That popular culture is a reflection of the society where it is created is no secret, and that is why the birth of “La Perla del Lobregat”, the first transvestite geganta or drag-queen of Barcelona, should not surprise anyone.
She has done it in Sant Andreu de la Barca, becoming, also, one of the first giants representing a gender diversity in Catalonia, where there are hardly any LGTBIQ+ representations or other diversities in the nearly 4,000 giants that populate its popular culture.
A geganta with tattoos and trans symbols
Inspired by the local anthem, which refers to the church’s bell tower as “the pearl of the Llobregat,” this new nearly three-meter-tall figure is a creation of the Sant Andreu de la Barca Youth Group.
“La Perla del Llobregat” has a drag aesthetic with a beard, colorful makeup, tattoos with LGTBI+ symbolism and a costume that combines the colors of the trans and inclusive flags. In addition, the figure wears a boat on his head, with intertwined oars in his hair, and sports the iconic pose of the “no mi ciela” meme.
The design, made by members of the group , is the first transvestite giantess or drag queen in Barcelona, and joins a still short list of giantesses representing gender diversity in Catalonia.
Before La Perla, Solsona premiered, in 2o023, the first couple of lesbian gegantas and last year, as part of the pride celebrations, the drag artists Faraonix, Kika Super Puta and Kelly Passa presented a show in Barcelona with two drag gigantas who, however, are not attached, for the moment, to any grouping gegantera of the city.
The official presentation of La Perla del Llobregat will be on June 28, Pride Day, and its first appearance in parade will take place on July 5 during the celebrations of the festival.