Young Town Hall came alive on Tuesday, 30 September, as local youth gathered for the LGBTQIA+ Drag Workshop, part of the Youth Passport Program. The four-hour workshop offered participants aged 12–24 the chance to dive into drag culture through makeup, styling, and performance activities, while also exploring the deeper themes of self-expression and identity.
Mayor Brian Ingram made an appearance at the workshop, expressing his support on behalf of the Hilltops council, giving their full support to the event.
The workshop was led by Aries Khaos, a Canberra-based drag queen and cosplayer known for their bold stage presence and vibrant character work. Best recognised as “Canberra’s resident Demon Queen,” Aries blended humour, honesty, and expertise to guide participants through a program that ranged from drag history to performance.
Speaking at the event, Aries said it was vital for smaller communities to have access to workshops like this.
“Sometimes events like this are the only safe space that come up,” she said. “People in larger cities forget that the resources we have aren’t always available in smaller towns. Even just the attitudes can be more close-minded. Bringing people together like this is so important, because sometimes people just need to see that others are out there too.”
Latest Stories
She explained that drag’s power lies in its long history as a form of self-expression.
“Drag’s important because it’s diverse and you get to make it your own,” she said. “If you feel you can’t express yourself under your normal name or in your regular circles, but you can through drag, that can open something up in someone that might save their life. It’s so important to have that outlet.”
The workshop included icebreakers, makeup demonstrations, and guidance on costuming and performance. But Aries also used the opportunity to talk about building confidence, learning from mistakes, and navigating community dynamics.
“I spoke about confidence versus arrogance,” she said. “Arrogance screams, confidence whispers. Conveying those lessons to younger queens is important, because one silly mistake shouldn’t define your whole career. Even in smaller communities, people talk, so passing on that kind of knowledge matters.”
The event was warmly received, with participants eagerly embracing the chance to learn, create, and connect. Mayor Brian Ingram also visited the workshop, noting that he and Hilltops Council fully support the initiative.
Reflecting at the close of the day, Aries said the experience was as rewarding for her as it was for the participants.
“I lip sync for a living, which means I usually express myself through someone else’s voice,” she said. “Opportunities like this, where I can share what I’ve learned, mean a lot. Hopefully I’ve passed on some wisdom, but also reminded everyone that drag is fun, makeup is fun, and if you’re not having fun, it’s okay to take a break.”
The Drag Workshop marked an important moment for local young people, offering not only skills and artistry, but also a sense of community and belonging.
