- Drag Race UK Season 5.
- International queens’ diverse experiences.
- Challenges, acceptance, and authenticity.
When Drag Race UK’s fifth season begins, two queens with international roots will stand out.
Alexis Saint Pete from Poland and Cara Melle from the US have diverse backgrounds.
RuPaul’s Drag Race, since 2009, is renowned for its fashion and social commentary.
Contestants openly discuss topics like homophobia and abuse.
Cara, from conservative Atlanta, feared watching Drag Race openly due to her family.
She moved to the UK seven years ago to study fashion, embracing its accepting culture.
Cara finds the UK more inclusive, whereas America expects drag to be conventional.
However, she acknowledges challenges facing transgender individuals in the UK.
Alexis, originally from Poland, moved to the UK at 12 for dance school.
He contrasts the lack of LGBTQ+ role models in Poland with the UK’s diversity.
Despite progress, Alexis feels the need to dress differently when visiting Poland.
He believes Poland is changing due to social media, allowing diverse voices to be heard.
However, certain aspects of his drag career, like going out in drag, feel unsafe in Poland.
Both queens agree that representation comes with responsibilities, but their primary focus is being authentic.
