From a strict upbringing in the Philippines to Bangkok’s drag stages, Gisele Rafael shares her journey of resilience and self-expression.
In a glitzy episode of Trends, our host, David Barrett, sat down with Gisele Rafael, a drag queen and androgynous model making waves in Bangkok. The conversation took some unexpected turns, especially when a few of David’s questions accidentally veered into politically incorrect territory, but Gisele handled them with grace and humor, letting her personality shine as brightly as her sequined attire.
Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of freedom in a society that once tried to box her in.
Raised in a strict religious household in the Philippines, Gisele endured a repressive upbringing, one that prevented her from expressing her true self. In her early years, she held a string of conventional jobs, including stints as an administrative assistant and nanny, yet she never felt at home in these roles. Friends eventually encouraged her to explore drag, a world she had never imagined for herself. From these first tentative steps on stage, Gisele blossomed, honing her act until she became a star, even claiming the coveted title in Drag Arena’s Season 2 competition, outshining a host of other talented queens.
Today, Gisele performs seven nights a week at Bangkok’s famed Stranger Bar — House of Drag. Her shows are nothing short of electrifying, blending pop-star glam with her own bold, androgynous edge. She cites Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and Taylor Swift as her idols, regularly slipping into their personas on stage, though she’s also comfortable doing renditions of Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber. Unlike many drag artists, Gisele doesn’t lip-sync; she sings live, lending an added layer of authenticity to her performances. It’s a gruelling schedule that has her working into the early hours, often until 4 a.m., introducing new acts and pushing creative boundaries to keep audiences returning night after night.
The allure of drag may seem to come from the costumes, makeup, and personas, but as Gisele explains, the art goes far deeper. For her, drag is not just performance art; it’s a platform for self-expression, an opportunity to play with gender and push societal boundaries. “Gender is a vision,” she explains passionately. “Drag shows demonstrate that gender is just a social construct”. You cannot contain people in these binaries. In her homeland of the Philippines, where conservative religious views dominate, she couldn’t imagine performing as she does in Bangkok, where she’s free to explore and express herself fully.
Yet drag comes with its challenges. The art of transformation, from everyday person to stage superstar, takes dedication. Gisele describes her makeup routine as a ritual that once took up many hours. With time and practice, she’s whittled it down to around an hour, though she still finds it “a creative process.” When a tight schedule demands, she can apply her entire look in under 15 minutes, but, as she says, “I hate rushing. It’s good to just sit, take your time, and feel the change happening.”
Drag history is steeped in transformation, pushing societal boundaries for centuries. Though modern drag became prominent in the 20th century, its roots trace back further, from Shakespearean theatre, where men portrayed female roles, Christmas pantomime, to underground balls in Harlem, where marginalized communities used drag as both rebellion and celebration. In Thailand, the drag scene has flourished in recent decades, with shows at bars, clubs, and private events, where drag artists lighten the mood and infuse a “touch of glam.”
Despite Bangkok’s openness, Gisele says, “There are still misconceptions.” Some people view drag as overly provocative, which can lead to heckling or negative comments from some audiences. “Sometimes, even when I’m in my persona, I still get scared of how I’m perceived,” she admits. But she’s adamant that the problem lies not with drag culture itself, but with how society interprets it. For her, the freedom to perform and exist authentically outweighs any negative reactions.
During the day, Gisele leads a modest life, dressing in everyday clothes and blending into the crowd. But when night falls, her transformation is complete. With a dazzling wig, glittering costumes, and bold makeup, Gisele becomes an icon, captivating her audience and embodying the personas of her favorite female pop stars. For her fans, she’s more than a performer; she’s an inspiration, a reminder that self-expression is both art and freedom.
When asked about her aspirations, Gisele remains coy, particularly when it comes to the possibility of joining Drag Race, the global reality sensation. For now, she’s focused on perfecting her craft and exploring new opportunities in Thailand and beyond. In Bangkok’s drag scene, she’s found her voice, her stage, and a place where she can finally be herself. For Gisele Rafael, this is only the beginning, and as she takes her place at the forefront of Thailand’s vibrant drag culture, the world is waiting to see what comes next.
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David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
