Cabaret – Getting to know Chiyo

Jason Reid meets rising drag king talent, Chiyo!


This week the cabaret spotlight falls on a rising drag king talent, Chiyo, who is part of The KOC (Kings of Colour) Initiative and is currently tearing it up in Not Another Drag Competition at Her Upstairs… 


How did you discover drag?

Through sex work – camming, specifically. I was watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and thought to myself, imagine if I logged in to chat with these horny folks as a visible dude.

Who is Chiyo?

The stray mutt of the London scene. I don’t really have a character, it’s literally just me on stage with more substances in my system. He’s the underdog, the one everyone stamps on and overlooks, but he’s a fighter.

Describe your performance style in three words?

Raw. Intense. Refreshing.

What makes you happy?

Peanut butter and The Vixen (Drag Race).

What’s it been like competing in Not Another Drag Competition?

It’s been intense. I look at Meth, Lilly SnatchDragon and the entire Her Upstairs family with such awe and admiration. Spending time with them has been beautiful. But the competition itself? Intense.

Sum up The KOC Initiative in a sentence.

The KOC Iniative is a platform set up by Zayn Phallic to promote drag kings of colour and the work we do.

What have you had enough of hearing about?

Vanity von Glow and her squad.

Who are your drag idols?

The Vixen and Benjamin Butch.

What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve been given?

My mum always tells me in Portuguese that my head is not just for a hat.

The world would be a better place without…

Cis gay white men dominating the LGBTQ+ community.

Name two artists that inspire you. 

Travis Alabanza and Sade. 

What’s been the highlight of your career as a performer so far?

The response I’m currently getting from Not Another Drag Competition. It’s truly breathtaking. 

What haven’t you done that you’d like to do? 

Win a drag queen based competition. 

For you, what is drag in 2018? 

Drag is owning yourself on stage, doing what you need to do, and leaving an impression. Whatever that may be. 

If you could only read one book, listen to one album and watch one movie for rest of your life, what would you choose? 

Book – Bad Boy by Elliot Wake. 

Album – Lovers Rock by Sade

Movie – High School Musical 2.

What’s the key to being as cool as Chiyo?

[laughs] Always listen to your loved ones. 

The KOC Initiative V: KOC Come Home is at The Glory on Tuesday 22nd May.

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