Vogue Explores Tbilisi's Drag Scene

Vogue this week published a fascinating article (with photos!) on Georgia's number one drag queen, Gerilyn, by Liana Satenstein, Vogue's resident Tbilisi culture and fashion commentator. Satenstein notes that "Unlike in America, where the drag scene has been visible for many years—even commercialized, thanks to the popularity of RuPaul’s Drag Race—the art is new in Georgia." Her guide to the scene is Niko, AKA Gerilyn - relatively new to public performances, but with a boisterous on-stage personality to match her huge blonde wig and Marilyn Monroe-inspired costumes.

When she first saw Gerilyn, Satenstein explains, it was during her first ever live performance at Bassiani in early November, lip-syncing dramatically to Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend accompanied by backup dancers in black latex fetish gear. An explosive expression of an element of queer culture, rarely seen in Georgia. 

Explaining how Marilyn Monroe inspires her drag alterego, Gerilyn said, "She was so strong, feminine, and sexy."

"Now," says Satenstein, "Gerilyn is bringing that same power, and much-needed attitude, to Tbilisi."

There are few queer-friendly spaces in the Georgian capital, the article mentions a few: Bassiani (in particular their Horoom Nights events), Success, and Khidi. 

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Stanislaw Boniecki