Interview - Amanda Bang
Amanda Bang! Kicking things off when did you discover drag?
I have always been interested in dress as a girl from an early age. It wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I truly discovered the real world of drag thanks my friends at university recommending a little show called ‘Rupaul’s Drag Race’. My mum always said I’ll be a drag Queen and she was right!
How would you describe your drag aesthetic?
I’d say my drag aesthetic is big, bold and banging. I always wear the biggest dresses and wigs. You could never loose me in a crowd.
What inspires your drag?
I consider drag to be an art form and like most artists I’m never truly happy with a finished piece of work. I’m always striving to gain more skills and ways to improve upon my looks. Something else that inspires my drag is the people I meet and perform to. I’d like to think that doing drag I can make people happy and forget the real world for an evening.
What emoji bests describes your drag?
💃🏻 The sassy dancer because I’m always trying to dance even though I look like a flopping fish.
Why should people come see a show you are in?
I’m always out to have a good time and I will make it my mission that you do too! The shows I’m a part of are always filled with queens bursting with talent and charisma.
Why and when did your obsession with chicken nuggets start?
Just to put this into context I have got a nickname for being the nugget queen! I’m not sure when it started but I know why it happened. After a gig I’d end up at a McDonald’s and usually order myself a 20 box of McNuggets. I started posting a lot about nuggets on my Instagram and I was henceforth known for my nug obsession.
RuPauls Drag Race has pushed drag into the mainstream however, there is more to drag. Why is supporting local drag important?
This question is very important with the fast approach of Drag Race UK. Supporting your local drag means you’re a fan of the art form and not just a fan of the TV show. Ru girls all started off as someone’s local girl so with Drag Race UK coming you could be seeing your favourite local girls!
Another reason to go see your local drag is to support YOUR local LGBT+ venues. Over the years I have seen many LGBT+ venues close down and it’s so hard to find these types of venues now a days. Most nights I work for are an external LGBT+ night that operates once a week (usually a weekday) in a regular venue. We need to support venues that are supporting our community and aren’t just doing an LGBT+ night for profit.
“ I’m always out to have a good time and I will make it my mission that you do too! The shows I’m a part of are always filled with queens bursting with talent and charisma. ”
What is your current favourite track to lip sync to?
It’s always changing but at the moment I adore performing ballads! I’ve recently been performing ‘And I’m telling you’ a lot.
What is the first thing you do after a show?
One of the first things I do is remove the most annoying things of drag. The order of removal is usually wig, lashes, shoes then all my outfit! Nothing feels better than undoing or corset and spilling out of it.
What does the future hold for you?
I plan on my future to further my drag even more. I’m never satisfied with my art and I strive to improve on everything. I’ve recently started sewing my own outfits which is a skill I hope to perfect over the year. My goal for the future is to have drag be my full time job!
Any last shout outs?
I’d like to thank anyone who has come to support any nights I’ve worked at. A huge shout out to my regular night Glitterbomb which you can see me at. Also if you want you can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @amandabang69.