Kak Nina Boo shares her story of resilience, artistry, and embracing identity in Singapore’s drag scene.
At 56 years old, Kak Nina Boo, affectionately known as Kak Nina, stands as a testament to resilience in Singapore’s drag scene. With nearly 30 years of experience, she navigates an industry dominated by younger queens with an attitude that blends self-awareness and humor. “They joke that I’m Sang Nila Utama’s girlfriend,” she laughs, referring to quips about her age. “I find it hilarious—my laughter is the loudest backstage.”
Despite her current grace and confidence, Kak Nina’s journey wasn’t always paved with glitter and applause. Her entry into the spotlight came in 1997 when a friend invited her to join a dance group. With no prior training, she embraced the challenge, later finding herself performing at the legendary Boom Boom Room, Singapore’s first drag queen cabaret nightclub.
Learning the Craft in a Competitive Arena
Kak Nina’s early days at Boom Boom Room were far from glamorous. The competitive environment offered no guidance, leaving her to learn by observing others. “You had to be street-smart,” she recalls. “Nobody was there to teach you; you either kept up or got left behind.”
Finances were another hurdle. Costumes were expensive, and with a part-time customer service job paying $4.50 an hour, Kak Nina often resorted to crafting her own outfits from old clothes. Fellow performers occasionally offered hand-me-downs, but not without judgmental glances and snide remarks.
Yet, even amid the struggles, Kak Nina pressed on. She studied her craft, taught herself choreography, and eventually earned her place as a lead performer. “It was tough, but I knew I had to survive,” she says.
Confronting Identity and Societal Expectations
Kak Nina’s challenges extended beyond the stage. Having begun her transition in the early 1980s, she faced discrimination and isolation. A stint in theater ended abruptly when she was cast as a shirtless warrior, a role that clashed with her evolving identity. “It was a painful time,” she admits. “People didn’t understand, and I didn’t know if I could face the scrutiny.”
Her transition also placed her at odds with societal norms and her faith. Comments questioning her choices made her retreat from friends and family, but she held onto her love for performing. “Transitioning is not easy,” she reflects. “But it’s a journey I had to take.”
Thriving in a Changing Drag Scene
Today, Kak Nina performs weekly at RIOT!, a drag show held at Hard Rock Café, alongside younger queens brimming with energy. While social media has changed the game, Kak Nina acknowledges its role in fostering connections. “It’s different now,” she says. “Back then, we didn’t have these platforms. Now queens can share ideas and bond outside of performances.”
Despite changes in the industry, financial struggles remain a reality. Kak Nina notes that her earnings have declined significantly over the years, but she isn’t bitter. “It’s just how the business works,” she shrugs. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I still have.”
A Legacy of Strength and Support
For Kak Nina, drag is more than an act; it’s a medium for storytelling and self-expression. “When I’m on stage, I can forget everything else,” she says. “The spotlight lets me leave my insecurities backstage.”
As she approaches her sixties, Kak Nina remains a beacon for younger performers, offering guidance and encouragement. “I want to be known as someone who cares, someone who shares their experience,” she says. “That’s my legacy.”
While she occasionally contemplates retirement, the allure of the stage keeps calling her back. “Every year, I think it’s time to hang up my heels, but then another gig comes along,” she smiles. For now, Kak Nina is content to perform, sharing her grit, humor, and glamour with audiences who adore her.
