Mother Tuckers: Drag Queens of Glasgow

Director: Joseph Briffa
Release Year: 2019

Mother Tuckers: Drag Queens of Glasgow is a 2019 documentary directed by Joseph Briffa for BBC Studios, offering an intimate look into the lives of three distinct drag queens at different stages of their careers in Glasgow, Scotland. The film provides a revealing portrayal of the individuals behind the glitz and glam, exploring the complexities of drag performance and the personal challenges faced by the queens. Through these stories, the documentary sheds light on the evolution of drag culture, societal shifts, and the personal struggles and triumphs that shape the lives of these performers.

 

At the heart of Mother Tuckers are three drag queens - each representing a unique facet of Glasgow’s drag scene and reflecting the ongoing evolution of drag performance. The film focuses on Barbara La Bush, the self-styled "oldest queen in Glasgow," Lawrence Chaney, a newer queen and social media sensation, and Voss, a queen who is still relatively new to the scene but has already had to confront personal and professional challenges. Barbara La Bush is a seasoned drag performer who epitomizes traditional, end-of-the-pier drag. As the documentary highlights, she is a proud representative of a drag era that blends humor, camp, and exaggerated performances. However, Barbara’s career has been marked by a constant battle with the harsh realities of aging and health issues. Having spent years performing in clubs and pubs, Barbara faces the insecurity of a life spent on the lower rungs of the entertainment circuit. The documentary captures her struggle to come to terms with the physical toll of her profession while navigating the emotional challenge of knowing that her time in the limelight is dwindling. Despite these struggles, Barbara remains a resilient figure, committed to keeping the tradition of classic drag alive. 

 

On the opposite end of the drag spectrum is Lawrence Chaney, a queen who represents the new wave of drag culture. A product of the Instagram generation, Lawrence’s drag is heavily influenced by modern trends and aesthetics, with a focus on visual appeal and high-fashion looks. For Lawrence, drag is not just about performance; it is also a personal journey toward acceptance and recognition. In a candid conversation with Glasgow Live, Lawrence shares how filming the documentary allowed her to showcase her vulnerability and express her true self. Though confident in her drag persona, she admits that revealing her real-life struggles was a deeply emotional and nerve-wracking experience. Lawrence's story reflects the changing dynamics of drag performance, where performers seek not only artistic expression but also mainstream recognition. She discusses how drag has become an integral part of pop culture, in part due to the success of shows like RuPaul's Drag Race. "It’s so cool to be in a documentary about drag - it normalises it," Lawrence says, reflecting on how the show helped elevate drag into the public eye and make it more accessible to a broader audience. For Lawrence, drag is not just about performing on stage; it’s about carving a place in mainstream culture, and she hopes to continue pushing the boundaries of what drag can achieve in the future. 

 

Voss, the third queen featured in the documentary, represents the more recent wave of drag performers. As a newcomer to the scene, Voss faces unique challenges - both within the drag community and beyond. Not only does she battle prejudices within her job in the merchant navy, but she also struggles to gain acceptance from her parents, who do not fully understand her drag identity. Voss's journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of balancing her personal life with her desire to express herself through drag. Her story highlights the generational divide in the drag world, where newer queens must reconcile traditional expectations with their desire for authenticity. 

 

One of the key themes explored in Mother Tuckers is the evolution of drag culture itself. As Lawrence Chaney explains, drag has transformed significantly over the years, largely influenced by changes in pop culture. "Some queens are inspired by Lady Gaga, while others, like Barbara La Bush, draw inspiration from the likes of Madonna," she says. This evolution is not just in the performances, but in the way drag queens are perceived by society at large. Lawrence and Voss emphasize that while drag has become more mainstream, it remains an art form that constantly adapts to reflect the current cultural climate. The documentary also touches on the historical context of drag in Glasgow and Scotland at large. Forty years ago, being gay in Scotland was illegal, and the LGBTQ+ community faced significant legal and societal obstacles. Today, however, Scotland is recognized as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, with Glasgow emerging as a thriving hub for the drag scene. This progress is a testament to the changing attitudes toward gender and sexuality, and drag queens, once relegated to the margins of society, have become symbols of resilience and self-expression. 

 

For Lawrence Chaney, drag has been a way to cope with the bullying she experienced growing up. "Even before drag, I was always the class clown at school," she reflects. Humor became her shield against the cruelty of others, and drag gave her a platform to embrace her identity. Reflecting on the progress made in recent years, Lawrence expresses her pride in seeing a new generation of LGBTQ+ youth who are more open-minded and accepting. "When I did a talk at my old school a few months ago, I was shocked to hear that there were students interested in drag who had never been bullied," she says. This marks a significant shift from Lawrence’s own experiences as a student, where LGBTQ+ individuals, though present, were often isolated or scared to be open about their identities. Lawrence credits shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race for helping normalize drag and making it more mainstream. "I owe so much to RuPaul," she says, acknowledging how the show has paved the way for performers like her to enter the industry. For Lawrence, the future of drag in Scotland is bright. She envisions a world where drag queens are not just confined to the clubs and TV screens, but are an integral part of everyday life. "I want to see them doing morning news, on bus stops - everywhere. That would be incredible." 

 

Looking forward, the drag scene in Glasgow is poised for continued growth and transformation. The documentary shows that the drag community in the city has developed significantly over a short period, reflecting wider societal changes and increased acceptance. As drag becomes more mainstream, the opportunities for queens to build careers in television, film, and other sectors will only continue to expand. For performers like Lawrence, the sky is the limit. Ambitious and driven, Lawrence hopes to use her platform to continue challenging societal norms and pushing for greater visibility and representation for LGBTQ+ individuals. In conclusion, Mother Tuckers: Drag Queens of Glasgow is a powerful exploration of the lives and careers of three drag queens, each at different stages in their journey. Through Barbara La Bush’s traditional performances, Lawrence Chaney’s pursuit of mainstream success, and Voss’s struggle for acceptance, the documentary provides an insightful look at the evolving nature of drag culture and its place in contemporary society. As drag continues to grow and evolve, the future for queens in Glasgow and beyond looks increasingly bright, with the potential to reach new heights and greater recognition.

 

via: Facebook

 glasgowlive.co.uk and josephbriffa.com

Image credits: Facebook - BBC