Joshua Yong

Kitana Li, 2022

20cm x 156cm, Poplin fabric, acrylic paint, rhinestones, silk.

Kitana Li is a character I created in my head and brought to life. She is a feminine and beautiful woman who presents herself with poise and elegance.

As a closeted try queer person, I didn't have the courage to come out to my parents. While watching Rupaul's Drag Race, I experienced comfort and happiness. Whenever the

queens shared their personal stories and struggles I discovered I could relate to them on a very personal level.

So, I wanted to break boundaries and challenge myself to become a drag queen. I wanted to express myself in completely different way, even if it is neglected and banished by others as another form of art.

This dress is very sentimental and important. It is the first garment I hand sewed with the help of my dear friends and my lovely mother. It is the first garment that I wore as Kitana Li, my feminine counterpart. It is the first time I felt powerful and invincible.

The character on the back is my Chinese last name Yong. The snake resembles my Chinese zodiac, as I was born in 2001.