Daphne is the ‘part-time supermodel, trans drag slapper and nightlife heffa’ who lip-syncs to sounds, wears sensible hair and has been out staying their welcome on the Brighton scene for the last two years. Graham Robson caught up with them to find out how they’ve been spending lockdown, what’s caught their beady eye online, and plans for the future.
Hey Daphne, what have you been up to during lockdown?
Initially, I didn’t touch drag for a solid month after everything happened. I took myself offline and just shut all of my art away. Everything just kind of hit at once and my headspace, as much as I wanted it to be, just couldn’t get back to being creative. Although, after having that time to look after myself and reflect on why it is I do what I do, I felt more than ready than ever to get back into my foolery. When something like this happens and you lose your everyday that you knew so well, you have to look to the things that make you feel the happiest.
How have you adjusted to working from home?
It’s definitely been weird feeling like I’m almost starting from square one, but at the same time, I admittedly find some comfort in the fact that every drag performer on the scene right now is in the exact same boat. We’re all just a bunch of bedroom queens now, the politics of performing live have been erased and I feel like I’m seeing a bigger solidarity between queer performers now more than ever.
What’s been the biggest impact to your creative output?
One of the biggest impacts to my creativity during these times is simply not being in front of an audience! Nothing will ever beat performing to a crowd of people who are just simply down to clown. So much of my drag and creativity is heavily inspired by everyday people, so not being able to interact with the huns of the club or the girls who’ve gone to a drag show for a work do is heartbreaking!
Have you been watching much online?
I have! There’s been so many digital cabaret shows that just keep raising the bar in what is achievable in these circumstances – it truly blows my mind! I’ve also been having a ball watching all my favourite performers create digital versions of their most popular acts. The creativity and initiative folks have displayed has helped me be more inspired than I have been in a long time
Do you think lockdown is disproportionately affecting the trans community?
I think all this time we’ve suddenly been given has made it hard not to reflect and at times, often overthink. I’ve spoken to quite a few of my trans friends about how they’re coping during lockdown, and they’ve all been experiencing a lot more dysphoria during quarantine than usual, which is something I definitely relate to. Not spending time with loved ones can massively take its toll, especially when such an intense time can cause triggers for dysphoria.
What are your plans for when this is all over?
My plans for post covid are honestly just huggin’ and buggin’ as many people as I can. Until then, I’m creating digital versions of my acts as well as creating new material which I’m also very excited about sharing as much as I possibly can!
Any tips to keep us busy?
Do anything that makes you happy! As basic as that may sound, invest time in your happiness. Whatever may bring you joy, even if it’s something tiny that only takes a minute or a massive project you’ve always wanted to do, indulge in it – we’ve got all the time in the world!
Words of wisdom to see us through?
Keep on keeping on. You’ve so got this, babe!
MORE INFO:
Instagram @heydaph
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