Campaign India Team
Sep 29, 2017

Spikes Asia 2017: A drag queen brings up the diversity debate

When advertising prides itself with pushing the boundaries, a drag queen speaks about how the business is uncomfortable with anything that's not normal

During daytime Gianni Gurnani is an advertising executive in the creative departments of a leading agency in Hong Kong. At night he transforms into Gi Gi Giubilee, a drag queen who wears outrageous wigs, vibrant outfits and dramatic make-up.

At Spikes Asia Gigi began his talk with a small song and dange routine. Watch that video here.

He then proceeded to ask some existential questions. "What is it that differentiates drag queens from the rest of us," Gigi asked the audience at Spikes Asia and then proceeded to answer it himself. "People think we are not normal."

This is where he feels that the advertising business, especially, has a lot of work cut out. For a business that prides itself in creating ideas that are cutting edge and breakthrough, there is a lot of discomfort in having a diverse set of people as  employees, says Gigi.

According to him, agecy hires are often of people who look and feel the same and have a common set of interests. Diversity does suffer in the bargain. Point well made, but is anyone listening?

 

 

 

Source:
Campaign India

Related Articles

Just Published

10 hours ago

Women Leading Change 2024 shortlist revealed

See the women and companies shortlisted for the eighth annual awards. The winners will be announced at a live presentation on May14th at Marina Bay Sands.

10 hours ago

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on using AI to win over ...

The e-commerce giant’s CEO revealed fresh insights into the company's future plans on all things consumer behaviour, AI, Amazon Ads and Prime Video.

11 hours ago

Hideous Luxury unpacks the weight of "emotional ...

The film is equal parts visually-striking and bizarre, as it tackles the idea of carrying burdens both literally and metaphorically.

12 hours ago

Goafest 2024 and ABBY Awards to be held in Mumbai ...

The much-anticipated Goafest will now take place at the Westin Powai in Mumbai from May 29 to 31.