It was (almost) the chronicle of an announced victory. Keiona won the season 2 finale of “Drag Race France”, broadcast Friday on France 2, after having had a flawless run in the competition. In the previous eight episodes, the 31-year-old drag queen had never found herself at the bottom of the leaderboard and had won two “maxi-challenges”. She triumphed in the home straight against a serious competitor, Sara Forever, who had won in four (or half) of the eight maxi-challenges of the season. Less than 24 hours after officially succeeding Paloma, crowned last year in season 1, Keiona confided in 20 minutes.
The recording of the final took place last Sunday in public at the Grand Rex and you only learned on Friday, at the same time as the broadcast of the program on television, that you were officially the winner. How did you experience these days of waiting?
The week seemed short to me and the wait was rather quiet. I was especially looking forward to seeing the TV rendering of this episode, which we shot in less than three hours, which is still exceptional. We usually take a lot more time.
However, you have always been at the top of the rankings, which is unheard of in “Drag Race” and many fans of the show thought that your victory was a matter of course. Did you still doubt?
I think that victory is never written in advance and that it is played at the time of the final lypsinc. This is the test on which Nicky Doll [l’animatrice] should be the basis to decide between us. Obviously, my good results over the episodes helped me secure a position in the final. But I seriously prepared my looks and my performances, with the reveals [les changements de tenue pendant la prestation sur scène] to be sure to present the best show possible in order to leave the stage without regret, telling myself that I had given everything I had.
What meaning do you put in this coronation at “Drag Race France”?
It’s quite symbolic. I am the first black queen to win one of the international franchises [il existe une douzaine d’adaptations en dehors de l’émission originale américaine] and the premiere of the ballroom community [un espace qui regroupe principalement des personnes LGBT et/ou non-blanches qui y trouvent un espace pour s’émanciper et exprimer leurs talents]. Several queens from the ballroom community have participated in other versions, but without necessarily reaching the final. By winning, I know that I bring my community to another platform. I managed to represent her so I’m quite proud of my career.
How was your career perceived in the ballroom community?
Members of the “House of Revlon” [une « house » ou « maison » est une famille choisie, et, pour schématiser, une équipe qui participe à des « balls », des compétitions où les participantes et participantes sont évaluées sur les looks, les attitudes, etc.]of which I am a part, wanted me to avenge them because we finished third in season 3 of “Legendary” [une compétition de danse voguing lancée par la plateforme américaine HBO Max]. I had that in mind when I entered the workshop of “Drag Race France” for the first time, I said to myself “OK, there is level here, but we will fight and I can do it. My “house” encouraged me enormously, she was there for me and I can’t thank her enough.
The ballroom scene is probably unknown to a large number of viewers of France 2. In your opinion, should it be more publicized or should it remain protected from the attention of the general public?
Too late ! We have already been very publicized (laughs) for a few years. The “balls” are more and more popular events in bigger and bigger places. There are dedicated channels on YouTube. But, even if it is more exposed, the scene remains a “safe space” [« un endroit protégé, à l’abri des discriminations et des propos et comportements oppressifs »], it is necessary to respect the rules of the place. Everyone is not necessarily interested, there are people who watch from afar. The ballroom community has always been a place where fashion or dance professionals came to get ideas for their creations.
In 2018, you were one of the artists from the ballroom scene who took part in the Fête de la Musique at the Elysée. At the time, it sparked strong reactions, some of which were clearly homophobic, transphobic and racist. Do you think that in five years mentalities have evolved?
I experienced this 2018 Music Festival as a booking [un cachet] like the others, except that it was at the Elysée. If it had happened this year, unfortunately there would have been the same reactions as then. There are a lot of mentalities to change and that’s why you have to be present in these spaces, you have to occupy these spaces. You have to exist there because there are plenty of places where you can’t exist. For some, we seem like an anomaly because they are not used to seeing this kind of thing and these people in these places. Being on the steps of the Elysée for a voguing show with a brilliant DJ like Kiddy Smile was a perfect opportunity to exist and prove that what we do in art can be political.
Among the gifts you won with your coronation in “Drag Race France”, there is the promise to make the front page of “Elle”. Can’t wait?
Yes, yes and yes. I don’t know what else to say (laughs). I’ve done photo shoots before, but here we’re talking about a magazine cover. I still can’t realize what it’s going to be, it’s going to be historic, it’s going to be the first of so many things. I can’t wait to be there and see what we’re going to create together.
Paloma, winner of season 1, benefited from wide media visibility. Are you preparing for a similar exhibition?
I am ready. This crown implies the duty to carry the voice of a community. I was chosen by Nicky, but I was supported by the fans, by the people of “Drag Race France”. If I have the opportunity, I will go on TV shows, in various events, to convey messages, in words or with my outfits – clothes can allow you to say very strong things.
You said in interviews that you had built yourself as a queer person by referring to American personalities, for lack of similar figures in France. Are you aware of being a reference today for many queer people in France?
(She laughs) It’s a bit difficult to say, but I would be honored to be a queer reference in France. It’s a heavy responsibility to bear, you have to be an example for the younger generations, show how to defend yourself and make your voice heard. It’s a hat I want to wear.
On the show, you explained on several occasions that the notions of transmission and support were close to your heart…
It’s something very ingrained in ballroom culture. As a “mother” (“mother” symbolic) of a “house”, I accompanied many young queers in their personal development, young trans girls in their transition. I have that thing in me. In my family, I am the eldest of many children and it is my role to help the youngest, to show them how to do it and, when I don’t know how, to go and see the older ones. (laughs).
You have also said several times that you do not plan to shine without the other candidates also shining. Do you conceive your art in a collective dynamic rather than individual?
That’s it. I have the crown, but we did season 2 together. If the show is what it is, it’s because we made it to eleven candidates. The season is legendary and highly watched because the cast is amazing. When I entered the workshop and saw the other queens, I wondered how Nicky Doll was going to do to decide between us. Just by eye, without knowing the queens, they were all in personal and different looks. I thought it was going to be very good and it was confirmed.
What are your short term actions?
Already, there is the “Drag Race Live” tour which starts in not even two weeks [le 7 septembre au Casino de Paris]. We’re ready, the show will be incredible, we’ve pulled out all the stops. In parallel with the tour, I prepare music. This should happen mid-September. It’s moving and it will be in collaboration with other artists.
Something to add ?
I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who support me and who support “Drag Race France”.