Feeling fabulous during times of isolation can be a challenge, but a group of Ballarat drag queens has a new way to experience the spotlight from the safety of home.
Across the world drag queens have been taking part in a social media challenge known as 'pass the brush', and the spotlight has now fallen on the ladies in regional Victoria.
Ballarat drag queen Alexis Spread said it was about transforming the mundane times at home into something spectacular.
"It's where we film ourselves looking like a boy, looking all manly as we can, we cover the camera with a brush [and then] show our transformation to our drag selves," she said.
The queens then pass the makeup brush to one of their sisters — virtually.
"I think it's important to show people that behind the finesse, and behind all the shine and the sparkle, a lot of us are just normal boys with normal jobs and normal things to do," Ms Spread said.
Drag queen Elektralit said the social media trend offered the group a new platform for drag, and an opportunity to support their sisters through isolation.
"The world is so serious at the moment, it's good to have a little bit of a laugh and break it up," she said.
"The pass the brush challenge [is] the first time in a long time that I've been able to get all glitzy and glamourous."
Gabriella Labucci said while isolation had stopped them performing at their usual venues, it would not hinder the "golden age of drag".
"We're like fairies. We live for the applause, we're not getting it at the moment because we don't get to perform, so this is the next best thing," Ms Labucci said.
'No rules' for drag
Ms Labucci said as a drag queen in regional Victoria there were fewer opportunities to perform than in metropolitan areas.
She said it was important that during the pandemic they remained visible in rural areas.
"There could be people at home who desperately want to do what we do, but they don't have anyone to show them the way, or to give them inspiration, or confidence inside themselves," she said.
"Us being girls from Ballarat, a little country town [shows] anyone can do it. There are no rules.
"You can get involved wherever you live no matter your age, race, sexuality — drag is for everyone."
Ms Labucci said the 'pass the brush' videos were being made all over the world, and had been received well online.
"Having it be such a main focal point in social media at the moment with isolation and everything going on, it's definitely an inspirational movement," she said.
"Be visible, get seen, and hopefully people love what we do so when isolation is over they'll be like, 'Come and perform for us!'"
'It costs a lot to look this cheap'
Alexis Spread said without opportunities to perform there was a significant economic impact for drag queens and the venues.
"The majority of the performances are lost because the clubs we perform at [are shut]. A lot of the time it's local places that we support and they support us," she said.
"Drag brings a whole other level of income for people after hours.
"With that loss it does hit the back pocket significantly — it costs a lot to look this cheap," Ms Spread said.
She said the social media outlet had been positive for the drag queen community, but it did not quite match the joy of being centre stage.
"It's not the same as having that interaction with somebody [that] fulfils you. It gives you a purpose," she said.
