Before he put on the glittery neon yellow tasseled jumpsuit, donned the yellow wig, and lip synced and danced onstage under colorful spotlights, Paul Hidacan went through his preshow routine in a busy dressing room.
“I grew up in my church,” said Mr. Hidacan, 21, who has attended service in cropped tops, skirts and boots, and started performing in drag last year.
“I know there are some who raise their brows when they see me, but the pastors accept me.”In many places in the Philippines, drag is becoming more mainstream, and more popular.
Drag queens are on fashion magazine covers, and are pitching name-brand products like MAC Cosmetics, Shell gasoline, Durex condoms and Samsung phones.
Students of at least one public university recently held a drag competition.
Persons:
Paul Hidacan, “, ”, Hidacan
Organizations:
MAC, Shell, Samsung
Locations:
Philippines