Asifa Lahore is a drag artist who challenges norms around being LGBT, South Asian, and Muslim. She appeared in Channel 4’s 2015 documentary ‘Muslim Drag Queens’, narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, which drew 1.1 million viewers. That year, she won the Attitude Magazine Pride Award for her activism and visibility efforts for the ‘Gaysian’ community. Asifa made her acting debut in the Iris Prize 2022 winner ‘Queer Parivaar’, directed by Shiva Raichandani, and also featured in the BAFTA TV-nominated ‘Always, Asifa’, documenting her journey to gender affirmation for Together TV’s Diversity Film Fund 2022. Passionate about disability rights, Asifa is severely sighted and has Retinitis Pigmentosa.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Asifa spoke about her personal journey, perception in shifting within LGBTQ and South Asian community, South Asian Heritage Month and more.
Can you share your personal journey of becoming a drag artist and how it intersects with your identity as a South Asian and Muslim?
My journey as a drag artist has been challenging. I began 14 years ago, at a time when the landscape for drag—especially for South Asian and Muslim performers—was vastly different. There were few outspoken drag artists from these communities willing to publicly embrace the art form, which led to significant backlash from both my family and community. However, over the years, I’ve witnessed a shift towards greater acceptance and awareness. Despite the personal and professional obstacles I faced, I’m now in a happy place and feel privileged to be pursuing this as a full-time career.
Can you share a moment in your career that felt particularly triumphant or validating?
Earlier this year, I travelled to Pakistan to shoot a music video for my Bollywood cover of "Sharara." The production process was swift, but the experience was deeply meaningful. Although I was aware through the internet that there were queer communities in Pakistan, meeting and working with queer Pakistanis in person was incredibly validating. It showed me that, despite the challenges, these communities are not as underground as often portrayed. People are out there, living their lives authentically and finding happiness despite the struggles. This realisation was profoundly affirming for me.
Have you noticed a shift in perceptions within LGBTQ+ and South Asian communities over the years? If so, how?
When I started 14 years ago, I never imagined I’d be asked to host the main stage at Pride in Trafalgar Square, London. Such opportunities were unthinkable back then. The perceptions and stereotypes of South Asians in the media have evolved significantly. We now see increased representation in Indian and Pakistani cinema, dramas, and South Asian media overall. There is greater awareness and spotlight on these issues, with many actors and filmmakers addressing them. In Britain, particularly among the younger generation, there’s a stronger understanding of queer issues and their connection to broader human rights. This generation is growing up with a firm belief in equality. With same-sex desi weddings happening in the UK and the decriminalisation of homosexuality in India, progress is definitely being made.
This year's South Asian Heritage Month theme is "Free to be Me." What does this theme mean to you personally?
To me, embracing who you are means being the best version of yourself. Personally, as a British, South Asian, Pakistani, Muslim, transgender, queer, and disabled individual, being true to myself involves not hiding any part of who I am and living authentically. I believe everyone should have the freedom to fully express themselves everywhere and at all times. If we lived in a world where everyone could be their true selves without fear or restriction, it would undoubtedly be a much happier place.
How do you hope the celebrations and awareness during South Asian Heritage Month will influence future generations?
South Asian Heritage Month has gained significant momentum over the past four years, especially since the pandemic. Yet, within the South Asian communities, we often don't speak out about our experiences with racism in the West and the diaspora as loudly as, for example, the Black community does. We need to come together and proudly share our stories because, as the largest diaspora globally, South Asians—encompassing the populations of all South Asian countries. Despite this, we often remain subdued and focused on our individual pursuits rather than celebrating our shared heritage. We should take greater pride in our identity and culture, moving beyond stereotypes like the Bollywood or Indian clichés, and assertively showcase the richness and diversity of our South Asian heritage.
