‘Drag is always political’: Drag queen Minty Fresh on Ariana Grande’s PasigLaban rally Instagram stories
World, meet Minty.
While supporters of presidential candidate Leni Robredo enjoyed the PasigLaban campaign rally held at Ortigas' Emerald Avenue last March 20, little did they know that an international pop star would be sharing the festivities to her over 300 million followers.
Shortly after the rally that had a crowd estimate of over 80,000 participants, singer Ariana Grande shared drone photos of the crowd dancing to her 2014 hit song Break Free.
"I could not believe this was real," the singer wrote. "I love you more than words."
But before Ariana Grande made headlines with her Story, Min Ortiz, a makeup artist and drag queen under the name "Minty Fresh" simply wanted to voice out her support the best way she knew how: through her craft and a last-minute Sweetener-inspired outfit.
"I just felt like it was the right song to perform," Minty shared with PhilSTAR L!fe. "There are a lot of negative things happening the past few years and personally I wanted to break free from those things."
"It's also a very hype and positive song very fitting for the event," she added.
True enough, Grande's Instagram story saw the crowd jumping along to her performance. Another story shows from ground view where people were hollering along to Minty's performance.
Minty shared that she was in a state of shock when Ariana shared the story: "I did not expect that. I was emotional seeing that post because I really did not expect that my performance will reach her and be viral."
As to what prompted Minty to join the rally, she said that delving into politics has always been in her intention as a performer.
"Drag is always political. It doesn't have to be in your face political, but with the right balance of fun and glamour.
Will Minty still be performing sometime soon in other campaigns? The drag queen of 11 years answered with a resounding "For sure!"
