Gus's Drag Life: Pride Month Feature 🏳️‍🌈

This Pride Month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our incredible instructors, Gus and his world beyond the studio—most recently seen in full colour at last Friday’s Pride Event as his drag persona Lala Tina 💖✨. We’ll be exploring his journey into drag, the creation of his alter ego, and what self-expression truly means to him. 🌈

Gus, when did you first discover drag, and what drew you to it?

My first time in full drag was in July 2022 for the premiere of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on the Gold Coast. I did it purely for fun with my partner, and we had the best time ever! From that moment, I fell in love with the creativity, confidence,

and freedom that drag brings. 

What is the story behind your drag name?

My drag name is Lala Tina! It’s a play on the word “Latina,” as she’s originally from Argentina 🇦🇷, but Lala Tina was created in Australia! Haha 🤭.

She’s fun, sassy, a total party girl, and always smiling. Lala loves bringing positive energy, having a good time, and making people feel welcome.

What does getting ready for a performance look like? Walk us through the process.

Great question! It all starts with finding a song that people will love and connect with. Then I listen to it a million times! 🙂‍↕️ I read through the lyrics over and over, and as I do, I start visualising the performance in my head, imagining the stage, the movements, the energy, and how I’ll bring the song to life from the moment the music starts.

What’s your favourite song to perform to?

At the moment, I’d have to say Ven Conmigo (Solamente Tú) by Christina Aguilera for the fun, playful vibes, and Wet by Nicole Scherzinger for the sexy, fierce energy. 🔥

What's been your most memorable drag moment so far?

Definitely my first time in drag with my partner 🥹. It was such a special experience that we got to share together, and it’s a memory I’ll always treasure.

What does Pride mean to you personally, and why is it important to celebrate?

Pride is a daily fight for our rights, our dignity, and the respect that every person deserves. It’s about creating a world where people can live authentically and feel safe being themselves. Pride saves lives by showing people that they’re not alone. But it’s also a celebration of love, community, resilience, and the beautiful diversity that queerness brings. 🙏🏻

For anyone who's never experienced drag, what would you want them to know?

Drag is fun!!! It gives you permission to be whoever you want to be and to express yourself without limits. It’s creative, empowering, and joyful. As RuPaul famously says, “We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag.” 💅🏼✨

Thank you, Gus, for sharing this part of your world with us and for highlighting the importance of celebrating individuality and embracing what makes you unique 🏳️‍🌈 ❤️

Be sure to follow him on Instagram @gus.maximiliano to keep up with his class schedule (he may even be dressed up in the next one you book) ✨