Saki Yew talks Drag Race exit, Asian representation and her unexpected Snatch Game character

Summary

In this interview, a recently eliminated contestant from a drag competition reflects on their journey and support from fellow queens. Despite the disappointment of leaving, they feel heartened by the love and encouragement received. They discuss key moments, including their talent show performance, representation of Asian queens, and plans for future projects. The contestant also shares thoughts on a controversial choice for Snatch Game and expresses hope for returning to the franchise. Looking ahead, they aim to use their platform to collaborate and promote visibility for Asian queens in the drag community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interviewee feels supported and loved by the community after their departure from the show.
• 😢 The response from fellow contestants was heartwarming, showing genuine devastation at the interviewee's departure despite it being a competition.
• 🏆 The interviewee is open to returning to the franchise in some form, possibly similar to Victoria Scone's participation in 'Canada versus the World'.
• 🌏 The interviewee appreciates the BBC's approach to serious conversations through the lens of drag, particularly regarding Asian representation.
• 👭 The interviewee shared a significant moment with another Asian queen, discussing authentic representation and issues faced by Asian queens.
• 📺 The interviewee believes film and TV are key places to improve Asian representation and is optimistic about the current trend.
• 💃 The interviewee's talent show was unique, incorporating the London drag scene's silliness and showgirl aesthetic.
• 😅 There was a concern that the judges might not understand the local humor in the talent show, but the interviewee was confident in their performance.
• 🎭 If the interviewee had stayed, they would have done a controversial character, Imelda Marcos, in a very different light from the public's perception.
• 👠 The interviewee hints at having surprising runway looks that the audience didn't get to see and encourages followers to stay tuned on social media.
• 💪 The interviewee feels they would have won the 'rusical' challenge due to their musical theater background and believes they would have been safe in the second episode's challenge.

Q & A

How does the interviewee feel about the support and love they received after the show?

The interviewee feels good and is amazed by the support and love, feeling that they won't be forgotten or blend into the background.

What was the reaction of the other contestants when the interviewee decided to leave the competition?

The other contestants were genuinely devastated and upset about the interviewee's departure, showing that they cared beyond the competition.

Is the interviewee open to returning to the franchise in some form in the future?

Yes, the interviewee is open to the possibility of returning to the franchise, suggesting to keep an eye out for future opportunities.

What commonality does the interviewee share with Victoria Scone from Season 3?

Both the interviewee and Victoria Scone have knee injuries in common, which is a significant point of connection between them.

What was the significance of discussing Asian representation on the show?

Discussing Asian representation was significant as it allowed for authentic conversations about the experiences and challenges faced by Asian queens, and it helped to raise visibility for them.

How does the interviewee feel about the increasing representation of Asian queens in drag shows and media?

The interviewee is pleased and excited about the increasing representation, referring to it as 'the year of the Asian' and seeing it as a positive trend.

What was the interviewee's initial perception of the cast when they first entered the workroom?

The interviewee felt intimidated but also excited, recognizing the strength of the cast and wanting a fair competition.

Who did the interviewee see as their competition among the other contestants?

The interviewee saw Kiren as a potential tough competitor, noting their similarities in terms of aesthetics and personalities.

What was the concept behind the interviewee's talent show performance?

The talent show performance was a blend of showgirl aesthetic and burlesque with an element of humor, where things went wrong but in a glamorous and silly way.

Who would the interviewee have impersonated in the Snatch Game if they had stayed?

The interviewee planned to impersonate Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines, in a contrasting and humorous way to the public's perception.

What can viewers expect from the interviewee in terms of fashion and performances post-show?

Viewers can expect to see surprising and unique fashion looks from the interviewee, as they like to keep their audience on their toes.

What is the biggest lesson the interviewee took away from their time on the show?

The biggest lesson was learning to be more present and to enjoy the experience despite the pressures and stresses of the competition.

Are there any queens from other seasons the interviewee would like to collaborate with?

The interviewee expressed interest in collaborating with other queens, especially Zahira and possibly Marina, to bring more visibility to Asian queens.