Drag Syndrome is the world's only professional ensemble of drag kings and queens with Down syndrome.
It currently consists of ten permanent members, all of whom have an additional chromosome 21.
The group emerged four years ago from the British organization Culture Device, a company for professional dancers with trisomy 21, founded by the choreographer Daniel Vais, who also works as an artistic consultant for Drag Syndrome.
However, Horrora Shebang, Gaia Callas, Justin Bond, Davina Starr and the other kings and queens stage themselves and bring glamour, extravagance and last but not least joie de vivre to the stage.
The gig list of the London collective ranges from Berlin to Mexico City, and their appearance at RuPaul's UK Drag Convention in January 2020 can certainly count as a highlight.
The self-confident performance with a tiara, feather boa and sequins or in a leather robe and painted ash beard celebrates diversity and shows that people with Down syndrome are much more than just “sweet and cute”: colourful, loud, quiet, angry, wild , proud – and sexual.
Just like everyone else.
The Italian photographer Erik Messori, who lives in London, accompanied the collective for several months.
His hairdresser, who performs in drag himself, drew his attention to Drag Syndrome: “He asked me if I wanted to come to his show that evening and told me about this brand new group.
I almost jumped out of my chair when I heard about their concept - and immediately decided to tell this courageous story in pictures.
Both drag and disability are very one-dimensional in the collective imagination, and this project has the power to break down many prejudices at once.”
Three months of research followed, during which he dealt intensively with crossdressing and the living and working conditions of people with Down syndrome.
After first contact on one of their shows, the main part of the work was to create complicity with the ensemble members: “I don't believe in the 'invisible photographer'.
My modus operandi is to immerse myself in the stories in order to be able to tell them.
Because this work touches on sensitive issues, it was particularly important to me not to compromise the serenity of my protagonists.
I slowly settled into the situation over the four months, through conversations and interaction, going to dance rehearsals and spending time with them.
Only when I felt that they accepted me did I start taking pictures.”
The resulting photos show the artists in full gear on stage in front of a large audience, at autograph sessions and posing at photo opportunities.
There are also private shots in the make-up, gathering strength before the performance or during personal preparations for the big show.
What Messori's pictures have in common is that they capture the strong presence of the ensemble members in the moment.
And the care with which they do their job.
The scintillating drag performance is a way of self-actualization - and part of the reality of their lives.
Though the focus is on art and not the extra chromosome, Drag Syndrome creates visibility for people with disabilities at a time when advances in prenatal diagnostics are leading to higher rates of targeted abortion.
Through their transformation, the performers create a space in which gender roles as well as social attributions and taboos can be questioned.
"It's about the sovereignty of adults with learning disabilities, about their freedom to make their own decisions," says Erik Messori.
"Whether they want to pursue a sex life, get married, identify as queer, or challenge conventional beliefs about people with disabilities by cross-dressing on stage, they are demanding the right to express themselves and their lives through the arts,
Homepage of the photographer Erik Messori