Swallowed by Darkness

Assistant: Tommy Xiong

Creative Director/Photographer: Christopher Otrebla

@chris_otrebla

https://www.otrebla.art

Model/Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Siam Phusri

@siamphusri

Fashion Designer: Sarawut Chuchote

Assistant: Kasemsak Charoensilp

Hair & Makeup/Assistant: Busayaporn Wongkanit Malbas

Siam PhuSri, begins as a debonaire man who leads to a breath-takingly fashionable drag queen. His avant-garde sartorial styles are interwoven with various Asian cultures inspired from Thailand, India

and China that he also displays in his performances. In this interview, Siam shares his drag journey with us and how his love for Thai fashion is depicted through his costumes.

What does your drag name mean and how does it fit with your style?

My name is Siam PhuSri. Siam is a name steeped in Thai history, paired with ‘Phu’ for land and ‘;Sri’ for glorious, perfectly encapsulates the grandeur of my drag style.

What are your beliefs that led you through the drag journey? 

I believe in spreading love and positivity. My drag journey is of radiating love and acceptance, not just within the LGBTQ+ community, but to anyone who watches my performances. I've also learned

the importance of resilience. Challenges are a part of life, but drag has taught me to overcome them, deal with setbacks, and emerge even stronger, all the while being larger than life and being fabulous.

These are the beliefs that have led me through my extraordinary drag journey.

What is your mission as a drag queen?

To spread love and inspire others to embrace their roots, radiate love, and be grateful for the present because tomorrow is never promised. When our journey ends, let it be filled with good deeds, kind words, and no regrets.

What do you love about Thai art and culture?

From a young age, my father had a deep appreciation for Thai culture, and he often took us to Thai temples around Thailand. It was during these visits that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich world of Thai art. I developed a profound admiration for it and made a promise to myself that one day, I would adorn myself in its beauty. Now, I’m delighted to be able to create and wear Thai art in a style that’s uniquely my own. 

How do you incorporate Asian culture in your style?

Incorporating Asian culture into my style comes naturally to me, as it’s a part of my upbringing. Thai culture is a beautiful tapestry woven with various influences, including Chinese and Indian elements. I have vivid childhood memories of my grandfather watching Indian movies, which sparked my deep

appreciation for Indian dance. In Thailand, we have a vibrant Chinatown, and I was fortunate to spend a year as an exchange

student in China; immersing myself in Chinese culture. Additionally, my experience as a flight attendant with a Middle East Airlines allowed me to travel extensively throughout Asia and the world. These diverse cultural encounters have greatly enriched my style and inspired me to create a unique fusion that pays tribute to the rich tapestry of Asian cultures.

How do you breathe life into your feminine spirit?

I believe in the power of spirituality and embrace it as an essential part of my creative process. Before I even begin the process of makeup or getting ready for my drag performances and photoshoot, I take a moment to offer my respect and prayers to the divine and all the spiritual elements I hold dear. Additionally, my Thai headpieces, which I acquire from Thailand, play a significant role in this process. I believe they carry a certain feminine spirit, and by incorporating them into my art, I aim to breathe life into my feminine spirit and channel it into my performances and my drag persona. 

Do you feel that there are certain things you can express more by being a drag queen than you would be able to otherwise?

Embracing the persona of a drag queen grants me the extraordinary ability to wholeheartedly express myself across various aspects of my life. Drag, at its essence, is a magnificent form of art that unfolds within a realm brimming with profound freedom. It offers me the creative liberty to breathe life into my most cherished dreams and imaginings, all without the looming spectre of judgment. In its truest form, drag is a vibrant celebration of art and the purest expression of one’s inner self.

Have you, on certain occasions, designed your clothes?

Yes, I enjoy designing my own clothes, although I often prefer to take existing pieces and give them my own unique twist. An example that comes to mind is when I redesigned a second-hand dress that I found in Thailand. The inspiration for this project came from a memorable performance I had planned. It was a wonderful way to infuse my personality and creativity into my attire, ensuring it perfectly represented the theme of the event. 

Which are some of the most memorable projects that you have worked on as a drag queen and why?

One of the most unforgettable projects in my drag career was when I had the opportunity to march in the Gay Pride parade in San Francisco as Mx. GAPA 2022. I’ll never forget the feeling of strutting down Market in my 10-inch-high heels and wearing a massive Thai-inspired headpiece that I lovingly handcrafted. The crowd’s energy and support was electrifying. It was especially memorable because, a decade ago, I had competed in a beauty pageant but didn’t secure a title. Walking as Mx. GAPA that year was not just a celebration of my personal journey, but also a representation of my Thai culture and also a coming-of-age in my own drag development. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire others who have faced setbacks to persevere and understand that it’s absolutely okay to fail – because, like me, they can fall, they can have missed, but anyone can achieve their dreams with determination and resilience.

Who do you dedicate your drag journey to and why?

My drag journey is a tribute to my dear friend, who left us during the pandemic. Her love for Thai art and her incredible Thai dance skills serve as a reminder to me that life is fragile but represents a beautiful, complex tapestry of ups, downs, and beauty. I chose to live for both of us, understanding that life is fleeting, and that we must cherish every moment and, in every moment, be our most excellent representation of our beautiful selves. 

Siam’s mission to spread love, positivity and resilience through his drag journey is like going through a beautiful adventure, with glorious costumes, making it a magnificent Instagram spectacle.

Written by Sonz

Written by Sonz