Eva Young

Eva Young, born in Fuzhou, China, spent her early childhood there before moving to New York City and later settling in the Chicago suburbs. Her family’s frequent relocations across the United States in search of work provided a diverse set of experiences. She adapted to a new culture and language, which exposed her to various individuals who contributed to her development. Her early experiences included facing bullying due to economic circumstances and her identity as the sole Asian child in her school. In eighth grade, Eva Young publicly identified as gay, which intensified the bullying. She chose to respond by expressing her individuality through fashion, embodying an outward resilience. This period strengthened her resolve, while also highlighting the insecurities some minorities experience. These early challenges inform her commitment to challenging stereotypes and promoting visibility through her drag performances.

Eva Young’s introduction to drag occurred in 2010 during Halloween when she and a friend dressed as “zombie-hookers.” This initial experience, unknowingly her first drag performance, sparked a lasting interest. She continued to engage with drag, even attending her high school prom in character. The creative and transformative aspects of drag appealed to her, allowing her to convey concepts and use herself as a canvas, an extension of her earlier interest in drawing. In the Chicago drag scene, she quickly found her place, participating in community events such as parades during her underage years before being able to perform in clubs at 21. Her artistic journey has been influenced by drag queens such as Kim Chi and Manila Luzon, who provided mentorship and relatable representation in media. Young’s drag aesthetic is often inspired by Asian culture, and she actively uses her platform to advocate for greater equality and visibility for minorities within the LGBTQ+ community.

Professionally, Eva Young also works as a clinical pharmacist, a role that positioned her on the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic. In this capacity, she observed and personally experienced discrimination and racism targeting Asian individuals within the healthcare profession. She reported instances of colleagues making derogatory comments about Chinese people and their association with COVID-19. This experience strengthened her conviction regarding the importance of addressing racism and bigotry. Throughout her career, Eva Young has consistently used her public persona to highlight the need for inclusivity and to counter negative stereotypes, striving to ensure that all individuals feel seen and valued.