Drag Kids

2019, Canada, Drag Queen, English,

Director: Megan Wennberg
Release Year: 2019

Synopsis:

"Drag Kids" (2019) is a captivating Canadian documentary directed by Megan Wennberg that explores the lives of four preteens who defy norms and perform in the world of drag. The film follows the journeys of Nemis Quinn Mélançon Golden (Queen Lactatia), Bracken Hanke (Hyper Queen), Stephan Hirst (Laddy Gaga), and Jason Kerr (Suzan Bee Anthony), as they navigate the challenging, often controversial, world of drag performance at a young age. 

 

The documentary provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the lives of these young drag entertainers, showcasing their passion for performance and self-expression, while also highlighting the struggles they face as children participating in an adult-oriented culture. These four children, hailing from different parts of the world, share an unwavering love for drag and its extravagant costumes, makeup, and performance style. Despite their differences, they come together for the first time in 2018 to perform as a group at the Fierté Montréal Pride Festival, marking a significant milestone in their careers as drag performers. The film premiered on April 28, 2019, at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto, where the stars performed live at a drag brunch hosted by Glad Day Bookshop in conjunction with the screening. The film also received critical acclaim, winning the Best Canadian Feature award at the Inside Out Film and Video Festival in May 2019. Later, "Drag Kids" made its broadcast debut on the Documentary Channel in Canada on July 25, 2019, and was added to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's streaming platform, CBC Gem. In the United States, the film debuted at NewFest in New York City on October 24, 2019, before receiving a wider release in 2020.

 

The documentary introduces us to the four young drag performers, each with their own distinct story and background, but all united by their passion for drag. Jason Kerr, an 11-year-old drag queen, lives in the conservative environment of America's Bible Belt, where his performances often face judgment from those who view his art as inappropriate for children. Nemis Quinn, known as Queen Lactatia, is a 9-year-old from Canada who self-identifies as the "Diva-est diva you'll ever meet." His bold and confident personality shines through in his performances, and he embraces the world of drag as a space where he can fully express himself. Bracken Hanke, also 11, is charting her own course in the traditionally male-dominated drag world, adding her unique flair to the performances. Finally, 8-year-old Stephan Hirst, who performs under the name Laddy GaGa, uses his drag persona to defy bullies and express his individuality. Though they come from different parts of the world—including Canada, the United States, and Europe—the four have never met before but share a deep passion for the art of drag. As the film follows their individual journeys, it also shows how they come together for the first time to perform at the world-famous Montreal Pride Festival. This performance of Lady Gaga's anthem "Born This Way" becomes a defining moment for these young drag performers, as they finally find a space where they can share their love for drag culture with like-minded peers. 

 

The documentary delves into the challenges that these young performers face. Despite their undeniable talent and passion, they are often isolated and misunderstood by their peers. Most of them have never met another "drag kid" before, and they struggle with the difficulty of carving out a space for themselves in a subculture that is already on the fringes of mainstream society. This sense of isolation is further compounded by the negative judgments and pushback they receive from conservative groups, who view their performances as inappropriate for children. However, their families offer strong support, with many parents actively encouraging their children's drag aspirations despite the judgment they may face. The film highlights the importance of parental support in allowing these young performers to thrive. Their families, while acknowledging the challenges their children face, also encourage their artistic pursuits and the self-confidence they gain from expressing their identities through drag. 

 

At its core, "Drag Kids" is about the power of self-expression. For each of the children featured in the film, drag is not just a hobby or a performance art—it's a way to express their authentic selves. Whether they are lip-syncing, singing, or dancing in elaborate costumes and makeup, the young drag queens in the documentary demonstrate that drag is about more than just the performance; it’s about creating an alter ego, finding community, and making a statement about who they are. The film also challenges traditional gender norms, as all four of the young performers engage in gender-bending performances. While Bracken Hanke may not fit the traditional definition of a drag queen—she is a girl performing in the drag world—her passion for OTT outfits and love of drag culture are undeniable. Similarly, Stephan, Jason, and Nemis may be boys, but their drag personas defy gender norms and allow them to express themselves freely. Through their performances, they challenge the restrictive norms of society, showing that gender and identity are fluid and that there is no one "right" way to express oneself. 

 

"Drag Kids" culminates in the young performers coming together for the grand finale at Montreal Pride, where they not only showcase their talent but also celebrate their identities in a supportive and inclusive environment. This event is a pivotal moment for each of them, as it offers them a sense of belonging and validation within the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride festival becomes a symbol of acceptance and empowerment, as the young drag queens perform with confidence and joy in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The film portrays the sense of community that these young performers find in the drag world, despite their initial feelings of isolation. For many of them, meeting other kids who share their passion for drag is a life-changing experience, and they form connections that will stay with them long after the performance is over. "Drag Kids" is a heartwarming, thought-provoking documentary that offers an insightful look into the lives of four young drag performers. It not only showcases their incredible talent and passion for performance, but also highlights the challenges they face as they navigate a world that is often unwelcoming to their artistic expression. Through their performances, these young drag queens show that drag is more than just a performance art—it is a powerful tool for self-expression, identity, and pride. The film ultimately sends a message of acceptance, self-confidence, and the importance of finding one's own voice, no matter how young or different one may be.

 

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Image credits: YouTube