Drag Queens Down Under: Australia's drag superstars in glorious technicolour

by Art Simone

A glorious celebration of life in drag through the eyes of our most prominent drag superstars. Featuring a diverse range of artists from across Australia, with stunning photographs and stories about being as fierce as a drag queen, both on and off the stage. Written and curated by the iconic Art Simone, this anthology is a visual feast for the eyes for all fans of drag, cultivating authenticity and championing utter fabulousness.

Genres: Nonfiction

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘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.

[Shane Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really amazing book to read up on all of the famous drag queens on our shores. Loved it

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good coffee table book with some cool pictures of different drag artists. They only included one drag king, which was a little disappointing.

[Terence Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the history, culture and people who make up the drag of down under.

Highly reccommend to all lovers of drag.

[Chanel Chapters]

The hair, the makeup, the fashion- Aussie drag is FLAWLESS