A Journey of My Drag

By Marco Mozzarelli 

Drag is political. Whenever I create an act or think about future acts, I always come back to this statement. Drag is political, its origins are political, its existence is political and threatens our society’s cis-heteronormative way of life. If I am given the opportunity to be on stage and perform, I want to use this platform to convey something that matters.  

This is especially the case with the suppression of our freedom of speech in terms of speaking out against the ongoing genocides around the world, in particular in Palestine. This is why using my platform, no matter how small, is vital in creating change. Whilst I incorporate political elements in my practice, this does not always equate to serious performances. Quite the opposite actually.  

My drag king persona, Marco Mozzarelli, often uses sexual appeal and comedy to discuss political themes. Most acts I do are campy and political satire, which I feel is innate as a drag performer, given that we play around with gender roles and challenge ideas of femininity and masculinity by nature. Some of Marco’s performances also draw from personal experiences, like being trans, getting top surgery and having OCD.  

I came out as trans before starting drag. However, being a drag king and being among so many trans and gender diverse drag performers has helped me so much in my transition. I found a new appreciation for my community and a new love for my body. Every time I am topless on stage, it gives me the most gender euphoria.  

I have also used drag to work through some mental health issues. I struggle daily with OCD, whether that’s due to mental or physical intrusive thoughts and compulsions. So, I decided to share some of those experiences on stage. I wasn't sure what I was hoping to feel by doing an act about OCD. But I realised that showing what intrusive thoughts can sound like, and by performing compulsions on stage, it relieved me ever so slightly of my shame and stigma. And for that and all the other reasons listed above, I am so grateful to be a drag king.  

Photographer credits and image descriptions: 

1) Lucinda Davidson: @lucindadavidson_photography 

Marco is onstage wearing a white button-up shirt, with the letter 'M' rhinestoned on it and black trousers. He is pulling on his light blue tie. There are red curtains in the background. 

2) Ian Bridgeman: @ianpresentscontent 

Marco is wearing a black shirt with a pink triangle and the statement ‘silence = death’ on it. He is also wearing a keffiyeh and has their hand raised above their head. In the background, various LGBTQIA+ flags and a Palestine flag are visible. 

3) Ian Bridgeman: @ianpresentscontent 

Marco is topless, with a chain and visible rhinestoned top surgery scars. They are holding their hands to their chest and smiling. In the background you can see a Palestinian flag and other LGBTQ+ flags.  

4) JME Photoart: @jmephotoart 

Marco is wearing black leather trousers, a red cape and a black shirt with a unicorn and 'Alpha Male' written on it. Both of his arms and fists are up in the air with a look of uncertainty in their face. 

5)  Jia Tung: @sawjiatung  

A headshot of Marco Mozzarelli, a white drag king. He is shirtless, with visible top surgery scars, holding a light blue striped tie and wearing black leather trousers. 

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Bio: Marco Mozzarelli (he/they) is the sexy Italian Stallion who moved from Italy to the UK. He is a transsexual at heart and loves to discuss political issues with a sexy and comedic twist. You can follow Marco on Instagram: @itsmarco_mozzarelli