Kolkata's Drag Queen Shivkanya: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Kolkata-born drag artiste Shivkanya recently returned to her home city to headline a show and celebrate her birthday. The event brought together members of the LGBTQIA+ community in a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and inclusivity.

Shivkanya describes Kolkata as a place where she found acceptance and could be her true self, a stark contrast to experiences elsewhere. She reminisced about her early days in drag at the same nightclub where she performed, recalling how it fueled her aspirations. The city's environment offers a sense of belonging, with people respecting her identity and pronouns.

For Shivkanya, drag became a lifeline, providing a stage and a voice that empowered her to feel bold, fearless, and strong. She emphasized the profound strength gained from surviving challenges, stating the necessity to fight for survival. Her parents' acceptance is evolving, though they still encourage traditional gender expression.

Her stage name, Shivkanya, is a tribute to her devotion to Lord Shiva and the divine feminine energy of Durga, embodying her belief that 'a woman is everything.' Her performances showcase this multifaceted identity, ranging from dazzling inspirations to K-pop-influenced acts.