Nexus reached out to Miss Geena to discuss threats of violence she experienced during our recent Pride month.

Could you please explain the incident on the weekend (22nd to 23rd of Feb)?


My friend and I were leaving a Pride queer dance party. It was after 4am and we walked towards my car about a block up the road when an SUV slowed down and yelled out the window “you’re lucky there’s cameras on the street otherwise I’d stab the both of you”. This was definitely a queerphobic physical threat to our lives as we were both visibly queer by the clothing we wore and it was known that the club down the road was hosting a queer event. Luckily my car was right there so we both hopped in fast and locked the doors. The SUV drove up the road but then did a U-turn. I drove away and around a corner to make sure that they weren’t following us.

Will the perpetrator be facing any legal backlash?


I didn’t lay a complaint with the police because I wasn’t sure it would do any help with other things that had been going on during that month.

Why do drag queens seem to be targeted and what could the rest of the queer community and the wider public do to help drag performers be safer?


Drag queens are the easy target because we are so visibly loud and proud. We have always been at the front of protests and pride parades and also perform at nightclubs and libraries for story time but the attacks on drag queens are now and have always been about attacking trans people because stupid right wing conservatives think drag queens and trans woman are the same thing.

How can queer people stay safe in cities at night?


I think travelling in groups as there is safety in numbers; never walk the streets alone. Make sure your friends walk you to your destination or if there’s just two of you that you make sure each other gets in an Uber before leaving the other person alone.

How can students support Aotearoa’s drag scene?


Showing up to the events is the obvious answer but also sharing posters on social media is free and greatly appreciated.