Pride, pop music, politics: interview with drag queen Jen Z

With her breathtaking performances and unmistakable style, drag queen Jen Z has earned herself a permanent place in the queer scene. In our interview, she talks openly about the challenges she faces as a drag queen and how she uses her platform to drive positive change in society.

Drag Tropica – On 28.09. in Cologne

The 23-year-old drag queen from Cologne has been performing regularly on stages at drag shows, competitions and CSDs throughout Germany for around a year. On September 28, Jen Z will celebrate the premiere of her show Drag Tropica in Cologne, bringing a breath of fresh air to the Cologne drag scene. For the first time, she will be taking on the artistic direction and moderation herself, so Jen is all the more delighted if her drag show makes a successful debut. Drag Tropica will take place on 28.09.2024 at the queer youth center anyway in Cologne.

Jen Z is also part of Kölnchella, a queer music festival that regularly organizes cultural events in Cologne. The next Kölnchella will take place under the motto Kölnchelloween on 19.10.2024.

Interview: Drag, Tolerance & Performance

FIV: Hi Jen! Where did you get your drag name?

Jen Z: The name is obviously a pun on “Gen Z” or “Generation Z”. I find it funny how our generation is often categorized in the media as lazy or addicted to social media. I want to poke a little fun at that. At the same time, Gen Z has a very strong sense of justice and is very aware of the grievances around the world due to digitalization. We are very politically informed and stand up for our opinions.

FIV: What is your motivation for drag art?

Jen Z: I am simply on fire for the stage. I love performing and filling the room with my energy. As drag artists, we also have a special role in the queer community. We are often the loud ones, a mouthpiece, a role model for the community. And because we are on stage, we also have a responsibility.

FIV: What does this responsibility mean to you personally?

Jen Z: It’s important to me to create a safe space wherever I am, where every person feels comfortable and included. It’s about showing visibility as a drag artist to the rest of the community – even outside of our safe spaces – and fighting for those who aren’t as visible as we are.

FIV: What progress have we already made in terms of visibility and inclusion?

Jen Z: Compared to the past, a lot! But it’s important not to rest on our laurels now. Acceptance is still nowhere near as widespread as it sometimes seems in the mainstream. We still can’t go out without the risk of being hostile, insulted or physically hurt. There are more and more voices trying to reverse the progress we have made so far. There are attempts to instrumentalize us for some political propaganda and drag queens are falsely defamed.

FIV: What can you expect at a Jen Z show?

Jen Z: I love lipsyncing to high-energy pop songs that everyone knows and loves. With that and my stage presence, I captivate the audience. My aim is to give everyone an unforgettable evening! My shows should create a space in which everyone can forget everyday life and enjoy their time without worries.

FIV Magazine: How do you manage to create this atmosphere?

Jen Z: By keeping the energy high and making sure everyone in the room feels welcome. I want my shows to be a place where all people – regardless of their background or identity – can come together, have fun and celebrate themselves.

FIV: Thank you for your insights and a drag queen’s perspective on the queer community. We wish you all the best and much success, Jen!

More content from Jen Z:

• Jen Z Instagram
• Jen Z TikTok

Now in FIV Issue #32!

Jen Z on the cover of FIV Magazine, photo stories as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion can be discovered in the complete magazine!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32