Take Me to Heaven 1992 (2023)

Made by James Leuii, this dress was a baby doll shape with conical breasts strapped on for my number, lip-sync performing to Sylvester's song 'Take Me to Heaven'.

The Hero Parties began in 1991, organised by the NZ AIDS Foundation to promote condoms for safe sex. I had been involved since their inception, in stage performances and compering. Drag is first and foremost a performance art. Performing at big dance parties with dancers and a wildly appreciative crowd is a drag highlight.

Bertha was birthed from the gay bars and clubs of Auckland. She was a child of the disco, music was a vital and integral part of drag.

There was no show without the musical artistry to which we lip-synced. My go-to divas were Patti LaBelle, Sylvester, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Holliday, Jocelyn Brown and Martha Wash. Not for me were artists favoured by the younger queens, the likes of Whitney, Mariah or Kylie (though I loved their music).

'Take me to Heaven 1992' (2023) by Yuki Kihara.
Plastic doll, fabric and mixed media. 370mm (H) x 180mm (W).
Dolls created for BERTHA (2023) in Paradise Camp an exhibition by Yuki Kihara, curated by Natalie King. Commissioned by Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. Courtesy of Yuki Kihara and Milford Galleries, Aotearoa New Zealand. Photos: Gui Taccetti.