La Paeria promotes the first six-month Drag Workshop for LGTBI visibility in Lleida

The pioneering initiative in Catalonia has received applications from across the country and aims to establish a stable Drag group in Ponent.

Generic image of a makeup space featuring wigs and artistic costumes.
IA

Generic image of a makeup space featuring wigs and artistic costumes.

The Comprehensive Care Service (SAI) in Lleida has launched the city's first Drag Workshop, a six-month course offering theoretical and practical training to 15 students to promote the visibility of the LGTBI community.

The workshop, which began classes in January 2026, has generated significant interest, receiving inquiries even from Barcelona, as it is considered a pioneering initiative. The sessions are held every Friday, and the academic program is taught by community leaders, such as the trans-Lleida artist and activist Victoria Monique Sáez, known as La Barbie Calba.

"There is a theoretical part where we explain the history of drag art and also research, so they can get to know themselves and their bodies better, which is key for them to create their artistic alter ego."

Victoria Monique Sáez · Trans-Lleida Artist and Activist
The training includes an essential practical component covering hairdressing, makeup, and wardrobe, led by Albert Ruiz. Furthermore, the program will be reinforced with masterclasses taught by five drag references from across Spain, including Cherry Bish, Oxy_tocina, Alex Marteen, and Marcus Massalami, culminating in a final performance.

"It is an opportunity to meet people, explore more aspects of myself, and be able to express myself."

Fabiola Escudero · Workshop Student
Xavi Badia, technician at the SAI de Lleida, emphasized that the workshop pursues three main objectives: to give visibility to gender diversity to counteract hate speech, to create a Drag group in Ponent, and to offer students the opportunity to perform at the Pride Day celebration in Lleida, highlighting it as a potential professional career path.