Welcome to another episode of Kentucky Queeries, where Louisville Drag Queen Sydni Hampton and Louisville Pride Foundation Executive Director Ebony Cross continue to highlight influential voices in the LGBTQIA+ community. This week, we are thrilled to have Zsa Zsa Gabortion, a multifaceted artist and advocate, who shares her journey into the world of drag, activism and health work.
In this episode, Zsa Zsa also tackles critical topics such as racism, navigating difficult conversations with family, and finding teachable moments. She offers insights on how to become an activist, why vaccines matter, and the importance of making change in your community. Learn how your activism might need to evolve and adapt over time to be more effective.
Zsa Zsa's Bio
Demeter Castillo, known in the vibrant world of drag as Zsa Zsa Gabortion, is a multifaceted artist and advocate, deeply rooted in the traditions of drag and influenced by the flamboyant lifestyle of Zsa Zsa Gabor. Born and raised with a strong appreciation for craft and creativity, Gabortion embarked on her drag journey after an impactful Halloween experience, leading her to explore and refine her skills in makeup and costume design, primarily self-taught through YouTube tutorials.
Gabortion is celebrated for her intricate and original costume designs, which she showcases at prominent venues like PLAY Louisville and Le Moo Drag Brunch, among others in the southeastern United States. Her creative prowess extends to designing outfits for prominent figures like Jade Jolie of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Dragula" fame, including a notable costume for Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down" music video.
Her drag performances, known for their wit, charm, and meticulous attention to detail, often feature characters from pop culture, such as "Barb" from Stranger Things and "Pearl" from the movies X and Pearl. Gabortion emphasizes the extensive effort behind each performance, highlighting the hours of planning, crafting, and execution that go into the final presentation.
In addition to her stage work, Gabortion's advocacy extends to charitable endeavors wherein she utilizes drag and religious imagery to address and satirize issues of sexual intolerance and gender. She is a vocal advocate for recognizing the foundational contributions of Black and Latinx individuals to the drag and ballroom cultures, acknowledging their profound influence on her work and the broader drag community.
Gabortion's commitment to crafting, influenced by her crafty mother and inspired by figures like Gunnar Deatherage and talented Black women in the custom dress business, underscores her deep respect for the art of costume design. Her process varies from intricate sketches to spontaneous creations inspired by fabric and song, always aiming for perfection in each detail, whether for a high-concept look or a tailored piece for performance.
Zsa Zsa Gabortion not only entertains but educates and inspires, weaving together the threads of advocacy, artistry, and personal history into a powerful expression of drag culture. Her work promises to leave a lasting impact, both on stage and in the communities she touches, celebrating the rich legacy and vibrant future of drag performance.
Vaccine Info | https://louprideky.org/vaccine/
Connect with Zsa Zsa
Instagram | @zsazsagabortion
TikTok | @zsazsagabortion
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