Drag for Palestine: Mama Ganuush on Art, Activism, and Resilience

01/01/25 • 47 min

In this powerful episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I sit down with the groundbreaking Mama Gannush, a drag artist whose work transcends performance to engage with critical social issues. 🖤✨ We explore how Mama Gannush uses her platform to amplify voices and combat injustice, including her advocacy for Palestinian solidarity and raising awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Drawing from her experiences as an artist and activist, Mama shares the intersection of drag, art, and resistance, showing how drag can be a tool for radical change. Through her evocative performances and bold political stances, Mama Gannush exemplifies how art can challenge systems of oppression while fostering community and hope. This episode is a compelling reminder of the transformative power of drag as activism. Discover more of Mama Gannush’s work at mamaganuush.com.

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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.

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Gods, Kings, and Drag: Emperor Naaz on Reimagining Faith Through Queer Eyes

In this bonus episode of Drag Me to Heaven, Sas (Patruni Sastry) sits down with Bombay’s own Emperor Naaz, a trailblazing drag king known for their ability to channel sacred energies through their art. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between drag and spirituality, delving into how performers can respectfully incorporate sacred imagery and cultural references into their work. From embodying divine archetypes to creating transformative narratives, Sas and Naaz share personal experiences of using drag to affirm identity, reclaim heritage, and build connections to something greater than themselves. They discuss the ethical considerations of representing spirituality in queer performance, how intention shapes artistry, and the healing power of merging the sacred with the boldness of drag. This episode is an invitation to reflect on the beauty of queerness as a divine force and drag as a medium for honoring spirituality while challenging conventions. A celebration of creativity, reverence, and authenticity, this conversation highlights how drag transcends boundaries to become a profound act of affirmation and empowerment.