Liam went to the staff party in drag: “I suddenly remembered why I do this”

“My first time in drag was at school, during the 100-day celebration, the so-called Chrysostomos festival. I was eighteen at the time, having just come out. I was studying auto mechanics at an all-boys school—not exactly the most obvious place to show up in drag.”

“At that moment, I actually had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Especially not with makeup. I’d spent hours watching tutorials the night before and just kept at it until it more or less worked out. I wasn’t entirely sure, though.”

“Of course, I was late for school. After all, getting ready had taken too long. According to the procedure, latecomers had to check in at the school office first. But of course, they didn’t recognize me there in my drag outfit. What seemed funny at first quickly took a turn for the worse. The school office didn’t take it well: ‘What would people think of that!’ They also thought drag during school hours was unacceptable. After this first experience, I seriously considered never doing it again.”

“But what happened next did have an impact. The other students and several teachers thought the administrative office’s response was inappropriate and stood up for me. I hadn’t expected that at all—it really made me feel good.”

“I then spent several years on a journey of self-discovery—exploring makeup, who I am, and what I want. I tried going in drag every now and then, but it never quite felt right. Until, six years later, my employer unexpectedly asked if I’d like to come to the staff party in drag.”

“I bought some supplies and really gave it my all: a better wig, a better base—it’s all in the details. I really felt different. As I stood there in drag, ready for my performance, I was reminded once again why I’d started doing drag in the first place. It felt incredibly good.”

“My drag name is ‘Linda Gondonova.’ It actually started as a joke among our group of friends. We’d give each other alter egos when we went out, and Linda was one of them. From there, Linda Gondonova evolved into my drag persona.”

“I’m still figuring out what kind of drag queen I am. I’ve already done lip-syncing, and I definitely enjoy that, so I’ll definitely keep doing it. But I also feel like I want to move toward entertainment—comedy, interaction, performance, giving people a fun night out. That really appeals to me.”

“Taking the plunge into the drag world was definitely nerve-wracking. At first, you wonder, ‘Who should I approach, and is it okay to just talk to anyone?’ But the queens I’ve gotten to know over the past few months have actually been very open and supportive. If you have questions or need help, there are really people there for you. That’s something that’s really stuck with me. I also spend a lot of time in Antwerp. I have a part-time job at the Hessenhuis, and there you quickly get to know queens who are active in the scene. That definitely helps you find your place.”

“I haven’t competed yet, but I do want to enter the Miss Hessenhuis 2026 pageant. It’s exciting, but above all, it’s something I’m really looking forward to. For me, that excitement is part of the experience.”

“If I had to say one thing to people who want to get started in drag, it would be: ‘Take your time exploring.’ It took me six years to grow, and even now I’m still learning. My first time in drag may have been a bit memorable, but when I look back on my own evolution, I’m very satisfied. Think of it as a process of growth, and don’t be too hard on yourself.”

“The school where it all began has always stayed with me. In fact, they did apologize to me personally afterward, though not publicly. And I also think they’ve evolved in some ways, although I believe there are still some fairly conservative rules in place. It’s a bit of a mixed feeling. But ultimately, for me, it’s no longer about that one moment there. It’s about where I am now.”

“I know now why I do this. Because it feels good. Because I can stand there and just be myself. And because there, finally, I find the self-confidence that I was just looking for in the beginning.”

“In August, you’ll also see me walking around somewhere in Antwerp during Pride, along with other queens. And my first show is also on the schedule. It’s all just getting started, but it feels like I’m finally off and running.”