An Interview With Brigitte Bandit

A drag queen on the frontlines

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Brigitte Bandit performing at Cheer Up Charlie’s in Austin, Texas. Via Instagram.

Today I’m excited to share with you an interview with my favorite local drag queen: Brigitte Bandit. Bandit is a staple here in Austin, performing regularly at clubs across the city at hosting my personal favorite event, a queer 90s country night called Neon Rainbows. Bandit has found herself in the spotlight recently because of the anti-drag bills being proposed in the Texas legislature. These bills come alongside other pieces of legislation that intend to ban gender-affirming healthcare for trans folks and prohibit any LGBTQ materials from being taught in schools.

Rather than ignoring these hateful bills and moving on, Bandit and many of her fellow drag queens have taken it upon themselves to fight back. Bandit often includes political commentary in her drag performances – see above – and recently made headlines when she testified in front of the Senate against these bills. (If you live outside of Texas and want to help, consider donating to Equality Texas.)

I spoke to Bandit about her history as a drag performer, what she thinks drag brings to the queer community and the world at large, and what it was like to testify in front of the Senate. To hear more from her, follow Brigitte on Instagram.

How did you come to be a drag performer?

I started about 4 1/2 years ago by going to balls and open drag stages. I actually won a trophy for best dressed at a ball in my first time in drag. I then did a local drag competition here called Drag Class where I came in second (by two points!) but it helped establish Brigitte within the local community. 

What role do you think drag plays within the queer community?

Drag allows people to explore themselves outside of the cis- het- normative society that a lot of us grow up in. Drag performers have always been advocates for change both within the queer community and outside of the queer community. Drag allows endless possibilities for how a person can explore and express themselves which is crucial for queer expression and to know who we are and what we stand for. 

What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of drag? (Whether from those familiar or unfamiliar with the community – or both.) 

People who want to ban drag do not see drag as a full and complete artform that can be done with different intentions and for different audiences as with other forms of art. Drag is not inherently sexual as they try to argue, although there may be shows that are R-rated and raunchy. But just like an actor can do an R-rated film and a G-rated film, drag performers can also turn around and do things like drag story times that are intentionally modified to be appropriate for children. Drag is simply playing dress up; no different than a clown, or a Disney princess, or someone performing in a play. 

What do you think is unique about the drag scene in Austin or in Texas more broadly?

The drag scene here in Austin is incredibly diverse. We celebrate queens, and kings, and drag monsters, and drag clowns, and whatever anyone wants to be. When we celebrate all these different forms of expression, it encourages others to explore the possibilities for themselves as well. The variety of entertainers we have has led to a very large and diverse community that seems to be growing every day. 

You've recently been involved in the movement to prevent anti-trans and anti-queer bills from passing the Texas legislature, including testifying in front of the Senate. How was that experience for you, and what have you learned from it that you want to share with others?

Testifying in front of the Senate required waiting 6-7 hours to speak for two minutes and most of the Senators (especially the ones who needed to hear us most) left the chamber once the opposition to the bill (such as myself) started speaking. It was a frustrating experience to see how the legislators who are supposed to represent their fellow Texans didn't even stay to listen to us after we sacrificed our whole day to be there and put hours of time into drafting our testimonies only to be actively ignored. I find it cowardly that they would choose to only listen to those who confirm their current beliefs instead of taking the time to consider the ideas of those who it would affect most. But a couple things about queer people-- we're really loud and extremely resilient. I would like to think most of those Senators who left have heard my testimony through other sources since going viral despite not being there physically to witness as they should have been. And I wouldn't let it deter anyone else from trying to make their voice heard because that is what they want. We have to continue showing up and fighting back no matter how much they try to silence or ignore us. There are multiple ways to state your support or opposition to a bill without having to wait to testify if you don't have the time-- follow Equality Texas for more info on how to get involved in the record number of anti-queer bills happening right now in this legislative session. 

Bandit testifying in front of the Texas senate in opposition to anti-drag bills. Via The Austin-American Statesman.

Who are some other performers – drag queens or not – that have inspired you in your life? 

I grew up listening to Cher-- she was actually my first concert cause my mom won us tickets at a look-alike contest! She is my fashion idol; she and Bob Mackie made magic together. Then my second concert was Dolly Parton, who is now my tribute act I'm most known for here in Austin. My testimony was actually drafted based on the way Dolly responds to those to misunderstand her with grace, kindness and humor. I've watched so many of her interviews. And as a 90s baby who was a teenager in the 2000s, Lady Gaga changed everything of what I expected from entertainers when she stepped into the scene. I will never forget watching that iconic VMAs performance to Paparazzi as it was happening. I still get chills rewatching it. As for drag queens, I adore Sasha Velour. She is so eloquent and her performances are so thoughtful. I've also found a lot of inspiration from Fancy Shews! and Sin Wai Kin-- both UK based drag artists that were some of the first examples I could find of other AFAB drag queens when I was trying to get started myself. And finally my mother was a performer while I was growing up under the stage name The Bandit. Our garage was filled with costumes and props for her shows that she would make herself. Obviously that is what inspired my drag name Brigitte Bandit. Love her so much!

What is the most rewarding part of doing drag for you? What has been the most meaningful feedback you've gotten from audiences?

The most rewarding part of doing drag for me is seeing the joy it brings to people. And I am able to spread that joy because drag has given me a space to explore and celebrate myself in my most authentic way, and that has so much power. I love watching the videos people tag of me after the show not only to see how I performed, but to get a closer look at the audience's reactions. It builds community, not only between drag performers, but also with those who come to the shows, no matter if they're bachelorettes at brunch or regulars at the weeklys. I get to meet and perform for so many different kinds of people and it's so wonderful to be included in the celebrations I'm invited to perform in. The most meaningful feedback I've been getting recently is being able to change others' minds about what drag is. When they experience us and our art, they're able to recognize the joy of drag and see the truth of who we are and what we do. I've gotten messages from people that I've helped shift their parents or family members' perspectives, and that is so important right now!

One last fun question: If you were in the new Barbie movie, what would your character tagline be? 

I already did this one on my IG! This Barble is a female impersonator impersonator. And she's got something to say!

brigittebandit

A post shared by Brigitte Bandit (@brigittebandit)