How Drag Helped Kyran Peet Overcome Trauma and Thrive

  • WorldScope
  • |
  • 04 November 2024
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The Transformative Power of Drag: Kyran Peet’s Journey

A New Beginning in Drag

“It sounds so cliché,” says performer Kyran Peet, “but drag has saved me.” Using they/them pronouns, Kyran first graced the stage as their drag persona, Kyran Thrax, in 2019 during an open mic night in Vauxhall, London. However, they reveal that the essence of Kyran Thrax had been within them since they were 13 years old.

As a teenager, Kyran embraced their identity by donning platform shoes, black eyeliner, and having backcombed purple hair paired with “the most orange foundation.” This early expression was a precursor to their drag persona.

Now aged 26, Kyran acknowledges that their journey began as a means of survival. They faced significant challenges at 13 after coming out as gay and entering a seven-month emotional and sexual relationship with a man posing as a teenager online. Reflecting on this experience, Kyran states:

“I convinced myself I was ready to have a romantic relationship, which is just ridiculous.”

This situation turned into grooming—a manipulation of a vulnerable person for abuse. After confiding in their mother, they reported the incident to the police while still in secondary school. Their abuser ultimately admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a child and faced imprisonment.

A recent report from the NSPCC revealed over 7,000 Sexual Communication with a Child offenses were recorded across the UK from the previous year. Richard Collard from NSPCC emphasizes that grooming can have “long-lasting effects” on victims, often leading to self-harm and eating disorders.

Finding Strength Through Drag

Kyran recalls struggling with self-hatred after their trauma:

“I hated myself, I really, really did.”

To cope, they embraced daily affirmations and explored drag as a way to rebuild their confidence. They believe that their drag persona has always been an essential part of them:

“I think [my drag persona, Kyran Thrax] was there… an expression for me.”

Kyran honed their craft at university and soon became a full-time drag queen. Now featured in BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they view this opportunity as surreal. In one episode, they share their grooming experience with fellow queen La Voix:

“It’s a topic that I feel is still so taboo; so many people shy away from talking about it.”

Kyran aims to create fun and surreal experiences through their performances that allow audiences to escape their problems. They express:

“I feel like that’s why I’m here, is to perform.”

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