PRIDE REFLECTS: Trans Pride Drag Show

24.02.2024 at Phoenix Cabaret, Auckland

Pride Reflects is a collaboration between Rat World and Auckland Pride to document and celebrate the creative output of our local queer arts sector. Every week of Auckland Pride Month, two creatives will respond to their experiences of witnessing shows and events across the Auckland Pride Festival. We’ve given the creatives agency to respond in any way they like, which might range from traditional reviews to photoessays to anything in between.

**Photographer Jinki Cambronero went along to the Trans Pride Drag Show and responded with this photo series.**

I’d been wanting to shoot a drag show for some time. And honed in on the Trans Pride Drag Show for my contribution to Pride Reflects.

“A huge, all-star lineup of incredible transgender and non-binary drag performers will be trans-lating their identity into awe-inspiring acts.”

I was familiar with a couple of the performers, having photographed them before (shout out to Hugo Grrrl and Miss Geena!), and was looking forward to seeing them again. I’ve always been drawn to the glamour of drag. And their larger than life personalities.

The crowd was mixed. Young and older. Shy to Stars. Bright and sombre. Hes, Shes, Theys. All expressive, often creative. And fun – cat ears, and sparkly boots fun. It felt like a place to belong, as you are, as you want to be. A room full of freedom and acceptance.

The show. It dazzled. We cheered. We awed. We laughed. And delighted at the surprises, including the cheeky pom poms in nether regions.

What stood out to me was the confidence, agency, and celebration of self and other. With fabulous costumes, and connected community.

I would like to spend more time, collecting my thoughts, to honour these performers, and community. But am chasing deadlines, so will leave this as it is. My thoughts, as they are. An attempt at more self-acceptance.