Gógó Starr on the Evolution of Drag Culture in Iceland – Ep. 85

All Things Iceland

Gógó Starr is an Icelandic drag queen that is well known in the country. Gógó made history by being the first ever drag queen fjallkonan, or woman of the mountains, which is a symbol of the Icelandic nation and a very important part of the celebrations of Iceland’s independence. The celebration of the independence of the nation happens every June 17th. Aldís Amah, who I interviewed a while back on the podcast, was the first woman of color fjallkonan in 2019. It’s a huge honor to be fjallkonan and Gógó Starr had this role in 2018. In addition to that, Gógó co-founded Drag Súgur in 2015 after winning the annual Icelandic drag contest.

The drag show became so popular that it was turned into a monthly event at Gaukurinn that is open to all adults who want to attend. Hopefully, when COVID is over, the show will resume. I especially love that the show is all about inclusivity. Gógó Starr goes into more about how inclusive it is during the interview. It was an absolute blast to do this interview.

Video Interview with Gógó Starr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOR8cVBksY4

Questions Asked Gógó Starr during the Interview

1. Drag queens, and kings and drag shows are so common in Iceland now, but what was it like when you were growing up here? Were Icelanders open to these type of performances and performers?

2. When did you realize that performing in drag is something you wanted to try?

3. When did the drag scene in Iceland really take off?

4. After you won the annual Icelandic Drag contest, you co-founded Drag-Súgur, a monthly drag show and variety night held at Gaukurinn in 2015. What was your motivation behind started this show?

5. How was Drag-súgur received in Iceland when you first started it?

6. In 2018, you were the fjallkonan, or the Lady of the Mountain, which is the traditional living symbol of Iceland featured every Independence Day on June 17th. What did

7. You’re a full-time entertainer, producer and performer in Iceland. Did you ever imagine when you first started doing drag, that you would be doing it full-time?

8. I love that Drag-súgur is all about inclusivity. Can you talk about who some of the “drag royalties” that perform?

9. Pride in Reykjavík is becoming such a big celebration each year. Can you share what you like about Pride here and why you think people should come and check it out?

10. What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase?

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