In this evocative Season 2 episode of Drag Me To Heaven, we venture into the surreal and sacred universe of La Faust, an alternative drag artist from Goa whose work is redefining the edges of drag, spirituality, and pedagogy. Known for crafting hauntingly beautiful and religiously charged visuals, La Faust explores the rich tension between ritual and rebellion, sacredness and subversion.
Through performance, La Faust becomes both priest and prophet—using alt-drag as a form of ritualized storytelling, queer resistance, and spiritual invocation. In our conversation, we delve into how her drag persona channels religious imagery, spirit possession, and alternative learning to breathe life into queer expression in postcolonial, faith-bound spaces like Goa.
We discuss the importance of spirituality as a private and political act, the aesthetic of faith-based drag, and how embracing the mystical can empower queer artists to heal, resist, and transform. From ancestral echoes to divine drag transformations, La Faust’s journey invites us to see drag not just as performance—but as a sacred rite of becoming.
✨ Join us for a meditative, magical, and mind-opening dialogue with one of India’s most enigmatic and powerful voices in alternative drag.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
In this thought-provoking episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with LaWhore Vagistan, the dazzling and unapologetic drag persona of Kareem Khubchandani—a researcher, performer, and activist whose work spans queer nightlife, South Asian diaspora, ethnography, and performance studies. As an academic and artist, Khubchandani seamlessly weaves together storytelling, stand-up comedy, body art, and digital media, using drag as both a pedagogical and performative tool.
Our conversation delves into three transformative themes that define LaWhore Vagistan’s work: the Aunty as a symbol of resistance to drag as political activation and challenges of appropriations . We explore how the figure of the Aunty—often seen as a gatekeeper of culture and tradition—can also be reclaimed as a site of defiance, humor, and survival, embodying both power and subversion in South Asian communities. Through this lens, LaWhore Vagistan challenges the boundaries between gender discipline, queerness, and cultural identity, reimagining the Aunty as a force of resilience rather than repression.
Beyond performance, LaWhore Vagistan’s work is deeply political, using drag as a site of activism and resistance. We examine how she disrupts colonial, gendered, and heteronormative narratives through her academic work, public performances, and community organizing. From reimagining South Asian queer nightlife in Ishtyle: Accenting Gay Indian Nightlife to performing at global festivals and queer spaces, her work bridges academia and activism, demonstrating how drag can be a tool for social change.
This episode is a powerful reflection on the radical potential of drag as more than just entertainment—it is a cultural statement, a spiritual journey, and a political act. LaWhore Vagistan’s insights challenge us to rethink performance as a space of resistance, joy, and liberation. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that reshapes the way we view drag, faith, and the power of South Asian queer identity.
pic by Caroline Alden
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.
In this captivating episode of Drag Me to Heaven, we journey to Kathmandu, Nepal, with the extraordinary Momolicca—drag artist, queer tourist guide, and pioneer in Nepal’s queer cultural landscape. Together, we explore the intersection of queerness, spirituality, and heritage in one of the world’s most historic cities.
Momolicca shares untold stories of Nepal’s queer history, shedding light on traditional art forms and sacred spaces that echo the spirit of drag. We delve into her experiences working at Nepal’s only gay bar and uncover the moments that sparked her love for drag. Through her personal lens, she opens up about navigating her faith and how it intertwines with her identity as a queer artist.
Prepare to be enlightened as we unravel the vibrant tapestry of queer history and spirituality in Nepal with the incredible Momolicca. Don’t miss this deep dive into a world where heritage and queerness blend beautifully.
In this thought-provoking episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I am joined by the phenomenal Bonnie Violet, a drag artist, digital chaplain, and a pioneer in merging the worlds of spirituality and drag. Bonnie has been at the forefront of creating spaces where queerness and spirituality can coexist harmoniously, starting with their groundbreaking spiritual drag conferences, which have traveled across Idaho, other states, and beyond.
Together, we delve deep into how drag serves as a medium for spiritual exploration and healing, drawing parallels between drag artists, mystics, and healers. Bonnie sheds light on their journey as a digital chaplain, offering spiritual care to those navigating transitions—be it gender, sobriety, or personal growth. We discuss their work in helping individuals confront and heal from their "dead names" and "dead personalities," fostering self-acceptance and transformation.
This episode unpacks the often-overlooked connection between queerness and spirituality, the societal reluctance to discuss these intersections, and Bonnie’s profound vision for creating inclusive spiritual spaces. Learn about the power of drag in reclaiming identity, the challenges and joys of sobriety, and how Bonnie’s digital ministry is supporting trans and queer individuals worldwide.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation that redefines the role of drag in spiritual and communal healing. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the divine potential of living authentically through art and identity!
In this empowering episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I sit down with Phoenix Raj, the groundbreaking drag artist from Nepal and the founder of Queer Honky-Tonk, the country’s first and only public drag performance space. Phoenix is at the forefront of redefining drag in Nepal, blending art, identity, and activism to create a platform for queer expression in a region rich with tradition and faith. We explore the transformative role Nepal plays in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in South Asia, how faith intertwines with identity, and what it means to hold space as a trans-masc drag artist in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. Phoenix’s story is a testament to resilience, visibility, and the power of drag to challenge norms and inspire change globally. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that celebrates courage and creativity!
In this extraordinary episode of Drag Me to Heaven, we are joined by the one and only Maya Mem Saab, a groundbreaking figure in the drag community. As the first South Asian bearded drag queen to enter the pageant drag scene in the U.S., Maya Mem Saab has redefined what it means to be a queen. Recently crowned National PNW Bearded Queen 2024, she is blazing a trail of authenticity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Maya Mem Saab’s art is a stunning fusion of South Asian heritage, spirituality, and unapologetic self-expression. With her iconic bearded look and mesmerizing performances, she challenges traditional notions of drag and pushes boundaries to create a space where faith, culture, and queerness coexist beautifully. Her drag persona is deeply rooted in her heritage, often evoking divine imagery and celebrating the richness of South Asian mythology.
In this episode, Maya Mem Saab shares her journey through the world of pageant drag, reflecting on the challenges of representing her community and breaking into a competitive space as a bearded queen. She discusses the significance of her historic win as National PNW Bearded Queen 2024 and the importance of representation for queer South Asians in the diaspora.
This conversation is an inspiring celebration of individuality, courage, and artistry. Whether you're a fan of drag, a lover of cultural storytelling, or someone seeking inspiration, Maya Mem Saab’s story will leave you uplifted and empowered.
In this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with the extraordinary Bollyvvitch—a trans-Indian witch and drag artist from the United Kingdom. We delve into her spellbinding journey of navigating faith, witchery, and drag artistry. Bollyvvitch opens up about reclaiming her Indian heritage while embracing her trans identity, how witchery informs her spiritual practice, and the ways her surreal drag persona becomes a vessel for both faith and magic. We also explore how she initially navigated being trans within Islam, ultimately redefining belief on her own terms, and finding affirmation in her drag artistry. Bollyvvitch brings her powerful story to life, sharing wisdom and insights from her book, The Tainted Beauty. This is a conversation about transformation, resilience, and the art of living authentically at the intersection of faith, witchery, and drag. Tune in for an unforgettable journey of reclamation and self-expression. 🎧 Listen now and let Bollyvvitch’s magic captivate you!