Sheeza Bet

Michele Rossi took these images backstage at Drag Syndrome, a show performed by drag kings and queens with Down’s syndrome. Below, some of the fiercest performers explain what drag means to them. Drag Syndrome is at Hornecker Centre, London on 7 July 2024. For more tour dates click here. All photographs: Michele Rossi

‘Drag Syndrome has been amazing. They encourage people with disabilities to come up to the stage, show who they are to the world and that they are not to be made fun of’

Nikita Gold

‘I went to see Drag Syndrome performing at Wandsworth fringe festival. They invited me to join them on stage. At first I was nervous but then I just got it and enjoyed it. It doesn’t matter who you are, just be happy and enjoy yourself. If you’re feeling scared, it doesn’t matter. Get on that stage and say who you are, don’t be afraid to shine’

‘I get a load of people coming up to me at stations, at airports, it’s just wonderful. They love what they see. Our best show was in Berghain, the nightclub in Berlin. It was sold out and we put on one amazing performance. Our message to the world is: be fabulous and just enjoy yourself’

Lady Francesca

‘In the middle of a performance my high heels broke. Gosh, it was funny. I got it fixed quickly and continued the show. Being a performer or a star is to work harder and push yourself. You do this to be who you want to be, to meet new people and hear great cool music’

‘In Germany it was epic. So many different new people interacted with us. People recognised us from TikTok and Instagram. It was cool. I’m always on time, giving everything I got. It’s about commitment. I love to travel to different places, perform on different stages, and meet different people all the time. We’ve been everywhere’

Davina Starr

‘I’m a drag queen, that’s who I am. I’ve wanted to do this all my life. That’s why it’s my choice. I love it. Davina Starr is naughty. She is funny, she is sexy, she’s a diva’

‘Go out there, do your best, be fabulous. Do what you have to do. I love it. I’m a good dancer, a good performer and a fabulous drag queen. I go out there, hold my head up high, I do what you have to do. If somebody says I can’t do drag I don’t give a shit about them. Watch and learn!’

Justin Bond

‘I joined Drag Syndrome because I love performing and I like doing tracks. Transforming into drag is just amazing. Justin Bond is a bit slutty. My persona is different from my personality because I’m not slutty in real life, but I am charming in real life and I am very delightful with different people. Gentlemen is my reality person but in drag I’m a slut. But not too slutty, I do have some boundaries!’

‘I’m never nervous because I do a lot of theatre, so I understand stages and big crowds. I love to see my fans, I love to entertain them. But the ones that are mean and aggressive – I get angry when they act like that. I want to punch their face but I never show it physically. The Vivienne is my favourite drag queen of all time. She’s a scouser like my step dad’

Sheeza Bet and Andy

Photographer Michele Rossi: ‘Having followed Drag Syndrome for some time, I was excited to learn they were hosting the Toasted Love Cafe event at the Hornecker Centre last Valentine’s Day. I contacted Daniel Vais, the artistic director, and expressed my desire to take some photographs. During my visit, I was impressed with the running of the cafe, the impromptu performances, and the creative and fun environment’

Drag Syndrome at the Hornecker Centre: YouGo Boss, Nikita Gold, Justin Bond, Lady Francesca, Sheeza Bet, Florence Garret (cafe manager) and Davina Starr

Drag Syndrome also involves artistic director Daniel Vais and the Glam team Andy Pomarico and Helayna Barber