Drag Race star Tia Kofi: ‘Trump winning the election? I wouldn’t call it iconic…’

Christmas is almost here, which means the world is ready to “sashay” into 2025.

Tia Kofi, who won the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World back in April, who has performed to tens of thousands at Pride events across the UK and hosts the Final FronTia podcast, is keeping booked and busy into the new year.

So how does one of the UK’s biggest drag queens tackle the festive season? We caught up with Tia Kofi for our My Big Year series to ask how she makes the most of Christmas, from vegan snacks to her hopes for 2025.

BIG ISSUE: What has been the standout moment of 2024?

TIA KOFI: Standout doesn’t have to mean good, so I think the standout moment, sadly, is Donald Trump winning the presidential election. I wouldn’t call it iconic, though.

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What do you think the world got right this year?

I honestly can’t think of a global issue that we’ve got right, so it has to be me winning RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World. 

What do you think the world got wrong this year?

Globally, things have shifted further to the right. And I wish that politicians had spent more time trying to find a resolution to issues instead of trying to capitalise on people’s fear. 

Did you get Oasis tickets?

I did not, and I’m not the most interested. If I really want to hear Wonderwall, I’ll play the four chords on a guitar myself.

What is the most odd family Christmas tradition you keep?

A box of Quality Street is very intrinsic to our Christmas. But sadly I won’t be able to participate in the “Who gets the purple one? Who gets the blue one?” conversation this year because I’ve gone vegan. I’m very disappointed about that, if I’m honest.

What’s your big issue for 2025?

For people to listen more and have more understanding. People shouldn’t have to compromise their thoughts, feelings and beliefs, but sometimes for society to function you do need to find a middle ground.

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