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Drag Race Down Under season four kicks off this week with Queensland’s own Freya Armani competing.
Queensland Drag Race Down Under fans rejoiced when the cast was announced for season four. For just the second time, there will be local stars in the line-up.
We spoke to rising star and “IT girl of Meanjin” Freya Armani ahead of the season four premiere.
Tell us about the moment that you found you’d be on Drag Race Down Under.
Finding out I’d be on the newest season was surreal, to say the least. The producer on the phone had to ask if I was still there, after telling me the news, because I had like an out-of-body experience, and couldn’t get any words out – I just responded with noises because my breath was literally taken away!
I had a flash of this memory of a younger me telling anyone who would listen like teachers, my friends and family, that one day I’d be a famous superstar. I remember thinking one day the right kind of audience would finally understand me and what I have to offer the world. Their responses were like “Uhh okay sure” but deep down I knew I just had to put my head down, work hard, believe in myself and my talent. As a humble queen, I’d never say I told you so… to their faces!
What was something about filming Down Under that you were surprised by?
Filming the show versus watching the show is so different. One thing I was surprised by was how comfortable it was being in front of the cameras.
Y’know at first it’s a little weird knowing you’re being constantly filmed at all angles and of course, you never know what the edit’s going to look like in the end which can be daunting. But, at least for me, eventually, I just forgot they were there. It was easy to be myself and I think part of that was because the crew made me feel very comfortable and at ease.
Behind the scenes of Drag Race Down Under
How was Michelle Visage as host and what’s she like in person?
All I can say is, mother ATE. Michelle absolutely nailed it as the new host. She showed us all love, support and compassion throughout the season. At the same time gave us a lil kick in the bum if we needed to get out of our own heads, like a real mother would.
My favourite part about filming was getting to kiki with Michelle in between takes. I hope people give her flowers this season because she has the experience, the knowledge and it really came as no surprise to any of us, how excellent she was in this role.
What were the challenges of taking your drag that local fans know and love and translating that to a TV environment?
Condensing every little aspect of your drag in a short series with nine other queens. In Brisbane, I would definitely say I’m a trendsetter, mostly known for being a killer lipsync performer and turning looks. Like, I LOVE campy drag as a viewer but it’s just not something I personally can pull off as well. If I do a camp aesthetic it’s still within my style.
My style currently is very new-age drag, a mix of warrior femininity and glamorous diva-ness. I’m a bad b*tch with the sass to match. The challenge of translating that to a TV environment was making sure I stayed true to my sense of style and art! Rather than changing my aesthetic to fit what you would think the judges would want to see based on the rules of the challenges or the theme of the runways.
Representation
How important was it to represent queens of colour on the Down Under stage?
When I first started drag, I could count on one hand how many queens of colour were performing in Brisbane at the time, that I knew of. So being cast this season and getting to represent a huge group in our community was major and an honour.
It’s important to see representation on stages like this, because queer people of colour, trans artists and activists were the catalyst, or at the forefront of the gay rights movement. They were the first people to stand up, to defend our community so we’d have a better future. It’s important to represent, on a worldwide phenomenon show like this, inclusivity and solidarity within our own community. Drag queens are the trailblazers of society, what we do and how we do it shapes the world tomorrow – take RuPaul as an example; from where he started to what he has created and what he represents now.
I come from a mixed race background, Afrolatin and Lebanese. My grandparents were half black & half Spanish (from Puerto Rico) and my other side of the family are mostly all Arabs. Growing up in the U.S. wasn’t all bad but it certainly wasn’t easy in a small Pennsylvanian town either. So if I can show up and show out for the POCs or for the young ones who watch Drag Race Down Under and if they can see themselves in me or even just get inspired a tiny bit to chase their own dreams, whatever it may be – I feel like it’s a win. Not just for them, or us as a community, but the world as a whole.
Queensland support
There hasn’t been much Queensland representation on Down Under so far, did you feel pressure to represent the scene here?
The proof is in the pudding! To be honest, Queensland is a fantastic state for drag. We’ve got drag from the Sunny Coast all the way down to the Gold Coast, in Brisbane City and rural areas. I didn’t feel any overwhelming pressure because, from my experience, Queenslanders support their own.
I knew whether I did great or flopped that the place I call home would support and back me no matter what. Of course, there was a little bit of pressure but that was mainly coming from myself because I wanted so badly to prove that our state has what it takes to be successful on a show like Drag Race.
What has the support been like from the Drag Race community since your announcement, particularly fans in Queensland?
The support has been overwhelming and heartwarming. There is nothing like hearing from people or fans saying they’ve been waiting to see your drag on Drag Race. Or even just feeling the excitement and the buzz building as they prepare to watch and support your season like it’s a footy match.
I hope everyone watching enjoys this season but I mainly hope that Brisbane and Queensland feel Mandy and I have done them proud.
Fan support
How can fans best support you and the queens of this season?
This season is truly iconic! I think the best way fans can support the queens is to show up. Come to our shows, and celebrate this wild and incredible journey with us! Oh and please buy our merch, we’ve all put so much love and effort into not only the season but creating mementos and custom items that we’d all love to see the fans rep.
It’s expensive being a drag queen, I mean we chose this industry for sure, but supporting us and showing up for us means we can continue spreading the love, the joy and the magic of drag!
You can follow @freyaarmani on Instagram. The fourth season of Drag Race Down Under premieres Friday 1st November on Stan with episodes weekly.
More on Drag Race Down Under:
Meet Brisbane’s Drag Race Down Under queen Mandy Moobs
Watch Drag Race Down Under with Mandy and Freya at Sporties
Meet the new cast of Drag Race Down Under season 4
Drag Race Down Under unveils guest judges for season 4
Isis Avis Loren’s simple message to Drag Race Down Under critics
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Dale Roberts
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