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

12/30/24 • 66 min

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.

Previous Episode

Sacred Camp: Mysticism and Activism with Sister Shalita of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

In this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I had the privilege of speaking with the enigmatic Sister Shalita from the iconic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Our conversation dove deep into their unique mysticism and the profound ways they blend their spiritual philosophy with the mission of the Sisters. Sister Shalita shared how their mystical approach is rooted in healing and transformation, using their role as a Sister to embody radical joy, acceptance, and advocacy. We explored the relevance of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in today’s world, discussing how they reclaim the concept of sisterhood as a powerful, inclusive force that transcends religion, gender, and traditional norms. Sister Shalita beautifully articulated how the Sisters' blend of camp, ritual, and activism creates a safe space for the queer community while offering a playful yet profound commentary on societal expectations. Through their stories and wisdom, Sister Shalita revealed how being a Sister is a sacred and revolutionary act—an embodiment of love, laughter, and service to others. This conversation was an unforgettable journey into the heart of queer spirituality, activism, and the power of performance art to create meaningful change.

Next Episode

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

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)