Welcome to Made in Asia, Lifestyle Asia’s new podcast series that aims to connect cultural dots and communities across Southeast Asia through the power of voices and storytelling.
In the third episode, the spotlight turns to Opera Tang — a radiant force in Singapore’s drag scene whose artistry fuses tradition, performance, and self-discovery. With her signature grace and fire, Opera shares a deeply personal account of her evolution from a reserved, feminine boy into a bold and unapologetic drag performer. Her journey is a testament to the power of expression and the transformative nature of art.
Beyond drag excellence, the self-proclaimed ‘Baby Queen’ opens up about her relationship with her grandmother — a connection that has since captivated audiences on social media. A tender and moving part of the episode unfolds as Opera reflects on her grandmother’s quiet presence and subtle acceptance, which offers emotional grounding in a world that often felt uncertain. This intergenerational bond reveals the complexities of love, cultural expectations, and silent support within Asian families navigating queer identity.
“One of the clearest memories I have with my grandmother was when she made this beautiful satin wedding gown for my sister’s Barbie doll — which I played with. I remember being so enthralled by it, because the silhouette was so beautiful and I could play with it. And deep down inside, I wanted to feel beautiful in something similar… in a dress,” Opera reminisces.
Opera’s story is not just about makeup, wigs, and performance — it’s about finding one’s voice in a world that often demands silence from those who are different. Growing up as a shy and sensitive child, she faced the societal pressure to conform. But within that struggle, she found seeds of creativity that would later bloom on stage. Through drag, she began to rewrite the narrative that once confined her.
“There’s quite a grey area between my non-drag self and my drag self. I’m quite okay living in the grey area — this liminal space that parallels a lot with queer emotions. I’ve learned to live in the grey, love the grey, and celebrate the grey,” she adds.
The episode also explores the community that helped shape Opera’s identity — a chosen family of fellow artists, performers, and queer individuals who create safe, affirming spaces where authenticity is not only accepted but celebrated. She speaks passionately about how vital this support system is, especially in the LGBTQ+ scene, where visibility and acceptance still require continuous advocacy.
“I think the LGBTQ scene in Singapore has been growing in visibility over the years, but we’ve always been here. The queer history in Singapore is actually quite well documented. But I think after the pandemic, the drag scene is seeing a renaissance. There are so many ‘baby queens’ popping up, and they want to do drag — and they’re so open about it. That’s what’s fabulous about the younger generation these days — they’re open to trying new things and supporting their friends in exploring gender non-conforming careers or activities.”
Opera Tang’s story is more than a personal narrative — it’s a reflection of the broader experience of LGBTQ+ individuals in Singapore and across the region. Today, she encourages people to celebrate all forms of gender expression and, most importantly, support your local queens and queer communities.
She sums it up: “There have always been safe spaces — created by the community, for the community.”
Hosted by Martin Teo, Editor-in-Chief of Lifestyle Asia KL & SG, Made in Asia headlines the theme of “Community” for its pilot season. Stay tuned as we bring you fresh, bi-weekly conversations with some of the brightest voices in Malaysia and Singapore.
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