Q&A | How becoming a drag queen changed my life

As part of our very first live episode, Now or Never put out a challenge to our listeners: what is something you need to reveal right now? That's how we discovered Kevin Tan, a young Winnipegger who has struggled with bullying and drug addiction but is ready for his big reveal — the debut of his drag alter-ego, SlayTana. 

Has performing always been a part of your life?

I actually performed throughout high school, and I loved it so much. But I was bullied — and it really hindered my creativity. I was forcefully ostracized and left out of a lot of things. I was told I wasn't good enough and it really affected how I lived my life until now. 

What changed after high school?

I did the normal thing: go to university, get a degree, get a job and try and get through life. But at the same time, being a gay man as curious as I am, I've experimented with a lot of drugs and have been dealing with drug addiction. But I've been sober for more than a month — and it's great, I'm happy! 

What is it about this moment now that is inspiring you to do drag?

I went through a really dark time this past Christmas. I was ready to commit suicide for the seventh time, and I just felt like I wasn't good enough. But literally a month ago, I was watching the Magic School Bus and you know Ms. Frizzle's mantra: "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy"? As soon as she said that, I found the light again and it woke me up. 

What is it about drag that appealed to you? 

I feel like a superhero. Think about it this way: when a superhero has a mundane life, they hide their superpowers, they have a pseudonym. But as soon as the world needs saving, they put on their costume, they reveal their powers, and they save the world.