Being Tifa Wine: Drag, Indo-Caribbean Culture, and the Spirit of Anti-Colonial Resistance

12/31/24 • 70 min

In this vibrant episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with Tifa Wine (she/her), the electrifying drag persona of Ryan Persadie (he/him), a Toronto-based artist, educator, and doctoral fellow in Caribbean Studies. We explore Tifa's journey as a drag artist and how she weaves the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture, Carnival traditions, and chutney-soca music into her performances. Ryan shares insights from his academic work on queer Caribbean diasporas, transnational feminisms, and Afro-Asian intimacies, while Tifa brings the spirit of fearless Caribbean women to the stage, using drag as a tool for anti-colonial agitation and celebration. From the streets of Toronto to stages across the Caribbean diaspora, Tifa Wine’s performances remind us of the power of joy, rebellion, and cultural pride. Don’t miss this episode as we dive into faith, identity, and what it means to truly "mash up de place"! picture by Mashal khan (Instagram @mashalkkhan)

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Bloody Kamina: The Dalit Drag King Redefining Caste, Gender, Identity, and Faith!

In this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with Bloody Kamina, a trailblazing Dalit drag king from Bangalore, who is using their platform to challenge not only gender norms but also caste-based discrimination. Bloody Kamina, known for their bold performances, is an advocate for Dalit rights and incorporates their anti-caste and Buddhist beliefs into their art. Through drag, they challenge societal expectations and offer a powerful voice for those who have been marginalized. We delve into how their drag journey intersects with their Buddhist identity, which emphasizes equality and social justice, and how it influences their approach to confronting caste-based oppression. Bloody Kamina speaks openly about the dual struggle of being both a queer artist and a Dalit, sharing their experiences with resilience, activism, and the importance of using drag as a form of resistance. This episode is a deep dive into the power of drag as a tool for social change, offering a fresh perspective on caste, identity, and the fight for equality in India.

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Two-Spirit Royalty: Landa Lakes on Drag, Activism, and Cultural Empowerment

In this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I had the honor of speaking with the iconic Landa Lakes, a Two-Spirit Chickasaw drag queen, artist, and activist based in San Francisco. 🌈 Landa shares her incredible journey from growing up in the Tupelo community of Oklahoma to becoming a leading voice in the Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities.

We dive into her groundbreaking work as the founder of the Brush Arbor Gurlz and the House of Glitter, her role as Westcoast Mother of the Vogue House of Lauren, and her efforts in creating spaces like the BAAITS Two-Spirit Powwow and the Weaving Spirits Two-Spirit Performance Festival. 💃

Listen in as Landa reflects on how she uses art and drag to blend Native history, storytelling, and contemporary activism, offering a fresh perspective on human nature beyond Western ideals. From her memorable appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race to her legacy as a community leader, Landa’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and glittering impact.

Explore more of Landa’s work at pashofa.com.