PRIDE: Kumela Kumslut on using drag as a platform for positivity
Meet one of the drag queens who are paving their own paths, breaking the rules along the way, as they fight for the freedom to be their authentic selves.
A professional photographer by day and a free-swinging drag performer by night, Kumela Kumslut—this story’s lensman’s very own alias—is a creative in every sense of the word. She and her bright-coloured wigs have become synonymous to the local drag scene ever since she made her first appearance at a Halloween bash in 2016. There, she was approached to host a Rainbow Rojak happening, a notorious queer community event, which she said yes to and the rest is, as they say, herstory.
That’s an interesting name you got there. What’s the story behind it?
I want to use drag as a medium to speak about an issue that’s important to me which is sex positivity. I also want to start a conversation on HIV and AIDS because a lot of young people in the community don’t seem to care about it and that worries me.
How do you incorporate that in your routine?
I work with PT Foundation quite regularly. Sometimes I’d have their representatives at the parties and they would provide free screening or give away condoms for free. I’d also get them on stage to talk about what they do and basically share information about these things.
When it comes to the performances, how long does it take you to prepare and what goes into that preparation?
I would take about three hours because I like to take my time. When it comes to preparing a set, I essentially plan according to what I’m feeling at the time. From there, I’d think about the song selection, the colours that I want to wear, the hair and so on.
If you were to perform today, what would the set look like?
These days I am feeling a little sombre but I have been performing in colours, for some reason.
So it doesn’t really translate your true feelings?
It does to me. People might not see that but it is fine. As long as they enjoy it and they are entertained, then the job is done.
Given that the drag culture is still a taboo in our society, do you feel pressured to keep some things hidden?
Let’s just say that I wouldn’t go to Kampung Baru in full drag. I mean, you have to know where you can and cannot go, and when you should and shouldn’t say certain things. But you should always speak up for yourself and for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Have you ever run into trouble with the authorities?
One time in 2018 and it was during Ramadan. They came to a club where I was performing at and showed the owner my Instagram profile, saying that they were looking for me. Luckily I wasn’t there at the time. After that incident, we held off all events for like five to six months just to lay low.
How did you feel about that?
I hated it. But we had to look after ourselves. The reason why we have these events in the first place is to create a safe space for people who don’t feel safe in the outside world. So it’s important for me to keep it that way for everybody especially my Muslim friends because they definitely would get it worse.
Do you think that’s going to change anytime soon?
No. As long as the people who are running the country now are still in power, Malaysia is never going to change. That said, the hate needs to stop. I mean, it’s not like we’re out here, in drag, killing people; you know what I mean? If anything it’s the people who want to kill us!
PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos Khu (@CARLOSKHU)
