Chanel O’Connor, a 23-year-old drag queen from the Isle of Bute, is making waves as a contestant on this year’s Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK.
Growing up on an island with a small, tight-knit community, Chanel’s journey from the Isle of Bute to the drag world’s grand stage is nothing short of magical.
Early Life on the Isle of Bute
Chanel O’Connor, born and raised on the Isle of Bute, recalls a childhood encircled by water and tranquillity. “To grow up on an island is such a privilege because you’re surrounded by water, you’re surrounded by calmness,” she shared. Her upbringing in a small community with fewer than 7,000 residents shaped her formative years.
From a young age, Chanel felt a unique bond with her island home. “Some people say they have sea legs, well I have island legs. I need to be surrounded by water at all times so then I know that I’m safe and protected.” The island’s close-knit community, where everyone knew each other, provided a sense of security and belonging.
Challenges of Growing Up Different
Being different in a small community had its own challenges for Chanel. Describing herself as a “little fruity,” Chanel noted that while her uniqueness was sometimes a point of struggle, the protective nature of her community made her feel looked after. “It was very much like you know everybody in the village. You know everybody on the island. Everybody knows who you are,” Chanel explained.
Her mother, a local teacher, was a well-known figure, further cementing Chanel’s place in the community. “My mother was very much a community leader which meant that a lot of people knew who I was, so they kept an eye on me.” This support system allowed Chanel to explore her identity safely.
First Forays into Drag
Chanel attended the island’s only high school, where she started experimenting with make-up, a crucial step in her journey to becoming a drag queen. Friends from school would buy her make-up from the town’s lone shop, encouraging her early creativity.
After moving to Manchester nine years ago, Chanel fully immersed herself in the world of drag. Not losing touch with her Scottish roots, she embraced her heritage through her drag persona, often portrayed as a wealthy Scottish woman adorned in traditional fabrics and rich accessories.
Celebration of Scottish Heritage
Chanel’s drag character stands out for its celebration of Scottish culture. She often dons tweed and pearls, personifying the “richest woman in Scotland.” Her costumes feature traditional Scottish textiles, showcasing intricate designs and local craftsmanship.
“I love to celebrate Scottish textiles, that’s my favourite thing in the world,” Chanel enthused. As a seamstress, she takes pride in creating outfits that are both traditionally Scottish and wildly imaginative. The use of local materials from the Isle of Bute and the west coast of Scotland adds an authentic touch to her ensembles.
Contribution to the Drag Community
Beyond her own performances, Chanel also designs costumes for other drag queens, including Glasgow-based Lawrence Chaney, the winner of Drag Race UK’s second series. Her work extends to numerous other queens, supporting them with her tailoring skills.
Chanel’s presence in Drag Race UK marks the inclusion of another Scottish drag queen in the spotlight. “It’s such an important thing through all drag shows that you have inclusion,” she stressed. Her audition pitch to the producers highlighted the need for more representation from Scotland in the UK drag scene.
Inspiration for Others
Chanel’s journey sends a powerful message to those who feel isolated or different in small towns and islands. She hopes her participation in Drag Race UK will inspire others facing similar struggles. “The message I want to put out there to any person who’s kind of struggling in Scotland, struggling in the islands or struggling in a small town – it does get better,” Chanel stated.
Chanel O’Connor exemplifies the blend of tradition and innovation, bringing her island heritage to the forefront of her drag performances.
Her journey from the tranquil Isle of Bute to the vibrant stages of Drag Race UK serves as an inspiration, proving that embracing one’s unique identity can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
