Drag Queens Compete for Prime Prize in Nicaragua Pageant

MANAGUA (Reuters) – In a packed bar in Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, on Friday night time, greater than 1,000 individuals gathered to see a bunch of drag queens battle it out to grab the crown for finest efficiency whereas representing a number of Central American nations.

The Combine Imperial Central American Tropical Drag Royale offered a stage for drag performers in a area the place LGBT individuals usually face discrimination and financial hardship.

“It is a type of catharsis,” stated Alexa Evangelista, a drag queen from El Salvador and one of many night time’s performers, who lip-synched and danced for the adoring crowd.

A jury of the three finalists from the Royale’s first version in 2019 topped the winner, taking in to account the viewers’s assist.

“Such a platform offers visibility to queer artists that we do not have in our nations in Central America, the place we lack institutional and authorities assist,” Evangelista stated.

Drag queen Peppe Pig stated the pageant gave her the chance to journey outdoors her residence nation of Guatemala, and that drag has helped her meet new mates and her present companion.

“Drag has actually opened so many doorways.”

Nicaraguan drag queen Akeyra Davenport took residence the night time’s crown in her first competitors after 11 years as a drag artist.

“It offers me the initiative to maintain shifting ahead, to proceed pursuing one among many desires which have left me behind,” she stated.

(Reporting by Maynor Valenzuela in Managua; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle; Enhancing by Matthew Lewis)

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