PABLLO VITTAR
In politics, fortunately, things always change… The important thing is to maintain the rights won by the LGBTIQ community.
The Brazilian drag icon on RuPaul, the rainforest and right-wing politicians.
Pioneering drag artist Pabllo Vittar exploded onto the scene in 2014 as a fully formed superstar. She has since transformed into one of South America’s most popular cultural exports and is the most followed drag queen on social media anywhere.
The numbers speak for themselves: she has amassed half-a-billion Spotify streams, and a billion YouTube views, and in 2019 was the first drag queen to ever win an MTV Europe Music Award.
Not content to merely lip-sync for her life, Pabllo has sung with big names acts like Major Lazer, Charli XCX and Diplo and is now up to her third album, 111, including the catchy single, Flash Pose.
An outspoken advocate, Vittar uses her platform as a pop persona to demand equality for LGBTIQ communities in Brazil and beyond, fusing the personal with the cultural and political, and refusing to hide who she is to the world.
Before arriving in Australian last summer to play Mardi Gras, Pabllo donated to WIRES Wildlife Rescue after seeing the catastrophic bushfires.
How could you not love her even more?
DNA: You describe yourself as a drag artist. How is that different to a drag queen? Pabllo: There is no difference at all. Every drag queen is an artist who explores different talents and aims to use her art to honour women.
Tell us how you found drag… or how drag found you?
From an early age I admired the female image and realised that the drag art completed me. I had so many references as a singer and drag artist that it is difficult to talk about just a few. Still, I can mention RuPaul, Whitney Houston, Elza Soares [Brazilian musician], Etta James, Donna Summer and so on… [Laughs.]
What were you like as a teenager?
Things in my life tend to flow naturally and so my adolescence came with the discovery of who I am in this world. It was during this period that I was able to deal with my internal conflicts, discover myself, experiment and create. The most special thing was, though unfortunately not in everyone’s case, I always had the support of my mother, with whom I shared each new discovery and each new choice I made.
When did you realise you wanted to work professionally in drag?
Living from drag art is a challenge in our country but I always think positively. That was how opportunities came up. During this journey I came across people who helped me to pursue my career so far.
Who paved the way for what you are doing? There are many LGBTIQ+ artists who came before me. Internationally, one of the biggest names that helped to give visibility to drag artists is RuPaul. In Brazil we had Nanny People and Marcia Pantera among many others.
When it comes to talking about drag these days, inevitably the conversation turns to RuPaul’s Drag Race. Are you a fan?
I love this program so much. If RuPaul invited me to be a special judge I would love it!
How big is the drag scene in Brazil?
In Brazil there are several drag artists, some who perform ballads, others in theatre, on TV and, obviously, in music. I have to mention some of my music siblings who have been doing so much: Glória Groove, Aretuza Love, Lia Clark, Kaya Conky and a lot of drags that rock a lot. Despite this, prejudice still needs to be dealt with.
You’re very socially conscious and politically aware, even donating to the Australian bushfire appeal. What are the issues of main concern to you?
We need to be aware of all things that happen around us because only then can we change the reality of the world. I try to do my part and if everyone does a little bit, we’ll get there. My dream is we can live in a world with more opportunities that respects nature, animals and culture.
Brazil, like the US, UK and Australia, has taken a turn to the right politically. Is this making life more difficult for you?
We need to deal with all the adversities that exist in politics. Fortunately, things always change over time. The important thing is to maintain the rights won by the LGBTIQ community and continue our journey so that we all have the same opportunities.
We hear a lot about the Amazon rainforest burning in Brazil. What do Brazilians think about this?
There was great commotion and increased awareness about this problem that has been going on for years all over the world and that has increased even more in the last year in our country. People realised that we needed to take more care of our forests, our animals and that this is directly linked to each of us.
You’re an outspoken advocate for the LGBTIQ community. Now we’re in a new decade what are the big issues we need to focus on?
I always defend the plurality of opportunities and that everyone can have the right to be what they are. That everyone can walk wherever they want and be on the stage that they dream of being on without prejudice, without violence.
Depression, drug addiction and hook-up app obsessions are three big problems at present in the gay community. What can we do about these issues?
Everyone can have fun and do what they wish, as long as they take precautions and take care of their health.
What do you like to do when you’re not performing?
Being with my friends and family, dancing, traveling, taking care of myself, watching movies and TV series.
You make your own music, like Flash Pose. How did that come about?
Each time is a different process. My producers and I work together to bring out who I am and what I believe through lyrics and melody.
You won an MTV Europe Music Award. How was that moment for you?
Unforgettable. I always dreamed of being there, but winning a prize exceeded all my expectations. I love my audience. Without them none of this would be possible. I consider this to be an award, not only for me, but for all LGBTIQ artists.
Tell us about some of the big names you’ve worked with.
Major Lazer, Thalia, Fergie, Iggy Azalea, Charli XCX… I love each one of them, and they were all very special moments and jobs that will be in my heart forever.
The pop world has welcomed openly gay artists like Sam Smith and Lil Nas X. Is it ready for more drag artists now, too? Certainly. I am proof of that. In fact, not only me but so many other artists who are also gaining visibility within the pop scene.
What do you look for in a romantic partner?
I usually act on the way I feel at the time. Each person is unique, so it is not possible for me to label myself when it comes to relationships. What’s one thing about you no one would ever suspect?
My nails are fake! [Laughs.]
What’s your message to the readers of DNA?
I hope that we will meet soon at my shows or on my social networks. A very special kiss for you.