Newsflash for anyone who may not be aware: The LGBTQIA+ community, as colorful and sparkly as it may be sometimes, is actually a Matryoshka doll of minorities.
A gay man who's already ridiculed for liking other guys is shun away even more if they walk with a limp wrist and a swivel in their step. Add to that them being of a bigger size, and you're looking at someone who's told they're not desirable on multiple levels. Harsh as it may sound, it's a reality many face on the daily.
But for people like Turing, none of that was ever a hindrance to attaining their fullest and most authentic selves. The Drag Race PH alumni was beloved for her killer lipsync performances, endearing "Ate Turs" energy, and unapologetic acceptance of every flab and curve on her body. "Sumusugod, lumalaban, katabaan hindi naging hadlang," she spitted out in the season's girl group challenge, which she deservingly ended up winning.
Putting on a pair of heels and gluing on a lacefront wig became Turing's gateway into acknowledging who she really is, and audiences are afforded nothing more than to witness her greatness. Turing's presence is one you simply can't disregard, as it's one that she announces with a exuberant yet defiant boom.
Ahead, read our exclusive interview with the drag superstar to learn more about her and what makes her one of the biggest, boldest, and most beautiful figures in the local scene.
Drag Race PH's Turing on Drag Artisty and Body Positivity
Please state your gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and preferred pronouns.
"Homosexual, Genderfluid, Feminine, He/him and She/her"
When did you first come into terms with your SOGIE? What was your experience like coming out?
"I fully realized and embraced my SOGIE when I became a drag queen as it allowed me to explore a whole lot of me. I guess you can say, I met [myself] through my drag.
"Regarding my coming out, I don't have the usual, big, emotional story. I never really felt the need to come out because I [was] fortunate enough that my family accepted me for who I am, and I wish that for all members of [the] LGBTQIA+ [community]."
When did you start getting into drag? How has this career helped you express your most authentic self?
"I started doing drag professionally in 2017. I love that in drag, it doesn't really matter what you look like (mpst of the time). [It's about] how great of a performer you are. It really helped me fully embody myself, especially my body size."
How do you think your drag helps uplift the queer community? How does your work celebrate or highlight them?
"Being my authentic self [and] how I love every flab and curve [on] my body. I would like to think that my being body-positive helped a lot of queer (and straight) folks to also love themselves no matter what size they are in now."
What can you say is your biggest break yet as a drag artist?
"Definitely being part of Drag Race Philippines, and when I get to light up the whole Araneta Coliseum during the Werq the World Manila Tour."
What inspires you to keep expressing your truest self despite the pushback from society? How do you, in your own way, fight back against the discrimination LGBTQIA+ people face daily?
"The discrimination itself inspires me to keep on pushing things for the better. It fires me more to fight for our rights as members of the rainbow community because we deserve it."
What’s one misconception about the queer community do most non-queer people have that you want to debunk?
"That we automatically like all straight people. Haha! Especially with gay men. There are straight men out there (though definitely not all of them) who assume that and its just SO. NOT. TRUE. LOL."
What would be your message to your younger self? How about to young queer kids who are still discovering themselves?
"To my younger self: Be brave. Be bold. Stop apologizing. Love yourself more. To young queer kids out there: Be free. Enjoy life. Study well!"
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