Gods, Kings, and Drag: Emperor Naaz on Reimagining Faith Through Queer Eyes

La Faust: Channeling the Divine through Alt-Drag and Ritual Aesthetics

In this evocative Season 2 episode of Drag Me To Heaven, we venture into the surreal and sacred universe of La Faust, an alternative drag artist from Goa whose work is redefining the edges of drag, spirituality, and pedagogy. Known for crafting hauntingly beautiful and religiously charged visuals, La Faust explores the rich tension between ritual and rebellion, sacredness and subversion. Through performance, La Faust becomes both priest and prophet—using alt-drag as a form of ritualized storytelling, queer resistance, and spiritual invocation. In our conversation, we delve into how her drag persona channels religious imagery, spirit possession, and alternative learning to breathe life into queer expression in postcolonial, faith-bound spaces like Goa. We discuss the importance of spirituality as a private and political act, the aesthetic of faith-based drag, and how embracing the mystical can empower queer artists to heal, resist, and transform. From ancestral echoes to divine drag transformations, La Faust’s journey invites us to see drag not just as performance—but as a sacred rite of becoming. ✨ Join us for a meditative, magical, and mind-opening dialogue with one of India’s most enigmatic and powerful voices in alternative drag. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

LaWhore Vagistan: Aunty Culture as Resistance, Drag as Possession

In this thought-provoking episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with LaWhore Vagistan, the dazzling and unapologetic drag persona of Kareem Khubchandani—a researcher, performer, and activist whose work spans queer nightlife, South Asian diaspora, ethnography, and performance studies. As an academic and artist, Khubchandani seamlessly weaves together storytelling, stand-up comedy, body art, and digital media, using drag as both a pedagogical and performative tool. Our conversation delves into three transformative themes that define LaWhore Vagistan’s work: the Aunty as a symbol of resistance to drag as political activation and challenges of appropriations . We explore how the figure of the Aunty—often seen as a gatekeeper of culture and tradition—can also be reclaimed as a site of defiance, humor, and survival, embodying both power and subversion in South Asian communities. Through this lens, LaWhore Vagistan challenges the boundaries between gender discipline, queerness, and cultural identity, reimagining the Aunty as a force of resilience rather than repression. Beyond performance, LaWhore Vagistan’s work is deeply political, using drag as a site of activism and resistance. We examine how she disrupts colonial, gendered, and heteronormative narratives through her academic work, public performances, and community organizing. From reimagining South Asian queer nightlife in Ishtyle: Accenting Gay Indian Nightlife to performing at global festivals and queer spaces, her work bridges academia and activism, demonstrating how drag can be a tool for social change. This episode is a powerful reflection on the radical potential of drag as more than just entertainment—it is a cultural statement, a spiritual journey, and a political act. LaWhore Vagistan’s insights challenge us to rethink performance as a space of resistance, joy, and liberation. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that reshapes the way we view drag, faith, and the power of South Asian queer identity. pic by Caroline Alden

Gods, Kings, and Drag: Emperor Naaz on Reimagining Faith Through Queer Eyes

In this bonus episode of Drag Me to Heaven, Sas (Patruni Sastry) sits down with Bombay’s own Emperor Naaz, a trailblazing drag king known for their ability to channel sacred energies through their art. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between drag and spirituality, delving into how performers can respectfully incorporate sacred imagery and cultural references into their work. From embodying divine archetypes to creating transformative narratives, Sas and Naaz share personal experiences of using drag to affirm identity, reclaim heritage, and build connections to something greater than themselves. They discuss the ethical considerations of representing spirituality in queer performance, how intention shapes artistry, and the healing power of merging the sacred with the boldness of drag. This episode is an invitation to reflect on the beauty of queerness as a divine force and drag as a medium for honoring spirituality while challenging conventions. A celebration of creativity, reverence, and authenticity, this conversation highlights how drag transcends boundaries to become a profound act of affirmation and empowerment.

Drag for Palestine: Mama Ganuush on Art, Activism, and Resilience

In this powerful episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I sit down with the groundbreaking Mama Gannush, a drag artist whose work transcends performance to engage with critical social issues. 🖤✨ We explore how Mama Gannush uses her platform to amplify voices and combat injustice, including her advocacy for Palestinian solidarity and raising awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Drawing from her experiences as an artist and activist, Mama shares the intersection of drag, art, and resistance, showing how drag can be a tool for radical change. Through her evocative performances and bold political stances, Mama Gannush exemplifies how art can challenge systems of oppression while fostering community and hope. This episode is a compelling reminder of the transformative power of drag as activism. Discover more of Mama Gannush’s work at mamaganuush.com.

Two-Spirit Royalty: Landa Lakes on Drag, Activism, and Cultural Empowerment

In this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I had the honor of speaking with the iconic Landa Lakes, a Two-Spirit Chickasaw drag queen, artist, and activist based in San Francisco. 🌈 Landa shares her incredible journey from growing up in the Tupelo community of Oklahoma to becoming a leading voice in the Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities. We dive into her groundbreaking work as the founder of the Brush Arbor Gurlz and the House of Glitter, her role as Westcoast Mother of the Vogue House of Lauren, and her efforts in creating spaces like the BAAITS Two-Spirit Powwow and the Weaving Spirits Two-Spirit Performance Festival. 💃 Listen in as Landa reflects on how she uses art and drag to blend Native history, storytelling, and contemporary activism, offering a fresh perspective on human nature beyond Western ideals. From her memorable appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race to her legacy as a community leader, Landa’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and glittering impact. Explore more of Landa’s work at pashofa.com [http://pashofa.com].