Drag is but one structure in the gender playground and one that has never been so prominent in all forms of Pop culture. Thanks to changing attitudes, and the increasing presence of drag culture, the world is finally starting to see the beauty behind gender expression.

 Described as a ‘loveable loose-cannon’ on the Drag Queens of London wiki page, Lady Lloyd has become a staple of London nightlife for years. With signature blonde hair, and a style reminiscent of grunge culture, their beauty is undeniably eye-catching. Having walked the catwalk for Vivienne Westwood herself, Lloyd has steadily blurred the lines between drag culture and popular culture in their unique way. 

But Lloyd is no one-trick pony, and the release of their music video “Just Another” proves that. Step into the black and white music video, practise your voguing and get ready for when clubs once again reopen. This is one song guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor, surrounded by sweaty strangers and a cocktail of vodka and glitter. 

Describe your style?

The Blonde Bombshell with a Heart of Glass. I just try to dress up. No matter where I’m going or who I’m seeing. Everyday in your life is a special occasion. I’m also obsessed with wearing things over and over - I’ve got dresses I’ve had for 20+ years that I still adore. It’s about really knowing and loving your style and being true to yourself. I think people must be exhausted and broke trying to keep up with the latest thing. 

Who would you consider a style icon?

Debbie Harry is my ultimate - I truly think she is the coolest person that has ever walked this god forsaken planet. I’m thankful for her existence every single day. 

Your single “Just Another” is reminiscent of Vogue and ballroom culture, how has this niche influenced your own journey?

I think that more comes from Boy George who I work with on my music. He was around all that as it was happening and I suppose it sounds ballroom-esque, but my music and lyrics are much more British and cynical and flippant. My favourite line is ‘Get yourself - an internet face’ Everyone has an internet face don’t they? The filters and the fillers…and then reality hits when you look in the mirror on your own and have a little cry…

Modelling for Vivienne Westwood must have been huge, how was the experience?

That will be the best thing I will ever do and I made a friend for life - I remember I.D Magazine asking her who her favourite model was and she said me. I couldn’t believe it. 

She would take me to the theatre and to protests and ask me to perform in dramatic readings of her manifesto ‘Active Resistance to Propaganda’ which I just loved to do. Usually I’d play the part of Alice in Wonderland, or a Pirate with gold teeth (which inspired me to get my own real one). She made me care about the climate crisis. I love her.

When I opened her catwalk show it was the first time I had met her. I was to walk the catwalk holding big protest placards against the unfair treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and I was wearing tiny knickers with ‘Fair Trial - My Arse’ printed across the back. 

She came up to me and said ‘When you get to the end of the runway - turn around and flash ‘em ‘yer arse - and stay there for ages so they all get a good look’. I did as I was told and the next day the picture was on the front pages of all the newspapers.

It was such an incredible experience and I got to work with so many amazing people because of it, such as Juergen Teller, Nick Knight and David Bailey - photographers I’d only ever dreamed of working with.

Drag and playing with gender has become inherently political, do you consider yourself political? If so, what do you think are some of the biggest things to threaten the queer community currently?

‘the call is coming from inside the house’…I’m reminded of that famous line from the horror film ‘When A Stranger Calls’ because one of the biggest threats to our community is coming from our own. It’s the nonsense and hate from the TERFs and LGB Alliance. I loathe to even mention them because I truly believe it’s actually media attention these idiots crave. 

Drag Race has become a huge part of not only drag culture, but queer culture as a whole. Do you think it has done nothing but good for the drag community, or are there some drawbacks?

It’s created a whole industry so I am all for it. I do think the biggest drawback though is that drag has become so apologetic. You’ve got contestants forever making statements or being run off twitter because someone is upset they could see their wig line or they made a crude joke during a roast challenge and I sometimes think it’s just gotten so serious. 

I like my drag after dark and dirty. But now it needs to be family friendly. Thats fine, there’s room for everything, but I’ll see you at the bar. I’m not babysitting.

Do you intend to one day become a Ru-girl yourself?

I was quite intimated by the idea to begin with. I have absolutely no interest in the perfect contour, I just don’t care, so I thought there would be no place for me in the competition. 

However the UK producers have done a great job slowly pushing the casting in a cooler direction - Bimini & Tayce were absolutely fantastic. I also feel like the definition of drag is ever-widening, and people want to see more individuality. So maybe so. 

What’s next for Lady Lloyd?

I’m currently writing my country record. It’s one of the first things I’ve done where I think ‘that’s fucking brilliant’. I truly believe writing it has saved my life. As soon as me and Boy George can get back into the studio we will. I also intend to listen to a shit load of Shania Twain. 

Check out more of Lady Lloyd here.

Also follow her on Instagram @DJLadyLloyd