Lady P. Galore believes that drag changed her life. Now, she’s on a mission to make a difference
Lady P. Galore started doing drag in her mid-40s and has since found that missing piece that boosted her ego and confidence—a source of freedom and happiness. “It helps me camouflage my shyness,” she says. “All my artistry is dedicated to my non-profit, and I hope to spread the word about what I do.” She’ll be turning 50 at the end of 2023, and she has plans to launch a coffee table book of her drag looks and organize fundraising events.
“Drag is not just about being pretty, famous, and [fashionable],” expresses Lady. Beyond surface-level aesthetics, the magic of drag has the promise to impact many people’s lives. It is a force that empowers the artist and the audience.
From spark to blaze
It all started when a friend invited her to perform at their work holiday party in 2015. Having zero experience with makeup, she let her friend paint her face. Her Ariana Grande performance was well-received and evoked a profound sense of fulfillment. That moment was a magical life circumstance that swung open the door to a myriad of newness and a rush of inspiration. She used this surge of creative energy to immerse herself in the world of drag by enrolling in drag makeup lessons at Kryolan in San Francisco, invested in beauty tools, and started watching Youtube tutorials. Inspired by the joy and enjoyment drag brought herself and others, she continued exploring and digging deep.
Initially unacquainted with social media, creating a dedicated Instagram account for her drag persona proved transformative, uncovering an abundance of inspiration from fashion and glamour to everything RuPaul’s Drag Race, further sparking her passion for improving her art.
Her love for drag and fashion led her to meet people in the industry that blossomed into friendships. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Lady P. Galore, based in San Francisco, helped local fashion designers in the Philippines keep their businesses alive. Having accumulated many custom dresses, another opportunity arose—landing the cover of an LGBTQ magazine in February 2021, shot by SF Bay fashion photographer Vincent Gotti.
Last year, she walked for Ehhran Montoya wearing the iconic Mariposa creation.
“It’s been a fun ride so far,” says the self-proclaimed shy artist in and out of drag, who’d only perform at her work parties. Last February, an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone emerged and became a turning point in reinforcing her confidence as a drag artist. Lady embraced the challenge and performed alongside the Filipino drag community in the Bay Area at an event called Tern Out For Terno—a showcase of the rich history of the terno. “I’ve never been exposed to the drag community until I performed with the Bay Area queens,” she reveals.
About backpack4thefuture
Inspired by her experiences with underprivileged families during her visits to the remote islands of the Philippines, she realized she could turn these encounters into something more profound and impactful. This newfound outlook became her drive to kickstart a charitable mission to provide backpacks and other school supplies for children in need.
Initially, she relied on personal resources and the support of a friend. As it was overwhelmingly impossible to do it alone, she contacted family and friends for extended help. With the increased funding, the project began to flourish, allowing them to reach more children.
“Our last recipients were kids from Balabac, Palawan,” she says. “More or less, we gave 2,600 backpacks and school supplies. Last June 7, our recipients were from the Aeta community in Kalibo.”
“My travels, experiences in life, and the blessings I receive keep me [inspired] to do this. At this point in my life and career, I am very content and happy.”
