Drag Syndrome

Bio

The dance troupe Drag Syndrome recently created an unexpected media buzz after they were invited to perform in Grand Rapids, Michigan as part of Art-prize/Project 1 this past September. The London-based performers of drag kings and queens with Down Syndrome had just finished performing in Canada and then realized that their upcoming performance in Michigan had been censored by property owner and Republican candidate for Congress, Peter Meijer. Fortunately, another venue was found in Grand Rapids and as they say in show business, the show went on. They performed the sold-out show with other members from the disability community from the group, Dis-Art, who had invited them to Project 1. I was in Grand Rapids for the performance, Drag Syndrome’s US debut, and was so moved that I decided to reach out and speak to members Ruby Bond (aka Justin Bond) and Otto Baxter (aka Horrora Shebang), who both have Down syndrome, and their Creative Director, choreographer Daniel Vais.