Nymphia Wind: ‘Asian people have been hungry for a Drag Race success story’
In conversation with Joel Kim Booster, the bananactivist reflects on Drag Race season 16, their shared experience as East Asians in the spotlight and her thirsty DMs: “Everyone wants a piece.” Interview by Joel Kim Booster Words Sam Damshenas Photography Kyle Galvin Creative Direction Craig Hemming and Umar Sarwar Art Direction Jack Rowe Fashion Umar Sarwar Creative Producer Anisa Cleaver Hair Jason Goh Nails Natasha Blake Digi Tech Claire Lewington Lighting Tech Sarah Merrett Creative Assistant Lauren Reed-Fisk Fashion Assistants Bradley Turner, Lily Hobman and Priya Nicholas “After this interview comes out, you will be inundated – flooded, even – with dick,” Joel Kim Booster tells/promises Nymphia Wind.
Earlier this year, the banana activist (bananactivist?) and trailblazing Jane Goodall impersonator ‘Padam Padam’-ed her way to glory on RuPaul’s Drag Race, making history as the first East Asian champion of the OG franchise.
Nymphia’s triumph was widely celebrated by various alumni and stars such as – you might need to Google the following names, as they’re not very popular – Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, particularly those within her community who have been “hungry” to see an “Asian success story” on-screen.
Here, she reunites with season 16 guest judge Joel Kim Booster, Emmy-nominated comedian and mastermind behind Fire Island, to reflect on life post-Drag Race, how she’s observed a “drift between Nymphia and Leo” and their shared experiences as East Asian celebrities.
