Two Vancouver drag artists are set to star on the latest season of Canada’s Drag Race.
Premiering Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. on Crave, the 10-episode series follows queens from across Canada as they compete for the coveted title of Canada’s Next Drag Superstar.
The experience, one of the local drag artists says, was “life-changing.”
“Going into this process and being able to focus 100 per cent on myself and my drag was really something so beautiful,” says PM, 31, of the show. “It was challenging, obviously, and the days were long, obviously — but I feel like it was all worth it!”
PM is joined by Hazel, age 27, as they compete against 10 other performers for the top title.
Noting the experience on the show was “absolutely wild,” Hazel added that the competition pushes competitors to their limits through a series of stressful, timed challenges.
“Challenges that would normally take days or weeks to perfect, you suddenly have to deliver in a matter of hours with a clock ticking down,” she says. “That pressure forces you to dig deep, trust your instincts and tap into parts of your creativity you didn’t even know were there.”
The local drag stars agreed that, in addition to the possibility of winning the competition title, they’re both excited to shine a spotlight on the city’s growing drag scene through the show.
“Our city has some of the strongest drag talent in the entire country — queens, kings and everything in between,” says Hazel, who is also a competitive diver who competed for the Canadian team. “We’re diverse, creative and constantly pushing the artistry forward, and it’s an honour to be the one carrying that legacy onto the show.
“Vancouver’s scene has shaped me, challenged me and motivated me to grow, and I’m proud to step onto that runway as a direct product of this community.”
This season of Canada’s Drag Race features a panel of three Canadian judges: Brooke Lynn Hytes, Brad Goreski and Traci Melchor. A special celebrity guest judge also shows up each episode.
Noting a desire to showcase and represent Vancouver’s “rich and beautiful alternative drag scene,” PM added there’s an eagerness to also highlight to viewers that drag is an art form that goes far beyond just entertainment.
“There is so much more to drag than just being a female impersonator,” they said. “And I am so excited that I get to carry the torch and represent all the weirdos.”
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