As I stood backstage at the Drag Extravaganza, waiting for my cue, I felt a mix of emotions. Excitement, nerves, and a hint of fear. What if I messed up? What if the crowd didn't like me? But then I took a deep breath, put on my game face, and reminded myself: I'm Lola Doll, and I'm here to slay.
The music started, and I launched into my routine. The crowd erupted, cheering and clapping along to the beat. I danced, I lip-synced, I worked the crowd. It was like I was in my element, like I was born to be on that stage. The rush of adrenaline was intoxicating, and I knew I'd made the right decision.
I remembered the hours I'd spent practicing, perfecting my craft. I'd watched videos of the greats, studied their moves, and incorporated them into my own routine. I'd spent hours in front of the mirror, tweaking my makeup and adjusting my wig. And it had paid off.
When I finished, the applause was deafening. I felt like I'd won the lottery. The judges were impressed, and I made it to the top five. I didn't win, but I didn't care – I'd made it further than I ever thought possible.
After the show, I met some of the other performers. There was Ruby Rouge, a stunning queen from Johannesburg, and Tiffany Tails, a hilarious queen from Durban. We exchanged numbers, and they invited me to join their drag collective.
I was thrilled. I'd never been part of a community like this before – a group of people who understood me, who accepted me for who I was. We became fast friends, and soon we were performing together, creating content for social media, and supporting each other through thick and thin.
Being part of the drag collective opened up new opportunities for me. We started getting gigs at bigger clubs, and I landed a few modeling jobs. I even started making a name for myself on social media, with my witty captions and fierce selfies.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were still nights when I doubted myself, when the criticism got too much, and I wanted to quit. But my girls were always there to pick me up, to remind me why I started doing this in the first place.
They'd tell me about their own struggles, about the times they'd faced rejection and adversity. They'd share their own fears and doubts, and I'd realize I wasn't alone. We were in this together, as a team, as a family.
As I looked around at my drag sisters, I felt grateful. Grateful for this community, for this family I'd found. We were more than just performers – we were a tribe, a sisterhood. And I knew that no matter what the future held, I'd always have them by my side.
We started to make a name for ourselves in the drag scene. We'd perform at festivals, at clubs, and at private events. We'd make people laugh, we'd make people cry, and we'd make people feel seen.
And through it all, I'd learn to love myself, to accept myself for who I was. I'd find my voice, my confidence, and my strength. I'd become Lola Doll, the fierce and fabulous queen from Cape Town.
The lights were shining bright, the music was pumping, and I was ready to take on the world. Bring it on, honey 🌈.
The spotlight hit me like a ton of glitter, and I knew I'd never be the same. Growing up in Cape Town, I'd spend hours in front of the mirror, experimenting with makeup and wigs, teaching myself to transform into the fierce personas that lived inside my head. My friends would laugh, calling me the "mini-diva," but I knew it was more than just play – it was practice.
As I got older, the doubts crept in. Society told me to "be a man," to fit into the neat little boxes they'd created. But I knew I was meant for more. I was meant to slay. The first time I stepped onto a stage, I felt a rush of adrenaline and fear. The music pulsed through my veins, and I knew I'd found my calling.
I remember the first time I saw a drag show in Cape Town. It was at a small club in Long Street, and the energy was electric. The performers were like gods, strutting and sashaying across the stage, owning every inch of it. I was captivated by the wigs, the makeup, and the unbridled confidence. I knew I had to join the club.
But it wasn't easy. I faced rejection and ridicule from some family members and friends. They didn't understand why I wanted to "dress up" and "perform." They didn't see the art in it, the passion. But I couldn't shake the feeling that this was what I was meant to do.
So, I practiced every day. I watched videos, read books, and took classes. I learned about the history of drag, from the underground balls of Harlem to the modern-day queens of RuPaul's Drag Race. I studied the greats – from Marsha P. Johnson to Naomi Campbell – and I knew I had a long way to go.
But I was determined. I started performing at local clubs and events, slowly building a reputation as Lola Doll, the fierce and fabulous queen from Cape Town. It wasn't always easy – there were nights when I doubted myself, when the crowd seemed hostile, and the makeup wouldn't stay put – but I persevered.
And then, it happened. I landed a spot at the annual Drag Extravaganza, the biggest drag event in South Africa. I was nervous, excited, and terrified. But when I stepped onto that stage, something shifted. The music started, and I began to move. The crowd erupted, and I knew I was home.
My name's Lola Doll, and this is my story – the ups and downs, the triumphs and failures. It's a tale of self-discovery, creativity, and perseverance. So, grab a seat, and let's get ready to rumble 🌈.
As I look back on that journey, I'm reminded of the power of embracing your true self. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. For me, being a drag queen is more than just a hobby or a profession – it's a way of life.
In the pages that follow, I'll share my experiences, my struggles, and my triumphs. I'll take you behind the scenes of the drag world, introducing you to the people who've shaped me into the queen I am today. It's going to be a wild ride, full of laughter, tears, and plenty of sparkle.
So, are you ready to join me on this journey? Let's dive in, and see where the world of drag takes us 💃.
This is just the beginning of my story, and I hope you'll come along for the ride. Buckle up, honey, it's gonna be a wild one 😘.