Slaysian Persuasian Special Edition (with @siamphusri and Quinn Amann Krunch)

Hello everyone, welcome to Slaytion Persuasion, a very special edition of Slaytion Persuasion. Well, you can notice there's a gap and there's a chair in between Virginia and I. We have two very extra special guests who will be joining us today for this episode. We're not going to be talking about an episode per se, but this episode of Slaytion Persuasion is going to be really exciting since we have—

Yeah, and to give you a clue, one of them just came straight from Thailand.

But yes, but yeah, well, we need to introduce ourselves. Well, you know who we are, you know who we are at this point.

Let's do it anyway. I'm Virginia Please.

And I'm Calypso.

And this is Slated Persuasion.

Yes, let's just bring out our guest. I mean, y'all are waiting, so we do— she has her own intro entrance song, so we can like chant and summon her so that she comes here.

Yes.

Hai Siam, Sawadee ka! And with that, please welcome Welcome, Siam Pusri to East Asian Persuasion. I know, right?

Let me just touch her. I can't believe she's here.

She's really here. She came straight from our screens and bam, right here in between us.

Same here.

We just used to talk about you a lot, but starting your praises, singing my song.

Her stumping, like They're chanting, you guys.

Stop chanting. All right, so how has it been? How do you feeling? How are you feeling right now here in San Francisco?

I feel like coming home. You guys feeling home to me.

That's so sweet.

Because I'm here, you know, I moved to San Francisco when I was 20, and now I'm 36.

Oh wow.

36?

Girl, you're so young.

Girl, you're so young.

Let's not talk about age.

Now I learned how to do, you know, when you're like No, we've been doing that same every time we say a big word, we say we repeat it again, right? Right.

Now I'm learning. Hi, Siam!

So welcome home, Siam. San Francisco is of course one of the many homes that you've had in your life. Um, tell us a little bit about your journey and how— well, before we talk about Slay Asian Royale, which we're also curious about, tell us about your experience on Drag Race Thailand Season 3.

Yeah, Drag Race Thailand Season 3 is feel like the beginning of Siam, you know, because I've not really know anything about the TV. But I think when I go to Slay Asian, I still don't know about TV again, but I enjoy myself a lot, you know. Sometime when you not really know anything and you go there very fresh. Yeah. And I feel like I serve some fresh meat.

Yes, you did.

And the world ate it up. The world ate it up. Um, so tell us about— so Back then you were still living in San Francisco when you were doing Drag Race Thailand Season 3, correct?

Yes.

So you were in that season, you were the first international.

Behind building, Le Phuc Plaza.

Oh really? That's where you used to live?

Oh yeah, I remember.

Yeah, they used to be neighbors then. Used to be neighbors. Yes, kind of. So tell us about that part because in that season you were the only international contestant. Everybody else was from Thailand. And I still remember when you walked into the workroom, everyone was like, who is that? Who is she?

I guess everybody knew each other except for Sai. Yes.

Did you know any of the queens when you walked in for this?

Absolutely not. Because not really going back Thailand and see any drag shows.

So you didn't do drag in Thailand?

No, I'm not doing drag in Thailand. And I didn't expect I'm going to do drag in my life.

Because you've had a little bit— I've listened to your other podcast interviews as research preparing. So you lived a life as a flight attendant. And then you moved here to the US. And then you were able to experience so many different things. And drag was pretty recent in your life, right? So how long have you been doing drag?

Now we can say like 3 or 4 years now.

Wow.

Very recent. Since Sydney Gay Pride during the COVID with Sia. That means my first time that I go perform anything on the gay pride.

Oh, wow.

I'm a queen of Tenderloin.

So that's so interesting because— We should warn her, by the way. Will we see her there tonight?

Lark it, lark it. $25 per hour.

The rate's gone up. You've been on TV twice. You have to at least triple that.

2,000.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I know someone, by the way, they $5, $5 for the interview.

And is that going to be in dollars or pesos?

Now we all need money.

No, but what a ride you've, you've, you've done so far. 3 years and you've You're now international girl. That's so fast. And how does it feel?

I feel unbelievable because for a time when I told myself if I want to be drag, I need to be some kind of like RuPaul girl and everything. I need to be on the TV. I set myself like that. And then when it happened, it happened.

Dreams do come true.

Yeah, just keep doing you. Uh, it seems like when I pray every day, you know, when you pray, it's kind of like you listen yourself, what you want every day. If the thing that you want, it's still the same every day, it means you need to make it happen, right? And then come to you.

Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. And you're manifesting. You did it, you did it.

So my phone, I still have like a wallpaper, you know, like that. This is how I manifest myself.

And you made it happen, you made it happen. Actually, there's one thing that I want to talk about. Since both of us, like all of us are Asian drag artists, we represent different parts of Asia. And even though you started your drag journey here in the US, your drag is very informed by your Thai heritage. And you so proudly represent that. Every time that I'd seen you before, it was always with some cultural edge to your look, even though your drag journey started here. Tell us about how culture, and specifically your Thai culture, manifests into your drag.

I feel like even not being in US, I probably not be proud of my Thai because I probably everyone represent themselves. But here, when you don't have anyone represent yet, I like to be the first one and the first proud to, you know, introduce everyone. And when we are Asian, sometimes it's same thing like we're eating food.

Actually, because I know I don't know of anyone who really represents Thai drag before you. Do you know anyone?

No, I mean, I know other drag queens who are of Thai descent. Yeah, there's a couple in LA, but no one— like, the way that you do it, Siam, is like, I think your drag aesthetic is also so more is more is more is more, right?

It has to be more.

Yeah, it's very extravagant, like with the pieces, the crowns. I know other Thai drag artists, but I've never seen them represent the same way you did, even with your name, for example. Like, Siam is an old name for the country of Thailand, right?

Right. So I'm like, if I want to be drag You need to know what you have and what you don't have first. Sometimes if you focus about what you don't have, you're not going to be happy. But if you focus about what you have and make it up, make it work, make it unique, make people see. That's, I think, my astrology for my drag.

And let me just emphasize that you create all your outfits, and we're just blown away. Even before you went to Drag Race.

Yeah.

How did you learn all of that?

Because when you don't have much money, then you have to like survive. Make it work, that's right. Make it work, you know, because sometimes— but the good thing for me, I invest the first time for me to buy like a secondhand from Thai designer because during COVID you know, I would love to help them because they're not really going well that time. And I feel like, okay, US dollar probably chopping a lot, and I did chop a lot without thinking too much. And now when I invest already, it kind of like you need to do something. And when you do drag, you know, when we become Eileen with the hate people, everything, it makes me want to do more and more.

Yeah, yeah.

And when you invest something already, when you're on, you, you okay to allow to change everything because it's yours.

Can I ask you how much you've spent already?

Sorry.

Until now, more than 100,000.

Oh my gosh.

Wow.

That's why I have to work my pants off. Yes, my journey not easy, and that's why I'm so struggle. That's why I'm so like, like stressful, because I invest a lot. But I told myself, if I'm not doing here and right now, I don't want to wait until I have money but I could not wear it.

That's so true.

Well, I don't think I can afford that.

Yeah, girl, you're sitting here.

It's a part by little, little. But if you go to 2 shows in a row, yeah, yes, this is how it's working.

No, no, no, no, no, I believe you. I believe you.

TV show 2 times in 1 year, and I'm not allowing myself to like work a lot yet because like back to back.

Yeah, especially when you need to travel internationally. You're based here in the US, now you have to go to the Philippines, you have to go to Thailand, you have to go to all these places to go do shows because that's where the audiences are for these shows.

For the people hiring me for the show, please, please, book Siam.

That's going to be your next song. Book Siam, give me more.

I need more to survive.

Siam, so I was very curious, like, how different was your preparation from Drag Race Thailand to Slay Shot Royale?

How different or what?

Yeah.

How different, right? The difference is I'm not really put different thing, but I just like elevate. Because now I have more experience, I have more time, and I know more designer. Because I'm learning one thing when you go to the show, you only have a short of time to prepare.

Yes.

You cannot do anything by yourself. First time when I go to Thailand, I'm here, right? I try to do everything by myself and like ask some help, but it's not enough time to make every runway finish on time. Now, the one key that you have, connection.

Yes.

And probably it's going both ways.

Connection and money and supporter and sponsor.

Because that's what I was about to say. They want you as much as you need them now. So instead, before you were on Drag Race, you probably have to reach out, but now designers are probably happy to work with you because they know that their work is going to be shown.

Connecting and go together.

Yeah.

Well, how does it feel that you're known all over the world now?

I feel honored. Like, I feel good because, you know, one thing that we become a drag queen because we want everyone to see.

Yes.

Right?

I mean, we don't look so beautiful.

That's how we afford to do makeup and everything because we want everyone to see and be proud like we are. This is how we enjoy fantasy. And I believe you guys think the same way.

Absolutely. Yeah, I mean, one of the first times I met you, I was so taken and captivated because you were so beautiful. That was the first thing, just stunning. We were actually booked together at an Indian restaurant. Do you remember this? Okay, okay, do you remember this? I'll go— okay, I'll say, I'll say. Okay, so we were both at an Indian restaurant. Yeah, yeah, yes, yes, we were there at an Indian restaurant. Yes, you did. And I have such a funny story. You wore— you bought a saree You cut it up and you made it into your own outfit. And then while both of us were standing there, another woman walked by in the same saree. And I remember you told me, "She has the same saree that I'm wearing." Do you remember this?

But I made it too sexy, you know?

No, no, it was so sexy and I lived. And I remember you had these two silk fans.

Silk fans, yeah.

And you were doing Pussycat Dolls.

I look at—

And then I remember this so well because the owner of the Indian restaurant, he's this older Indian man. He was living. He was living at that point. He was like, wow, look at this sexy drag queen in my restaurant dancing.

Yes.

One thing that I have sometimes, you know, you need to try.

No, and you did.

I tried everything of what my imagination called me to do it. And you know, when you do it, you just—

And it was fierce. And at that point you were reigning Miss Gappa when I met you for the first time. Oh yes, I was. Because I remember seeing your sash. So tell us a little bit about your experience with Gappa.

Miss Kappa, it's kind of redemption as well because first time when I tried 2013 or 12, I'm not sure.

You tried all the way back then?

I have, but that time my English not really, you know, speak well and not really communication, understand and everything. I could not to like tell what's going on with me, with my life. And then I didn't pass any, any, anything. I didn't go any deep.

You didn't finalize?

Were you in the same year as her?

I was 2012.

That maybe it's 13. Yeah, I'm 13.

Yeah, that was your first time doing it.

And then if you're like, okay, forget about it, I'll probably not do anything. But when I won the crown, I feel like, whoa, sometimes if you're not ready, just be patient. Yeah, sometimes it's, it's not your time yet, but it doesn't mean you're not gonna get it.

Absolutely.

If you keep going and tries again, maybe your time.

Yes, fabulous.

And Gapa is very like, you can join anytime. And I mean, of course, if you win, then you're not going to join anymore. But if you don't win this year, you can always join as many times as you want.

Exactly.

That's how Asian people, you know, like, we give the chance, we try, because we want everyone to be proud and be Asian.

Yes.

And for those who don't know what GAPA is, GAPA is the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance. And it started here— no, it's, it's here, based here in San Francisco. And it's the biggest Asian AAPI organization. I think the oldest one as well.

Yeah, and every year they host a competition, and it's more like a community pageant, but pageant competition community program called GAPA Runway. And 3 of us have won, and we have a special— we have a 4th person here as well in the studio who will bring on shortly.

Current.

Current. So every year— yes, 10-day, 10-day marks. So, uh, every year at GAPA Runway, they crown winners, and it's like a community production and a pageant and a competition all in one. So there is runway looks there are questions and answers, and there's a talent portion where you get to showcase your skills. And all 3 of us, we did it.

Yes, and I have to thank you, Gabba. You know, the— I think the quick question and answer that I get from first episode for Slay Asian, I think from experience from Miss Gabba.

Yes, when you said—

so proud of you. No, as soon as she's—

because we were all watching together and at the viewing party, and as soon as you said, I am Miss Gabba from San Francisco, all of us started clapping and screaming and applauding.

We were so proud.

You know what, I will bring everything for everyone because I want everyone to be proud of us.

Yes, and we so are.

I told myself I need to bring Gabba because without Gabba, I probably have no future.

Wow.

When you start with something, you need to know where you come from.

Yeah.

And lift up community together with you. That's so good.

That was beautiful.

Beautiful.

You win. Miss Chutakap, you win again. Well, what's next for you, Sam? Tell us, what can we look forward to? What can we expect?

For me, so I pretty much tell everyone already and release the song already for "Hai Sing Ya." Yes, and it's about to hit a 1-year mark. 1-year mark, yeah. And then now I'm going to have my second song. Now it's going to be my last song. I think to you guys already.

We got a little snippet, yes.

That one I would love to showcase my drag journey. My drag journey starts with like a depressed in "I Lost My Best Friends." You know, like, some might know already, but it's the meaning for the song. It's called "Hard to Say Goodbye." Sometimes when you don't want to lose something or someone, it's really hard for you to realize something that you already say goodbye to them. But we believe everyone have to be like— like, pass goodbye to the world, and we probably have to meet everyone in the sky.

Yes, it kind of reminds me of the Mariah song with the Boyz II Men.

Yes, right?

Inspiration, inspiration. Absolutely.

I'm not gonna go unless I ask you about your exit from Playtion Royale. I know everyone is wondering about what happened, and I think this is a chance for you to clarify things. Okay, okay.

So what do you guys feel?

Well, I— there has been So much conversation about what happened.

Controversy.

We, we contributed to it as well, actually, because people in the comments were like, I don't think it's this, I don't think it's that. There are witches from the Philippines coming out and saying witchcraft is valid, Vinius was wrong. And then people who are like— and Vinius and you are actually getting the flak right now. I know. And then there's people, there's pit crew members coming up and saying things. There's so much going on. When we saw that go down, we know you, we know your personality, we know your type. So we were like, this is just Liam having fun. Yeah, this is and there's nothing to be afraid of. That's how we felt.

Well, I personally felt— Well, I was concerned about you, but you're totally okay now, so I really want to know what happened.

Yes. In that moment, how do you feel?

I have two options, but first I would love to apologize to my behavior because I have to tell you guys that I could not control myself. You don't know when you don't when you could not control yourself, sometimes you cannot. Yes. And if I control myself, I believe I probably not like saying that or action like that.

Yes.

It have to be two-way. Um, during season, during Thailand, I, I, I facing trauma, and I believe everyone have trauma, you know. And after that, I keep talking with, um, the doctor, and then we, we, we kind of like For me, even want to be drag, like that I told my doctor, I feel like sometimes I would love to want to be another girl that warrior, that power, that strong, that protects the young. Because for me, I'm going with the girl that soft, beauty pageant, you see sweet girl all the time and then not really say anything because of my work, etc. Experience as a flight attendant, or my haircut, my massage, and everything. Sometimes you need to be quiet, everything, when you in a lot of situation. I never speak up for myself in my life. And then probably you need to think about it too. Before that episode, I just find out that Jing Lee passed away. And, you know, like probably facing like a trauma that I lost my best friend too. And then when we come to like 'Oh, if we're gonna die or someone die, what we're gonna do?' Oh, and then remind me like, 'Yes, I want to do drag queen.' And if you— yes, my action probably too much, even though me, I feel scared for myself too when I watching 2 or 3 times. I feel like, 'Why Nathan did?' But if you pay attention closely about the message that I leaving right there, if you not believe yourself, who the hell gonna believe in you? I'm gonna stand up for myself because I would love to do drag. And if I want to die, I would come back and do drag again and again. And I will live in drag. And I'm happy to be drag. I love it. I'm so happy. I feel like if you pay attention about what I'm saying, that really powerful message too. Even me now, before I come here, I have to go back and watch. Why? Because I want to tell myself too. I have to remind the male version. Of me that every time— have you think about when before you do drag, sometimes you, oh, I don't want to do drag.

Oh, I just thought right now before this.

And you, you have a lot of things, a lot of questions, even though you're not really stable. But that message, that clip video, it kind of like give me a fire and know why I want to do drag and why I have to do this, because I want to tell the world that, hey, is it your last chance? If you are 36 like me, how many years that your body gonna allow you to do drag anymore? If you still, you want to die without trying drag, or you want to try that like me and my age and keep doing what I'm doing, or you want to be scared and you'll cause that you've never done drag and you die?

Thank you so much for saying that because I feel the same way. And girl, I'm 48, and that also I keep reminding myself that, that If I didn't do this now, I cannot forgive myself if I died.

Yeah.

And if you have money when you're 60 or 70, but you could not able to wear beautiful or have a good shape to wear.

No, y'all are going to be beautiful. We're not going to look sickening when we're 60.

That's when, you know, we have time.

Yes. No, I think that's so true. Recently someone told me, someone told me like, you shouldn't do drag right now. You should wait till you're later because right now you're 'You're so young and you're going to ruin the rest of your life for doing it.' And I'm like, it hurt me in that moment because this person isn't able to see the joy that it brings, the connection that it brings, the beauty that drag is.

Through drag, we know how happy, how fantasy we can receive.

No, literally, exactly. Because of this, all the community that I made, the opportunity to do things like GATPA, the opportunity to be here sitting with international superstars, it wouldn't have happened if I didn't put on a wig 8 years ago.

And if we're not really girl, how are we going to be like, See, always so like, so like different.

No, no, no, we are multidisciplinary artists. Multidisciplinary.

So it's really a battle in our heads, and you know, it really— sometimes it's hard to remind ourselves that this is who we are, this is our identity. And before, like you said, before doing drag, there's always that question behind your head, like, this is too much, why am I doing this?

Oh no, no, no, when I'm shaving on the third time in one weekend and my face is bleeding, I'm like, I was like, this is too much.

And I have to shave my eyebrow and everything.

But thank you for sharing your explanation. Now I totally understand the depth of what you were going through. And I appreciated how you acted that day.

I was always Team Siam. I was defending you. I was in the comments saying, she was right, let my girl live. I was on Reddit typing your name, chanting your name.

But please, I have to apologize to Viness and everyone too because they have the right thing to feel because if I am like them, I probably scared too. Like, hey, what's going on?

True, true, true. Mama, that's introspection.

Introspection. Yeah.

All right, all right, perfect. Well, thank you so much, Sam. We're not going to say goodbye to you just yet, but we do need you to vacate this chair for our next guest. But we— you'll be right back very soon. See you later. Well, that was fabulous. Are you ready for our next guest? Are you ready?

I'm ready.

Okay, well, please help us welcome our current reigning Miss Gapa, the one and only Quinn Aman.

Yes, she's fresh, she's beautiful.

She's crowning Lebanon, girl. Oh, girl. Yes, yes. Hi, Quinn. Mwah. So good to have you on. Have you— well, hold on. We have a question for you. Have you been watching our show?

Yes.

Okay, good. Okay, good. Perfect.

Perfect.

Now I get to see the behind the scenes.

Yeah, just as glamorous.

Magic is done.

Oh my God, let me just say you've made history, girl, as the very first Lebanese to win the pageant in the 37 or 36 years history of the pageant. No, 37.

37, covering the whole, uh, continent.

Yes, yes.

Yeah, that's what I love so much about Gapa is because we have the capacity to showcase our expansive AAPI heritage. And sometimes, oftentimes, and you kind of mentioned this in your intro, uh, Lebanon is kind of left out of the picture when it comes to AAPI or the discussion of Asian culture.

Yeah, I mean, you know what's interesting about it is in a lot of ways all of the Asian countries and all the Asian cultures have a lot in common, but we also— like, what I thought was beautiful about it is me running showcases the vastness of the Asian culture.

Yes.

Right? Like the West Asian culture is very different from the South Asian culture, from the East Asian culture, but at the same time there's kind of like a running thread through all of them. Absolutely. Like, you know, how we care so much about our culture, our communities, our families, like the way we care for our families, you know, across generations.

Yes.

How we show our love through food and hospitality and all that. Like all of these things are just so common to all our cultures, Across the continent.

Yes, but I remember before you joined, you were kind of like— we have this group chat and you were kind of like asking permission from everybody if it's okay to run. And I just want to know what was your thought process about that, because I think that all your experiences that—

yeah, tell us more.

It, uh, yeah, I mean, for the same reason that you say it was historic for me to run and for me to win, I wasn't sure I was ready to make waves. And I'm like, when you think of API, you don't necessarily think of West Asian, you don't think of Middle Eastern cultures, right? And so I'm like, are people going to accept that? Are they going to be okay with it? Am I ready to be the first? And honestly, I struggled a lot with it, but it was thanks to you and the rest of the family who encouraged me and really pushed me to do it, and I'm so glad that I did.

Yes, and thanks to your mother too, who encouraged you and really took care of you. I mean, you're just like Siam. You were born and then you won.

Literally, and it runs in the family because you are part of the House of Crunch. Your drag mother, Mix Kiki Crunch, crowned me, and then the next generation, the next year, you won. So within 2 generations of her win, her drag daughter went to win the crown. How fabulous. How poetic.

Yes.

How poetic.

And since she was the most recent reigning, she was actually able to crown you. So she was actually able to put this crown on your head. That's incredible. Oh my goodness.

Yeah.

Oh, man. I mean, it wasn't just Kiki, honestly. It was my whole drag family and all of y'all as well. I mean, it's what I love about GAPA is this community that is very tight-knit and everyone is so supportive. It was you guys, it was my drag family, it was the other contestants, it was everyone volunteering backstage. Like, it just felt like home. It felt like community. Um, if you said it— I think you said it when we were rehearsing, and you're like, on the day of, you're not even going to be thinking about the competition. It's just going to feel like a celebration. It's just going to feel fun. You're going to feel that adrenaline rush. And it really was that.

Yeah. And I said, like, I think I remember when I think I said it felt like a play. It felt like very much like, this is your role, These are your lines, go and do it. And at the very end, 3 people win. That's literally what it feels like because we've practiced it so many times. Like many other pageants out there, there's lots of rigorous rehearsals. I think we go like the extra mile because we go through every single outcome. Every single contestant knows exactly what to do if they make it to the finals, if they don't make it to the finals, if they get the crown on their head, if they don't get the crown on their head. We're so meticulous. Meticulous. Meticulous.

No, it really shows. The energy really vibrates throughout the audience as well. And you know, like I said, the first time I went into, you know, the premises of the Herbsttheater and attended GAAPPA, that was the same feeling I felt. I was like, oh my God, this is home, this is family. And it still continues up to now. It's amazing.

Yeah, yeah, that was a fantastic journey. I was sad when it was over because I'm like, I'm not gonna hang out with these people like every week, twice a week, you know. Yeah, well, yeah.

I will say I felt that as well, but actually you're going to see these faces pop up. Like, I think once you're in this vein, you're always going to be around the same people and you're going to find those moments that feel like that, especially when it comes to gigs that you do related to GAPA. I think I felt the same. And then of course, this whole next year when you're in my shoes a year from now and you're at rehearsals every week talking to the next generation of contestants, I think you're going to feel that tenfold.

And I was just asking Calypso this question is like, how was your reign? Khalicho said it really opened doors for her. So I hope you're ready because that also what happened to me. It really opened doors for me. It given me opportunities not only for me as a performer, but also as a filmmaker. I was able to make a film about the Imperial Council of San Francisco and also of other communities. So it really, what you make of it is really up to you. Yeah. So I hope like— We have high hopes for you because you're making history, girl.

It's been a wild journey already. I mean, it's only been 10 days, so it's still sinking in. I'll admit on Sunday, from Sunday to Thursday, I pretty much didn't leave the couch. I was just so tired because I've been running on adrenaline and little sleep and prep and, and all of that. And my mom was visiting and I was hosting her and entertaining. And so it took me like 4 days to just like recoup my energy. And it's just now, like, I'm just now processing it again. This is my first time in drag since the pageant.

Yeah.

But yeah, to your point, I, I'm excited about what's going to happen in the next year. I know it opens a lot of doors. It's an opportunity to connect with the community, and I'm very excited about it.

Yes. And to speak a little bit more about what you said earlier about being underrepresented in your Asian culture, I felt a lot of the same in my own way. In the 37 years of GAPPA, I think there's only been less than 5 people of South Asian descent who have won. And a lot of the times for many years, there was no South Asian representation when it came to AAPI. Like if you saw a banner for AAPI, you wouldn't see someone who was from South Asia. I think a lot of that has changed now, especially now to like contemporary media with like the rise of more South Asian representation, like Lara of Cat's Eye, my doppelgänger, my twin, my sister. Like, like, you know, other people who are of that identity are now emerging. I really feel the same for you as well. And I hope that you are part of that representation because I think a lot of the times if there is not that representation, sometimes it's just on us to go out there and do it. And that's exactly what you're doing. So I'm so proud to see that. And I hope you can relish in that as well.

Yeah.

I mean, it also gave me something back because I think I might have spoken about this a little bit during the pageant. Drag has made me reconnect with my identity as an Armenian as well and with my identity as a Lebanese person. Because I moved here in 2002, so like a year after 9/11, and there was a lot of xenophobia and Islamophobia, and I tried to distance myself from my identity. Like, I tried to basically deny my heritage, and I tried to like pass for white as much as I could, and I tried to pass for straight because I had a lot of this internalized homophobia as well, coming from a conservative background. Drag has helped me connect with that, And so I'm excited. Like, I hope to represent my culture, but I'm also getting my culture back as part of this.

Amazing. Yeah, that's amazing. I just want to mention though that there are two other title holders that won. Can you introduce them to us or say hi to them?

Yes.

Yeah, I wish they could be here with us tonight, but they're both fantastic people and great artists. So Mr. Gappa is Seiko. And then Mixkapa as the Indigo Menace. And I hope you get to have them on the show. They're fantastic artists and gorgeous people. They're just— they're wonderful.

Yes, absolutely. We're— I'm so proud. Actually, I was— there was a little bit of a switch up with the way that the format happened. But now that we're on this side of it, I could not be more pleased that we have 3 winners this year who each represent a facet of what it means to be AAPI and what it means to do their own kind of artistry because, you know, It's not just about drag artists who do GAPPA. It's about community members. It's about people who are active and out and about. And Sicka is a DJ who has seen so much drag and who's just out there in the community. Indigo is someone who I kind of grew up in drag with, and I'm so excited to see them flourish and get this opportunity to put their drag out there because to me, their drag is so incredibly subversive. It is so— the perspective that they bring to drag is just so fresh to me, which is why I was just like, you need to do GAPPA. The world needs to see, and the greater Bay Area scene needs to see your drag. I think each of you represent a different facet and pillar of what it means to be a GAPA royal, and this next year is about to be fabulous.

I must say though that the significance of GAPA now, especially now with what's happening in the country, is even so much more important. We are so lucky. We are living in a bubble here in the Bay Area because this is not present in every city in the US. The moment you get out of the city, it's totally different an hour away from here. So yeah, I hope GAAPA continues to inspire other cities as well to make their own so that, you know, they can build their communities and so that people like us will have a sense of belonging and family and community, most especially.

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, what compelled me to run were the races that were happening in LA. It was that weekend that I decided I wanted to run. I just felt the drive to do it. Because again, feeling as a first-generation immigrant, I remember that fear that I was living in, and that was nothing compared to what's going on today. What's going on today is horrendous. And I just felt like last time I tried to hide away from it. This time I want to stand up. And I'm a lot more mature now. I'm a lot more established, more confident in who I am. And I hope that I can model that for others now.

And you will, you will. You're already starting.

You will. And you are. You are. Yes. Yes.

So yeah, well, that was really, I mean, we're really happy that you're here and we were able to talk to you. Thank you so much. But this is not the end yet. We're gonna invite Siam again.

Yes.

So that we talk. Yeah.

4 different gap of perspectives.

Yes.

All the questions are gonna be related together. Well, all right. Here we all are. You know, Okay, can you handle this? Can you handle all this glamour? Just a sea of sequins shimmering, shining, splendid.

No, I'm so honored to be with this two right now.

Yes.

Like, if this is not going to happen again, hopefully it will.

No, we'll make sure. We'll bring out, we'll have everybody. But yes, more guests, more guests. I see more guests in our future, Virginia, because this was too much fun. But the beauty here is that we have 4 different winners of GAPA. So we'll just do rapid fire so we get to learn a lot about our times doing it. As we said, GAPA stands for the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance and is one of the longest running queer Asian associations in the world. And every year they host a competition and community production called GAPA Runway. And here we have 4 lovely winners. So we'll start off. Okay, I'll just say, what year did you win GAPA? So I won GAPA in— No, that's just to get the information. Oh my gosh. Oh no.

Okay.

Okay. I am Calypso. I won GAPA in 2024.

From India.

From India? Okay, okay, yes. Yes, and I am Indian American.

Okay, now it's your turn.

Yes, go ahead, girl, tell us.

Siam Putsi, Miss Gabba 22, from Thailand, Thai American.

Ah! Girl!

So, I'm Sinaman, I just won 10 days ago, so 2025. Lebanese immigrant, Lebanese American.

Yay!

And I won in 2012.

Never, never.

And by the way, I won Mr. Gappa, not Miss Gappa.

See, that's the real guy. That's the real guy.

I transitioned to drag.

So Miss Gappa 2026?

Oh, oh, yes, we would like that comeback. Ashley.

No, that actually happened several times already.

Well, then do it again, mama.

Yeah, Mr. becomes Miss Yapa. Maybe twice already that happened. Yeah.

Okay. And then I'll do Mr. 26 as well. Fine, fine. Was there a look that really spoke to you from your theme? I think I'll jump into Quinn first because you said that you really enjoyed the theme of myths and legends, the theme that I picked. But tell us. Yeah, yeah. But tell us what was the look that you really enjoyed? Because there was, you know, you had 3 looks from your talent opening and your regalia. Tell us about which one was your favorite and what was inspired by.

So they were all a labor of love and I don't pick favorites among my children. But if I have to pick one, it would be the regalia, the Ishtar look. For one, it's mythology. So it's the goddess Ishtar, who's a goddess of sex, love, and war. But it's the journey behind that dress. I actually, I had a vision. The vision didn't go as planned. I hated it for a minute and then it came together because everyone chimed in and they're like, what about if you do this? What if you do that? And it came together and it was so beautiful. And so now there's story behind it.

Beautiful. Beautiful. Incredible. Siam, how about you? What was one of your favorite looks from when you did Gappa?

I think Ningyo, the white one, you know, because like I come like a virgin and I get a crown of authority. I think it's iconic for everyone to remember the dress.

Yeah.

Beautiful, beautiful.

And we'll have photos right here.

Yes.

Right, right over here. Yes, let's start. I think my favorite was definitely the butterfly. I got this huge pair of inflatable wings and then I spent like a week stoning it. I added so many rhinestones and pearls to it so it would really shine and pop on stage. But I think when it came to opening impact, I think that was what made me really recognizable because I was like, oh, there's a girl dressed as like a butterfly. So yeah, so that was my favorite. Regina, tell us about your season.

Bibi girl. As a man.

As a Mr. Gepo. Yeah.

What did I— Oh my God, that was like 14 years ago, girl.

We liked all of them. What was the other scene with the other girl?

Let's just say I won the fantasy. I beat all the other drag queens.

Oh, well, tell us about your fantasy. Tell us about your fantasy.

Oh, my fantasy. I sang This Woman's Work by Maxwell. And I had a video of a story of me and my mom, how we got separated and how she's accepted. She didn't know that I was doing drag as well. And then when she knew, she immediately accepted me. And then I said, we salute all the parents that accept their LGBTQIA children.

Yeah.

Oh, how beautiful. Yeah. Oh yeah.

I can see you washed, you cleared that category. You're like, all these other bitches don't stand a chance. Sorry.

Yeah. But I'm curious, like, because we represent each different cultures, and I'm just curious how each of us felt on stage representing each of our cultures.

Why don't we start with Saya?

Miss Thailand, Miss Thailand, tell us what you guys think.

Oh, okay. So you need a little bit more time to think. Okay, bye bye bye. Okay, I'll answer. I think so. When I did Gappa, I had been regularly performing in drag for like 18 months or so at that point. And I'd been doing drag since, like, high school. I started drag when I was like 17. And then it was so scary for me to do cultural drag. I said that I would never do anything related to culture. I didn't even wear like a— no pote, no bindi, no nothing. I was like, I don't want anything related to me being Indian in a part of my drag. I was really proud to be Indian out of drag, but like, I was like, this is something that I know my family's not going to like. This is something that I know that I might not have acceptance for. So the last thing that I want to do is to bring anything cultural into it. So from like the ages of like 17, 18, all the way till when I did drag again in the Bay Area, I would only do Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande. I'd only do like pop songs. When I started doing drag again here in the Bay Area, it was 2023 and I came out and did a Bollywood song. And that by the time that show ended, I got booked 4 months out with gigs. Like, not, not as many as you think, but I'm just saying, like, they were like, we need you for AAPI Month. We need to do this. We need to do that because because we have never seen South Asian drag done before here in the Bay Area. Yeah. And we're so culturally diverse. We're all— you live here in the Bay Area, so you can only imagine how many South Asian people, how many East Asian, West Asian, Southeast Asian people live out here. But there was no drag that looked like mine. So because of that, it was so new. So at that point, all of my drag had characteristics of my culture because leading up to GAP, I'd already done that. So it was really easy for me to find a way to integrate it. In my look, I had pieces, I had embroidered pieces on a blazer dress that I was kind of wearing. And the blazer dress had a lot of embroidered patches that I got from India. It was the hair. I actually wore this very wig when I won. I forgot my crown, but I brought my wig.

It's a pretty wig though.

Thank you. Exactly. Exactly. So even this like updo bun was kind of inspired by some Indian hairstyles. And my talent was an Indian song that I performed. I'd already performed that song so many times. It was really easy because at that point I had already started to embrace myself as an Indian American drag artist. But it wasn't always like that. So Gapa was really a chance for me to like lock in and show that.

How about you, Sam?

Something like her, you know, because sometimes if you not do first, people not going to see the example of life. And for the first person, you are brave. Because we don't have any example for us to do it, but we need to like struggle and try things out a lot of time. And sometimes we not really get good feedback, but we keep going because we want to result to show and next generation will see and follow and they will do more and more. That's why I'm so jealous about the new generation. They're so free right now. So you're so lucky. Keep doing what you like because you see the example of success, so many people. They know like no, no anymore. They know like afraid anymore. All generation understand you. All generation see how success that be able to living life and be continue doing your dream. So beautiful.

But you know, to give yourself credit also, I mean, the reason why they feel like they have these opportunities is because people here who has enabled that for them in the same way that people have made it possible for us, right?

Yeah. And I think to just jump off on that, like, I think the thing that inspires me the most is knowing that drag has no age. It has no time frame. You can do this at any point of your life. I think I was so lucky enough to do it at such an early age because of the people who had done it before me. Right? Because when I, when I started drag, I remember it was 2018. I was 17 years old. I was in high school at that point. I loved watching drag. And I remember seeing queens like Aquaria, who was like 21, who was only 4 years older than me. But I was like, Oh, she's on Drag Race and she can do drag? I can do drag too. So I was empowered like that in high school just by seeing someone who was close enough. So now when I'm here, all these years later, and I see all these other drag artists at different stages in their life and we're all here together, that's the joy and beauty that I think drag can bring everyone together.

No, totally. I could relate. Back in the Philippines, I tried to become a music artist, but early on I learned that there was no hope for someone who's out. But coming here in the Bay Area really gave me a second chance. Yeah. And now even a third chance now that I'm really taking drag seriously. And like you said, you know, I envy the newer generation. But like you said, all is well. Drag has no age. And it's given me that chance again to pursue it.

So yeah, I can see now I feel like you happy. Yeah, really fully.

Yeah.

You and you more professional. You do what you like. And we are too.

Yeah.

So back then she was unprofessional. I'm kidding, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.

Yes, you say like you would— you really like show.

Yes, what you're saying, like, yeah, yes, yes, yeah, absolutely. Thank you so much.

Yeah.

Um, Siam, what can you advise our new winner here on her journey?

You know, like, perfect the way that she is already.

Wow.

Because I can tell if you told me like YouTube 3 hours to prepare, which means you're professional. You want to do good, you want everything in detail. It's just how the beginning that the drag queen, you know, like you put 100% and you show that. And especially when you're pageant, I, I feel like the, the way that you talk, the way that you work, but you show people that you're beautiful from inside, bring outside. This is how beauty pageant, we need people, you know, we need more love, we need more for people to see how impressed and how we live up community.

Yeah.

I mean, this is community pageant, right? So at the end of the day, it's for empowering the community. So yes.

And I'd like to mention Siam actually brought a prize for the winners. Do you want to talk about that?

Oh yes. Yes. Tell us about these sashes you're both wearing.

I am so honored too, because I really lucky when I go to Slate Asian, like the WUIH, the national hospital, support me. And we feel like I would love to give give this, uh, beautiful gift to like my family too, you know, because you'll be the part of family. I understand sometimes, uh, if you want to change, put the beauty from the outsides and change you inside, sometimes really important too, you know. It really linked. If you make your body look the way that you would love to have, it's, it's you bring your beauty back inside too. So I have to thank you like Miss Kappa. So now we are friends with the WUIH International Hospital. It's called like WUIH Pride Ambassador. Yeah, now for the winner, for the winner, we get like the $3,000 for the gift voucher, so you can do whatever to make you feel gorgeous, feel pretty. And in the future, if you would love to become a winner or something, in the future or something, you know, we, we support all the way too.

Yeah, did you hear that, Quinn? Transition, transition, transition.

Off, you know.

It's really, really important. I mean, you know, um, what was I going to say? Um, gender affirming care is not only for us, it's actually everyone's doing it as well. The straight people, they have—

yeah, they have their breasts done, their hair, you know, therapy, like, you know, minoxidil, all that stuff for your hair.

They repair the versions they more prettier.

Upgrade, upgrade 2.0.

Yeah, it's really— there's a misconception that it's only for us, but we're— and that's where the debate is, you know, um, centers from, right? But everyone needs to understand that everybody does gender-affirming care.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Even dressing the way that you want to dress is affirming your gender. Like, putting on pants if you're someone who's a cisgender man is gender-affirming. It's not, you know, it's not the scary—

and everything too.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So thank, thank you so much for bringing beautiful friends, WIH International Hospital, to us. Yeah, thank you so much. Yes, yeah.

Cheers.

All right, I think this has been a fabulous interview. Thank you so much for both of you for gracing us, and we're so lucky to have them.

Yes, the first of many guests on our show. Yes, you are our very first guest. English, our very first Yes, yeah, girl, it's just been the two of us yapping for an hour of the episode, so it's good to break it up a little bit with that voice. Yes.

Well, thank you so much. We're so lucky. Again, Siam from Fleishan Royale, international superstar, and our soon-to-be international superstar as well, and our already— yes, already international superstar, of course, Drag Race India. And me as well, Virginia.

Yes, yes, yes. This would not be possible without the efforts of Virginia. So I just need to take a moment and thank her because with DAPA, she's one of the main producers for it. She— the way that she was running around, still doing our podcast, still filming and editing and releasing our podcast, but also putting on this enormous production, coordinating with the beauties that you see on the screen before you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Virginia.

Thank you so much.

Yeah, without, without him, we probably have like stronger community community right now and like podcasts and everything.

Yeah. Thank you so much. Yeah.

Fabulous.

And I do it all for us. Yes. For all of you as well. Yeah.

Thank you.

I love our community. Yes.

I can do that. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

Super.

All right.

Well, okay. Well, with that, thank you so much for joining us for another episode of Let's All Say It Together. Slaytion Persuasion. I have been Calypso.

And I'm Virginia Please.

I'm Quinn Aman.

I'm Siyam Fauzi.

And we'll see you next time.

Bye!