Class act: Indian drag artists spread ‘strong and clear’ messages of gender equality across schools

Drag artists say their shows in schools create awareness about equality, prompting kids to ask about pride marches, same-sex marriages and LGBTQ rights

Indian schools opening their doors to drag artists contrast with recent laws in the US banning drag artists from performing in certain public spaces

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Patruni Chidanand Sastry with students at a school. Photo: Handout

Published: 1:00pm, 5 Feb 2024Updated: 3:55pm, 5 Feb 2024

When drag artist Patruni Chidanand Sastry, 31, stepped on to the open-air stage at an elite school in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad – dressed in an embroidered blouse and skirt, a multicoloured wig and a mask made of sawdust and tamarind seed paste – children sitting in the front row looked at him in awe.

As Sastry began to sing a self-composed Telugu song about gender diversity, the children clapped and asked for more.

When he visits schools wearing his colourful outfits, children “start listening to me and my messages, out of sheer curiosity”, Sastry said.

“So I take that opportunity to incorporate fun and humour in my shows, to talk about gender equality, inclusion and diversity.”

Sastry takes his act to schools across Hyderabad as more learning institutes in India open their doors to drag artists, hoping to raise awareness among children on issues ranging from gender identity to safe sex.