UK based drag royalty hope to shatter Iceland’s perception of disability with spectacular performances.
In a world that often emphasizes conformity, Drag Syndrome stands out as a vibrant beacon of inclusivity and acceptance. This groundbreaking collective of artists with disabilities will be embarking on a journey to Iceland this week to explore the island’s stunning landscapes and thriving drag scene. However, this trip isn’t just about exploration; it’s an opportunity for the group to make a resounding impact in Iceland’s relationship with disability.
Drag Syndrome was invited to Iceland by the group List án landamæra (Art Without Borders), an art festival that focuses on showcasing art from people with disabilities. Their first festival was held in 2003 during the European Year of the Disabled and every year they aim to increase the visibility of disabled people.
We’re going to bring it all and meet everyone to hang out and perform for you and you’ll see how fabulous they are.
Daniel Vais, Creative Director and founder of Drag Syndrome says the group can’t wait to visit. “We’ve wanted to go to Iceland for a while, for many years. I was just waiting for an email with the title ‘Iceland calling,’ and then it came,” he says. Celebrating with List án landamæra’s 20th anniversary, Drag Syndrome will be hosting a workshop, performing twice, and hosting a public talk during their visit from the 19th to the 25th of October.
Not ones to do things halfway, Drag Syndrome decided to make the most of their stay, transforming their Icelandic visit into an opportunity for community engagement. “For us it was a very beautiful invitation. Then we said ‘Let’s make it big’ and decided to stay for a few days and do other things,” says Daniel.
Their schedule will be nothing short of mind-blowing, featuring a tea party with the President of Iceland, a performance alongside one of Iceland’s biggest pop stars, Páll Óskar, and a captivating show at Þjóðleikhúsið (the National Theater).
A Message of Profound Significance
Although Drag Syndrome has gained a lot of notoriety for their work, they’ve also faced a lot of criticism and ableism in mainstream performance spaces.
One of the underlying reasons that this visit to Iceland holds such significance is the near 100% abortion rate for babies with Down syndrome in the country. With reports of “the last child with Down syndrome in Iceland being born” this year and the reputation the island has globally, Iceland’s relationship with the extra chromosome is frought to say the least.
Guðmundur Ármann, chairman of the Down syndrome Association in Iceland, said in an interview with Vísir that “the strength of society lies in its diversity and Down syndrome and individuals with Down syndrome should be allowed to be a part of this beautiful society that we are trying to create and build.” Citing a lack of discussion and lack of greater visibility he said attitudes in Iceland won’t change until further education and awareness comes.
Daniel knows that Drag Syndrome’s visit won’t just be for entertainment; they’re going to change perceptions and make a bold statement. “In Iceland abortion rates of babies with downs syndrome is nearly 100%, so there’s this aspect that we’re coming to a country that’s dealing with this. We’re coming to be loud, to say ‘Honey, we’re here. People with downs syndrome exist, and they’re fabbbbbuloussss! They’re not here to be debatable.’ So it’s a very significant visit.” he says.
In Iceland abortion rates of babies with downs syndrome is nearly 100%, so there’s this aspect that we’re coming to a country that’s dealing with this. We’re coming to be loud, to say ‘Honey, we’re here. People with downs syndrome exist, and they’re fabbbbbuloussss!
The group intends to convey that individuals with disabilities are an essential and vibrant part of society, filled with unique talents and creativity. He adds “we’re going to engage with many communities. There’s the disabled community, the queer community, the performing arts community, the music community, the downs syndrome community. We’re going to bring it all and meet everyone to hang out and perform for you and you’ll see how fabulous they are.”
A Global Force of Empowerment
No matter where they travel, Drag Syndrome leaves a trail of stardust and fairy dust, empowering people to be more of themselves and to dare to be fabulous. Daniel notes, “These queens are bringing passion to people and inspiring them to go wild, be themselves, not care about what others think, and just be fabulous.”
Their success has seen them headlining festivals and spreading their influence globally. From Drag Con UK to interviews with the New York Times and profiles in British Vouge, Drag Syndrome has taken their message far and wide, and people love them for it. They’ve performed over twenty European gigs this year alone and have even inspired an sister group in Germany.
While they’re in Iceland they’ll be filming content for a documentary about the group. Daniel says he’s looking forward to being at the intersection of many communities: “The queer disabled community is becoming bigger. There are people with beautiful creations and minds so there’s a beautiful movement of people with queer disabilities around the world at the moment. This is exciting for us.”
Meet Some Drag Royalty
Nikita Gold and Lady Mercury, two prominent members of Drag Syndrome, shared their experiences as drag artists. They recollect how they embraced online shows during the COVID-19 pandemic, amassing a worldwide following. Their personas, rooted in their unique experiences, have struck a chord with audiences around the world.
Lady Mercury takes her name from the famous queer icon Freddie Mercury that inspires her. “I’m a huge fan of Freddie. It was really appealing to see Freddie in person, how he walked, his persona, and how he brought the mayhem. We do bring the wild [when we’re performing], but we bring it within too. We’ll bring the mayhem,” she says.
We do bring the wild [when we’re performing], but we bring it within too. We’ll bring the mayhem.
Nikita Gold takes her name from a dame and says her persona is a dame too. “That’s how it became embedded in me,” she says. After having performed for huge crowds both in person and online, they’re both ready to hit the stage in Iceland.
The Future of Drag Syndrome
In a world that often demands conformity, Drag Syndrome stands as a beacon of individuality and inclusivity, lighting the way to a more accepting and inclusive world. Iceland is just one stop on their journey of inspiration and transformation, with many more destinations and celebrations of diversity yet to come.
Drag Syndrome’s Iceland Tour Includes:
Friday, 20 October
17:00-20:00 Dance Studio Workshop at Dansverkstæðið
Saturday, 21 October
19:00 – List án landamæra Birthday Party at Hafnarportið (old Kolaportið)
20:00 – Drag Syndrome Performance with Páll Óskar
Tuesday, 24 October
16:30-18:00 Public Talk at Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn
20:00 – Drag Syndrome Performance with Open Stage
More event details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/606922194719358
All photos credit: Cameron McNee