For this project, I wanted to use photography, spesifically tryptics to illustrate the transormative process of drag on queens who have just starting out.

 I wanted to create a project showing how authenticity can show as an act of freedom in a time where things have been going backwards faster than usual, and internally for queer people there's more and more hesitation, both internal and external barriers stopping someone from “being authentic” without a second thought. It's a way of extreme expression, which can be used in so many different ways, which is definitely something unique for someone who is just beginning to use drag at a young age. These people are figuring out what they want their drag to look like, who they want their liner to be inspired by, how to do their brows, but I feel like it's also the crucial time to figure out what it means to you.

Serephique Soleil, June 2025

I wanted to document the before, during and after process of “putting on” drag, it shows a personal look towards the individual behind it all, and is possible to show what drags mean to them and why they do it. I took the train into Hicksville to see Justina Jubilinas process of getting ready, as well as I wanted to photograph the contrast of someone who really looks cool around well, suburbs. Her “after” photo I decided would be a photo of her at the Hicksville station, showing that when the partys over, you always gotta come back home. I had the honour of documenting my neighbour Christian, aka Chrissy the cunts, first time in full drag. I feel like being in the whole process really was able to capture a lot of vulnerability of learning. I also wanted to add the photo with the American flag because even in a country that really is not down with drag queens, they will always be here, they'll always be real three dimensional people, and the sheer courage I saw these queens had when I was shooting them was incredible. I didn't know it could be possible but this project gave me even more respect for drag.