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‘I didn’t choose the life of glitz, glamour and grit - it chose me.��

Drag Queens Down Under by Art Simone is a tribute to Australia’s diverse and resilient drag community, celebrating both historical and modern day figures. In this beautifully illustrated anthology, Simone captures the stories and personalities of 30 influential drag performers. Simone traveled across Australia, gathering voices that reflect the complexity of Australian drag, from its gritty origins to the glitter of Drag Race fame.

What makes Drag Queens Down Under especially compelling is its depth and variety. Through interviews, it dives into humorous, heartfelt, and sometimes harrowing experiences—like Verushka Darling’s story of narrowly escaping a dangerous encounter that ended in an unexpected show of respect. The book covers major moments in the community’s history, such as Maxi Shield’s performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Vanity’s innovations in wig-making. It also tackles the broader cultural impact of drag, especially relevant now amid increasing anti-drag sentiment. This book isn’t just for fans of drag; it’s for anyone interested in LGBTQIA+ culture, Australian history, or the evolution of performance art.

The amount of effort that has gone into creating this marvelous book is second to none. Congratulations Art Simone!

My Highest Recommendation.

Many thanks to Affirm Press for my review copy.