Seven questions with a queen
Words by Liam Stretch. Photos Aeden Messer.
Frank AKA Hariel is a drag queen tearing up the Wellington scene. Liam Stretch fired away seven questions to get an insight into this flourishing world.
Firstly, tell us about you.
Kia ora, I’m Frank. I live in Awakairangi with my fiancé and two dogs. I’m a custom costume designer, drag performer, and high school technician. I studied a Bachelor of Design, Majoring in Fashion, where I achieved first-class honours and the title of Massey Scholar for ranking in the top 5 per cent of Massey Undergrads. The focus of my final two years of study was around drag in its critical potential through the dissection and parody of gender constructs, along with how costume can enhance this subversive narrative.
What does drag mean to you?
For me, drag is an important queer art form. It is an avenue for self-exploration and expression, allowing for experimentation of gendered ideals and markers not permitted within the dominant western culture. Drag is a subcultural vehicle for social change, as an art form it allows for the exploration and critique of hegemonic culture when viewed through the queer lens, and at its most surface reading it is an escape from the banal every day. It is provoking and exciting; it is emotional and queer as hell.
Tell me about your drag journey – who is your persona; where did you love for drag come from?
The first time Hariel was pulled out of the harbour was in April of 2016, my now fiancé was having a joint birthday party, and the theme was Disney. For some time, I had wanted to dabble in drag – it felt like an easy low-risk environment to give it a go. I really wanted to be the little mermaid but didn’t fancy shaving my baby-face masking facial hair, and so, hairy-el was born. My interest in drag was a classic millennial introduction through Drag Race and subsequently going to local shows in Wellington. After psyching myself up and giving it a proper go performing in front of a crowd, I was warmly and earnestly welcomed into the drag scene by my peers. From there my love of drag and drag costuming flourished – culminating in what is now a slight bit more than a side hustle, my own custom costume brand: Frocks by Frank. I love not only creating drag for myself but helping others materialise their performance concepts.
What are some misconceptions people often have about drag?
Touching performers is all good. There is a small percentage of people who see drag performers and think they are entitled to grab at them; touching a drag performer, touching anyone without permission is a massive no. We’ve spent hours curating looks and getting ourselves into drag, and though this is absolutely for looking at with your eyes, keeping your hands off is a must.
There are rules to drag. There are folks in and out of the drag community that have certain perceptions of how drag *should* be done and what drag is valid – which in and of itself is absurd. To gate-keep what is a subcultural performative work and creating guidelines to homogenise self-expression removes the very artistic qualities of drag that make it so unique.
What has been the biggest challenge to overcome for you in this process?
My own perceptions of what I am capable of and what I can achieve; pushing past my internal narrative of not being talented or creative enough to accomplish concepts – which is a continual challenge that is overcome by listening to feedback from peers and channelling positivity and critique into constructive growth. [I am] Honing and improving my drag in a pursuit of how I can one-up myself again.
What is the most special part about the drag community?
In my local scene, it is the unwavering support and encouragement that is shared amongst the performers. The uplifting of each other and helping one another to grow as individuals and entertainers. The sharing of knowledge and opportunities to enhance the local scene, drawing larger and more engaged audiences.
Who inspires you in the world of drag?
My Good Judy’s: Harlie Lux, Kelly Fornia, Yonic Kunt, and Luna – they work tirelessly to improve their drag and support those around them. Their honesty and kindness are invaluable and [this] encourages me to exceed my own expectations. Each of them are meticulous in their performances and aesthetics, inspiring me to work by the same ethics.