June is Pride month all over Europe, so we have Interviewed the current reigning Miss Drag Queen Luxembourg, Medusa Venom, to find out what is up in the local drag scene and what it means to be the representative for Drag Against Aids. Medusa Venom alias Keano is a Luxembourgish Drag performer who entertains on the big stage and in small bars and restaurants.

How long does it take to look like Medusa Venom?

When I started doing Drag, it took me much longer than it does today. Putting the makeup on used to take up to two hours and a half but now I can do it in one hour if I have to. I like to take my time to do this, it relaxes me, and why not have a little glass of champagne on the side... (smiles)

How did you start Drag and what does it mean to you?

I started doing shows at the age of 17, I am now 21 years old, so it‘s been 4 years already. Drag means everything to me. During highschool I was part of a theater group, I loved it but there was always something missing for me. The roles I played were nice but I knew there was a side of me that I never got to share on stage. When I found Drag I instantly knew that this is what I was meant to do. A combination of my love for theater performances and the excitement of being a beautiful, glamorous and exaggerated version of a strong female. Drag allows me to express my art and make people feel the emotions I convey: Love, sadness, happiness and so many more.

Tell us about Luxembourg’s Drag scene!

It could be better, in terms of the places where Drag Queens can perform. There are not many gay or drag bars in Luxembourg, but if you are seeking a night-out with good food and live drag queen performances my recommendation would always be the Cabaret Barnum – the Greatest Show in Luxembourg at Redange-sur-Attert. The owners are Alex Goedert and Ian Lejeune alias Madame Yoko who is not only the hostess of the evening but also a live singer. Even if there are only a handful of drag queens in the country in my opinion the Drag scene in Luxembourg has only just begun to really flourish. Over the next five to ten years, I believe the scene will change and become much more visible in our society.

You won the Drag Against Aids Contest in 2021. What did this mean to you and what has changed?

It meant a lot to me because this is what I love to do and getting the reward by the people that love and accept you as you are is truly beautiful. As I came second the year before I was even more ambitious to snatch that crown ;)

Not much has changed, except for the amount of people that support and follow me and of course I now have a beautiful crown that I can wear around my home while doing chores!

What do you think is the message behind Drag and why is it important to be out and proud?

In my opinion the principal message of Drag is acceptance. We Drag queens want to show people that no matter your appearance, you are beautiful and unique. We want to give love to the people that believe in a world where everybody gets accepted no matter their body type, skin-color, sexual orientation or gender identity. And it is important to be loud and proud because many people are still in a phase of finding themselves. We need to show them that there is not a right or a wrong way but that everybody accepts them for their way of being human.

Do you consider Drag to be an art form? How easy is it getting recognition in Luxembourg for doing Drag?

I do consider Drag as a form of art. Art is so diverse and so is Drag. Everybody has their own style, their own way of performing. Just as an artist has his own way of painting a canvas. Drag performances often are filled with emotions and the expression of messages. Isn‘t that what art is about? Transferring a feeling, an emotion through the artists creation. 

I believe it is not so difficult to get recognition here in Luxembourg. If you are sure of yourself and what you are doing, the people will see that. If you believe in the things you perform on stage, the people will too. And because the country is so small, it is not that hard to make yourself known in the community.

July is the Luxembourgish Pride month with its Pride Week the 1st to 10th July; it takes place in Esch sur Alzette, can you already tell us what is coming up?

Yes, but first of all I invite every reader to come and enjoy the pride week with all it offers! To see drag performances you have to be at the Pride Street festival on the 09 and 10th of July. On both days me and my fellow sisters from Luxembourg and the Great region will be performing on two different stages in Esch-sur-Alzette. Before the Pride Street Festival there is also a parade and a commemoration ceremony for the victims of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.

Next to the Pride Week what else is on your Drag agenda and where can one see you perform?

Immediately after the pride I have another show at the DiffBeach in Differdange followed by a little summer break and a cocktail in the sun. I will keep you updated on my Instagram account which is: @medusa.venom.

Anyway, most of the time my shows are at Barnum-the Greatest Show in Luxembourg so meet me there!