Introducing Emi Grate

We were very fortunate to speak with renowned drag artist Emi Grate for our recent episode, Artists Against Tyranny. Emi performed during the virtual event prior to the actual art auction. During this interview, Emi opens up about Myanmar society, the duality and fluidity present in all forms of identity, and her role in helping others find the courage to be themselves and find a an emotional home. To follow Emi Grate, navigate to her Instagram handle, @emigrate_drag.

Following are some basic facts about Emi:

- pronouns - she/her
- born and raised in Mandalay, Myanmar
- LGBT asylum seeker in the US
- producer of A+ the Pan-Asian Drag Revue (@aplusdragshow) - est. 2017
- Miss BK 2018, Miss Brooklyn Pride 2020

For those that were intrigued by her interview with us, there are more resources you can refer to in order to learn about her life:

• XX Judgment spoke to her soon after the military coup.

• Brightest Young Things explores one of her recent shows in Brooklyn.

• Yangon Literary Magazine goes into detail about Emi’s coming out and background in Mandalay.