KaladKaren. Image: Instagram/@kaladkaren
“Drag Race Philippines” judge KaladKaren is elated about seeing three transwomen being included in the lineup of season two’s contestants, as she stressed that it’s a step towards “trans visibility.”
The three transwomen are M1ss Jade So, Bernie, and Captivating Katkat’s names.
During an exclusive chat with select reporters on the sidelines of the show’s screening party, KaladKaren said “she’s so happy” that trans women are making their own mark in the show.
“In season one, walang trans. Pero ngayon, tatlo. Kami ni Jiggly [Caliente], we’re so happy that transwomen are slowly getting attention in the drag scene because drag is for everyone,” she said, while referring to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Jiggly Caliente.
“Drag is about art, it’s not criminal. Anyone can be a drag artist kung gugustuhin nila (if they want to). If they have the talent and artistry, why not? I’m so happy that transwomen are here,” she continued. “And kami ni Jiggly, we won’t give any special treatment to the transwomen. Lahat naman sila pantay-pantay (They’re all equal). But I’m so happy that they’re here.”
When asked about what the drag community needs at the moment, the actress pointed out that it “needs more platforms” as it shouldn’t stop with the popularity of “Drag Race Philippines.”
“I think they deserve a better, bigger platform. Dapat hindi lang sa ‘Drag Race Philippines’ natatapos eh. Dapat more. Mainstream television, mainstream film, why not? Multimedia dapat. Hindi lang ‘Drag Race Philippines,’” she said. (I think they deserve a better, bigger platform. It shouldn’t end with “Drag Race Philippines.” We need more: mainstream television, mainstream film, why not? It should be about the multimedia space. Not just “Drag Race Philippines.”)
KaladKaren also said the drag community deserves to be “heard and respected,” while noting that they’re “introducing their art to the audience.”
“These drag artists [deserve] to show who they are. They’re able to show their craft, talents, and art, and I think that’s important even if it makes them uncomfortable,” she added.
‘Iconic’
KaladKaren, who kept her lips sealed about any spoilers, spoke about how “iconic” the 12 contestants were while hoping that the show would give what the “drag community wants.”
“The queens are iconic. We have done a lot of things that are better than season one, and I hope we got what the audience wants, what we want, what the production wants, and of course, what the drag community wants. That’s what is most important,” she said.
As one of the show’s judges, she also hinted that she will be an “objective” judge who helps the contestants to “be better.”
“To be honest with you, the producers were asking because of the bashing na nangyari noong season one. Are we gonna be a little more [kind] or magi-iba ba kami ng ways? Ang sabi namin lahat, you know we’re just going to judge the way we judge, the objective way, of course,” she said.
“And the way we think what’s best for everybody, [and] for the queens para matulungan namin how they can be better para we can give a beautiful show for our audiences,” she further added.
(To be honest with you, the producers were asking about this because of the bashing we received in season one. Are we gonna be a little more kind or we’ll change our ways? We all said, you know we’re just going to judge the way we judge — the objective way, of course. And the way we think what’s best for everybody, and for the queens so we can help them be better, so we can give a beautiful show for our audiences.)
The show, which will be streamed on HBO Go and WOW Presents Plus, stars contestants Arizona Brandy, Astrid Mercury, Bernie, Captivating Katkat, DeeDee Marié Holliday, Hana Beshie, M1ss Jade So, Matilduh, Nicole Pardaux, ØV C–T, Tiny DeLuxe, and Veruschka Levels.
Precious Paula Nicole is currently the reigning winner of the show’s local franchise. EDV