SPECIAL THANKS TO JASON WOODLEY AND MATT LAHBIBI AT PREMIER

“It’s a lot to handle, but I am ready to handle it,” Paloma confidently says of her newfound responsibilities as the first-ever crowned queen of Drag Race France. “I feel like I have to represent my community, which is not really represented in France. When I was younger, I had no models, no representation and I feel like I am becoming that representation for a new generation.”

On the grand finale of the French spin-off, the three finalists – Paloma, La Grande Dame and Soa de Muse – delivered a fierce performance of RuPaul’s track Catwalk and competed in a final lip-sync smackdown to Dalida’s Mourir sur scène. Although Paloma almost didn’t apply for the show, she ultimately defeated her opponents and made herstory as France’s First Drag Superstar; joining an elite line-up of inaugural champions such as Bebe Zahara Benet, Natalia Pliacam, The Vivienne, Priyanka and Envy Peru.

Viewers came out in droves to celebrate her victory on social media, while declaring the debut season as one of the franchise’s “best” due to the lack of conflict between the contestants and its emphasis on the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of French drag. “It’s one of the most kind seasons for a long time,” says Paloma. “There’s no drama, there’s a sorority. The French version is proof that you don’t need drama to put on a good show.”

Here, Paloma speaks with GAY TIMES about her “overwhelming” experience on Drag Race France, how her inner saboteur almost hindered her performance in the competition and why her triumph is a “revenge on life”.

Paloma, massive condragulations on winning the first-ever season of Drag Race France. How does it feel to be part of herstory?

It’s music to my ears! I have no words to describe it. It’s very fresh, but I’m grateful to be the chosen one.

Have you had a chance to celebrate yet?

Yes, last night was fun – champagne everywhere! It was crazy. We’re not used in France to this kind of event, viewing parties are a new thing for Paris and in France in general. It was like a Lady Gaga concert.

There’s going to be many viewing parties in the future with, hopefully, a second season of Drag Race France…

Yes, let me enjoy my reign before we talk about season two please!

What does winning this title, France’s First Drag Superstar, personally mean to you?

Personally, it’s a revenge on life because I was used to losing. Besides that, I feel like I have to represent for my community, which is not really represented in France. We don’t have a lot of queer people in media and on TV, which is a shame because France is a very progressive country, but people are not very talkative about queerness. When I was younger, I had no models, no representation and I feel like I am becoming that representation for a new generation. Wow.