to show the wonder of our community and the art that is made within it. We have a responsibility to have the cameras and the microphones to denounce the things that happen to the community and make our people visible,” says Lolita Banana.
In its celebration of the country’s queer talent, Drag Race Mexico is another step in the right direction. The only question is, who will sashay away and who will be crowned the next superstar? Find out on Paramount+ – and while you’re there, don’t miss RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked and Queen of the Universe.