COVER
W
e’d like to think we’ve come a long way in terms of
acceptance and equality and I was certain as we
hurtled towards photo-shoot deadline day, my
usual fashion contacts for photo-shoots would
come up with interesting, fascinating choices. But
nothing pinged through. Very strange, normally we’re
inundated with offers of clothes, accessories and props, but for
a gay, Muslim drag queen, the phones were strangely quiet.
The emails didn’t pop into my box. Was an outspoken, gay
Muslim drag queen a step too far for even the fashion industry?
Strange as fashion has historically championed drag queens Lily Savage’s legs can attest that. So was it the drag/gay/
Muslim thing? Is Asifa Lahore just too darn controversial?
Drag has long had its place in LGBT history. There’s
something undeniably strong and powerful about a man in a
dress. Drag queens can silence a drunken crowd of rowdy yobs
with one quick, swift put down. Many straight men can find
themselves like moths to a fire when a drag queen enters the
room. Drag queens have even become a staple for hen nights –
forgoing the usual stripper for a man in a frock.
Queens are incredibly visible, blunt and audiences around the
world enjoy their patter, penis jokes and panty-hosed legs.
They have, in history been the bridge to equality – many a brave
queen has put herself out into the battlefield on the road to
acceptance. Asifa has one incredible battle ahead of her.
Subject of a recent Channel 4 documentary Muslim Drag
Queens, Asifa Lahore has been showcased as the UK’s most
visible gay Muslim, something that she and her boy self Asif are
incredibly proud of. But with this crown comes a very worrying
reality. A reality that includes constant death threats, possible
exile fr om family and community and judgement from Muslims
and non-Muslims alike. Our editor-in-chief JAKE HOOK
meets with Britain’s most notable Muslim drag queen armed
with the best bed sheets Sainsbury’s had to offer. Sometimes
you don’t need to dress up brilliance in glitter and gold. Just the
bare naked truth will always be in fashion.
THEGAYUK | ISSUE 16 | NOV 2015 81