Muslim drag queen says 'You have to have balls of steel' in Channel 4 documentary

Asifa usually wears a burqa during the act to provoke debate

BRITAIN's first out-and-proud Muslim drag queen is going to be one of the subjects of a new documentary by Channel 4.

 

Asif Quraishi, who goes by the stage name Asifa Lahore, has built up a career in the Gaysian community and will be speaking candidly about his experiences.

 

Asif Quraishi prepares for the stage

 

The 32-year-old was born to conservative Muslim parents and his unique career choice has led to strained relations with his family.

 

Along with being an established performer, he is also a vocal campaigner about gay rights which has led to both he and his family have receiving death threats in the past     

However he remains resolute in his mission to change perceptions and attitudes towards being gay and Islam which forbids homosexuality.  

 

"There is a whole community that is living in Britain which is hidden. Now is the time to come out. You’ve got to be big. You’ve got to be bold. And you’ve got to have balls of steel," Asif says.

"Up until now, people in my community have chosen to be invisible," he added.

As part of his act Asifa takes to the stage dressed in sequins, feathers, saris - and controversially a burqa. 

 

Muslim Drag Queens will focus on the stories three of the 100-150 Muslim drag queens in the UK as they seek acceptance and tolerance within their own and wider communities.

The film will explore an underground scene rarely seen before.

The documentary will be narrated by actor Sir Ian McKellan, who is out himself as well as being a prominent gay activist.

Muslim Drag Queens will be broadcast on Channel 4 in August