Zahirah Zapanta
Age: 28
Hometown: Nottingham
Could you describe your drag?: "The look is correct, the hair is laid, the performances are fabulous, but the personality is a chaotic mess! I'm so proud of my British Filipino roots and it has influenced my drag so much. As a little kid, I constantly watched beauty pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Continental, and the UK has given me a unique and eclectic edge. I grew up with a lot of powerful women in my life. Growing up with Filipino aunties, my mum, my sister and lesbian aunties has definitely shaped Zahirah. The genetics do help me look this fabulous too!"
How did you get into drag?: "I was born in the Philippines and came to the UK with my family when I was 10 years old settling in Nottingham. Growing up, I was well known where I grew up. I was always quite flamboyant and my family actively encouraged me to be a beauty queen. As a teenager, it felt like a natural move to showcase my love of makeup and dressing up on YouTube. I built a fanbase, created a network, forayed into drag, learnt more about the art and I became a beauty queen!"
How are you feeling about meeting Ru?: "Mama Ru is a celestial omnipotent being that has been a part of my life and my heart for so long! Getting to meet her is my dream. It's unreal to think she's a real person!"
Social media: @zahirahzapanta on Instagram
RuPaul's Drag Race UK airs Thursdays at 8pm from September 26 on BBC Three and iPlayer.
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