How Bimini Bon Boulash pulled themself out of ‘dark places’ and became a shining light for the queer community – attitude.co.uk

Words: Will Stroude

Bimini Bon Boulash may claim to hate using the word journey, but theres simply no way to avoid that old clich when describing the 27-year-old east London queens time on RuPauls Drag Race UK series two.

When, in week one, Bim found themselves in the bottom two with seasoned Brighton cabaret star Joe Black (and with nothing but a pair of eight-inch platform heels and Norwich FC singlet for, ahem, support), viewers came perilously close to saying Bimini Bon ByeBye to a queen who would go on to become a series-defining star and one who might just symbolise a new era of drag itself.

Bimini Bon Boulash wears full look by Pam Hogg (Styling by Joseph Kocharian; photography by Denelle + Tom Ellis)

The most heartening element of Biminis popularity and ensuing success is just how organic it all feels: after growing up gay in the sleepy seaside town of Great Yarmouth, foregoing a career in journalism to pursue their passion for performing and going to "darkplaces" after briefly losing their way among the hedonism of Londons queer nightlife scene, Biminis fiercely punk, positive, politically outspoken attitude has captured the zeitgeist and they have also been blessed with that rarest of abilities: the ability to inspire.

"Ill always say what I think. Ive got my beliefs and Im not saying you have to believe in them, but this is what Im saying and if that changes certain peoples minds or perceptions, I think thats only a positive", declares Bimini as they take to the cover of the Attitude Tea Time digital special in association with TAIMI - free to download when you subscribe to the Attitude mobile and tablet edition (30% off for a limited time only), and available to download individually for 1.99 here.

"Were in such a weird time politically: theres no room for honest conversation, its either debates that end up angry or there is no authentic experience being discussed."

Bimini's candour about their non-binary identity during their time on Drag Racewon them legions of fans, but it remains a sad fact that hostility towards trans and non-binary people can still come from within other parts of the LGBTQ community itself.

Bimini wears top by Miu Miu; headdress by Pam Hogg (Styling by Joseph Kocharian; photography by Denelle + Tom Ellis)

Bimini, who says they've "absolutely" been on the receiving end of ignorance and prejudice from gay men over the years, says queer people have reached a pivotal moment where unity and collective strength are required more than ever.

"I think as queer people weve been subjected to so much hostility that I think people without maybe even realising get down on others", they reflect. "I think its very much that mentality where people ignore other peoples life experiences.

"For gay men, its not necessarily that theyvehad it easier, but its been easier than it has for a lot of other minorities within the same community.

"Whats important is that we should be uplifting everyones voices and not segregating when thats happened, its created more issues. When straight people see that gay men dont accept trans people or dont accept femme or non-binary [people], then it just gives them more ammunition to not accept it."

Bimini Bon Boulash wears full look by Pam Hogg (Styling by Joseph Kocharian; photography by Denelle + Tom Ellis)

Norfolk-bornBimini adds: "To me, we have so much more to fight [against], and that kind of discrimination within the community is just disgusting."

Despite their sunny demeanour earning them a permanent place in the hearts of Drag Racer UKviewers, Bimini has overcome their fair share of stormy life waters, including drug use that began to dim their light both personally and professionally before they decided to take charge of their destiny and pull themself back from the brink.

"I was a smalltown kid moving to the big city, going out partying, seeing things that Id never seen before, and I just got caught up in it", recalls Bimini. "For me, I always feel like Im all or nothing. There was a moment where I just felt, I cant do this anymore, and I just completely stopped.

"It was great I went travelling, came back to London and thats when I pursued drag."

Casting light on the darker side of the LGBTQ experience, Bimini muses: "The queer scene is great it really, really is but a lot of queer people have been through stuff. Its not often you speak to someone who hasnt been subjected to things during their life.

"I always say that its like youre chipping away at your soul for any bad experience, any name you were called, anything thats made you feel like you were an outsider, and sometimes you just need to let go.

"I think a lot of the time we find people within our community and we party and we drink and we dance and we have fun, but you can get caught up in it very easily."

They continue: "Look, I went to dark places I didnt think I was going to get out of, but I managed to. It takes work, its not easy, and sometimes taking a pill might be easier. But I think its all about finding that balance and finding out what you want and who you are and knowing that there are better avenues for you if you are getting caught up in that."

They add: "Every life experience Ive had has got me to this point and Imjust grateful to be here. Im very lucky Im here to continue to do what I want to do."

Read the full interview in the Attitude Tea Time digital special in association withTAIMI-free when you subscribe to Attitude's mobile and tablet edition (30% off for a limited time only).

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How Bimini Bon Boulash pulled themself out of 'dark places' and became a shining light for the queer community - attitude.co.uk