Amid the vibrant Prishtina drag scene, two drag queen darlings — Diva Drag and Adelina Rose — are locked in a fierce yet playful competition for the spotlight. Their rivalry, carried out with signature stylistic flair, is as intense as any Shakespearean play. 

As Kosovo’s LGBTQ+ community fights for its basic rights to be protected, these drag queens have emerged as unexpected champions of individual expression, with their artistry serving as both protest and proclamation. 

Their relentless drives to excel fuels an ever-evolving artistry that reaches new heights. Through performances, social media posts and TV appearances, they confront discriminatory laws and shatter gender norms. The intensity of their creative expressions amplifies their messages and solidifies their status as beloved icons of queer Prishtina. Such dedication extends beyond just rivalry, reflecting a profound commitment to the cause and the broader queer community.

In the diverse world of drag, to which both of our queens have dedicated their lives, the art exceeds mere female impersonation. It provides a sanctuary for those who resist patriarchal or heteronormative traditions. It is also a vibrant playground for self-described “freaks,” where the boundaries of gender nonconformity are joyfully explored through myriad theatrical expressions. Individuals are invited to subvert taboos and revel in the beauty of their own uniqueness, no longer alienated for it, but embraced. 

Opening acts

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, Prishtina is the ground where roots are planted and souls are nourished. The bustling capital offers a sense of belonging, especially for those who are just beginning their LGBTQ+ journeys. Our own Diva Drag moved to the city from his hometown of Gjilan, where he could not envision a future. Prishtina offered the promise of new beginnings. 

With his legion of Instagram followers and legendary talent, Diva needs no introduction. He challenges expectations as an activist, performer and makeup artist, staking his place in the Prishtina drag community with unwavering confidence. In my opinion he could effortlessly win RuPaul’s Drag Race, but has instead followed his dream of becoming a makeup artist. Diva is leveraging his knowledge, fame and connections to establish Queen’s Corner, a salon in the heart of the city — sorry RuPaul, our queen has no time to compete on your show! 

Diva started by performing locally and soon expanded to the international stage. He reached a significant milestone when he appeared in the music video for “Pussypower,” a song by German pop star Katja Krasevice. 

Adelina Rose, in contrast, never intended to lay down roots in Prishtina. Despite initial reservations, what was supposed to be a brief sojourn to shoot a short film, “Bini,” in Kosovo morphed into years of enjoying the city as a comedic queen, talented actor and performer. In Prishtina they met our esteemed queen of all queens, Adelina Ismaili — the prominent Kosovar singer from the 1990s who pushed the boundaries of topics in pop music — who became their queen mother. 

Today, witnessing their reign is an absolute delight. Mx. Rose carries their mother’s legacy with elegance and poise, reflecting grace in every aspect of their work. One example is their film, “I Love You More,” which chronicles the struggles of a shy queer person falling in love. 

As Diva and Mx. Rose show, queer expression stands as a powerful affirmation of personal autonomy. Drag helps the broader queer community build self confidence. In its most distilled form, drag serves as a potent antidote to heteronormativity. 

Dazzling dramas

Diva and Mx. Rose stir up drama through their shared friends, leaving everyone wondering who said what to whom. Our beloved drag queens engage in back-and-forth gossip exchanges, orchestrating a spectacle of feuds, keeping fans hooked. 

Take, for example, the occasion when Mx. Rose disbanded the Haus of Roses, their drag family. Young and up-and-coming drag queens are often adopted by experienced drag mothers and folded into drag families, or houses. Houses serve as competition teams within the world of drag, and can serve as alternative support networks for queer youth who feel alienated from their biological families and ostracized by society. Drag mothers thus can serve as mentors and leaders, providing guidance, support and a sense of belonging to their adopted daughters.

When Mx. Rose placed their drag daughters up for adoption, Diva seized the moment without hesitation and took them under his wing — an action similar to purchasing your rival’s secrets. This incident alone could have served as the foundation for a Prishtina-flavored episode of “Pose.”

Obviously, drama does not deter Mx. Rose. Rising above it all, they scandalized audiences with their latest musical triumph, “The Bitch.” This sultry and whimsical song epitomizes Mx. Rose’s creative tenacity, dropping tantalizing hints at deep gossip that keep the audience endlessly guessing about the narratives at play. It follows the story of Mx. Rose being told that they’re too expensive for the venue, that younger and cheaper replacements can be found, only to receive encouragement from Ismaili and rock the show, showing why they are “the bitch.” 

Diva navigates his whirlwind life of performances, hairstyling, makeup artistry and advocacy work with an irresistible charm. “RuPaul always says, ‘I own 51% of this company,’” he said. “I’m almost there. I pour my soul into Queen’s Corner, and I can’t wait to see it flourish.” 

Diva has also performed in two plays over the past few months. One was “Romeo & Romeo,” performed at the Ethnological Museum during Prishtina Pride Week in June 2024. The other was “Free-Zëra të padëgjuar,” performed in May 2024 in Gjilan, Diva’s hometown. He filmed a new promo clip for the Prishtina Queer Festival, shading Mx. Rose, and continues to perform in drag shows. When I inquired about his next conquest, he hinted at an ambitious new project: a documentary chronicling his legacy. 

Mx. Rose’s talent shines in “Inside Four Walls,” a play they wrote, starred in and directed. “Inside Four Walls” was performed at Oda Theater in Prishtina during Human Rights Week in 2022 and Prishtina Pride Week in 2023 and offers a personal perspective on what it means to be a queer person in Kosovo, portraying queer Kosovars’ fight against discrimination and hatred. 

A final showdown?

Together, the two found a stage where their artistry and advocacy can thrive. Renowned as either saints or satans of the LGBTQ+ community, depending on whom you ask, our drag queens bring an incomparable mix of joy, sass and laughter to the stage. From lip syncing to impersonating celebrities, they command the stage, unafraid to speak their minds and engage in performances both hilarious and heartfelt. 

Yet the rivalry between them simmers beneath the surface, fueling speculation and gossip within Prishtina’s drag circles. Each clash, whether on stage or behind closed doors, adds layers to this legendary feud, with rumors, plots, ambitions, and stunts amplifying the drama. 

There’s a buzz in the air as fans and followers of Prishtina’s drag scene eagerly anticipate the inevitable showdown between Diva and Mx. Rose in an epic lip-sync extravaganza. While to this point no plans of such an event have been made, fans dream of the day they will see the two face off for real. The gossip mill rumors that Mx. Rose is even prepared to rip the pearls off their neck and throw them onto the stage to trip their rival if Diva dares to attempt death drops or splits for an edge. 

Perhaps Mx. Rose should have exercised greater caution with this plan, particularly in sharing it with their drag daughters. Their girls divulged the secret strategy to Diva, putting him at an advantage. Mx. Rose will now need to go an extra step to win the prospective battle. Diva won’t give it up easily. 

Nevertheless Mx. Rose seems unfazed by the competition. After all, they possess a formidable arsenal of one-liners. If all else fails, they can always summon the spirit of Faye Dunaway playing Joan Crawford, who famously uttered, “Tina, bring me the ax” in “Mommie Dearest,” a camp classic. 

Famous rivals Crawford and Bette Davis came together for the iconic film “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” In the drag world, the only time we might see Diva and Mx. Rose team up would be for an epic grand spectacle. Perhaps the stage will serve as the arena where these two formidable queens finally come together. 

The stage is set for an epic showdown — a battle for dominance in Prishtina’s nightlife. Their rivalry is fierce, their drama legendary. Who will emerge victorious? The outcome remains to be seen. Regardless, their legacy will be engraved in the chronicles of our queer history. 

Feature Image: Photo courtesy of Diva. 

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