While it’s true Ireland no longer has a monarchical system after declaring itself a republic and withdrawing from the British Commonwealth in 1949, today’s reigning “Queen of Ireland” is none other than Panti Bliss, the country’s most well-known drag performer.
Unlike Ireland’s neighboring British monarchy with their creation of heirs and spares to ensure succession, Panti wasn’t born into this role — she didn’t inherit it from anyone. Instead, the self-described “accidental activist” forged a new path to become a part of queer history.
“I didn’t set out to be an activist,” she admits in between her rigorous rehearsals. “I’m a queer person living in a homophobic world, and
