Copper Topp has announced that she is going to go on hiatus from drag, after her “hardest” two years.
In a full statement Copper tweeted: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided that I need to take a break from drag.
“The last two years have been some of the hardest I’ve ever experienced and the truth is I am not ok.”
Copper added: “In light of this, this account may be quiet for a while as I allow myself the time, space and energy I need to work on my mental health.
“This decision will not affect my appearance in the Wizard of Oz, which I’m very excited for, or at DragCon 2024. I look forward to seeing some of you there, when I hope to have found my smile again. All my love, Copper xx.”
— COPPER TOPP (@CopperToppQueen) October 4, 2023
Copper Topp made her Drag Race UK debut and was catapulted to the spotlight on season four of the international franchise alongside Baby, Black Peppa, Cheddar Gorgeous, Dakota Schiffer, Danny Beard, Jonbers Blonde, Just May, Le Fil, Pixie Polite, Sminty Drop and Starlet.
Speaking to GAY TIMES after her exit from the show, Copper was immediately aware of the change to her life and said: “Honestly, it’s changed my world, changed my life and I’ve got a family now of queer people who have made me a much better person, so I feel really good.”
Addressing her newfound fame she explained: “It’s something I didn’t expect and it completely blindsided me at first. I have to understand that this platform I’m on now is such a massive privilege and I’m so grateful. Drag is political and the work that we do is to help people.
“At the end of the day, I’ve always said that drag is helping someone in their day. I’ve always been performing in pubs and clubs and stuff and a lot of people are like, ‘Yas queen! Turning it out! Hunty!’ but then one person would always come up at the end and give you this solid hug and say, ‘I’ve had a really bad day today and that’s really helped me.’
“I’m not experienced in helping people, but I will certainly listen to people and I think it’s important that we support our young queer voices because they need strength right now – especially our trans youth.”
Uplifting the community she is proud to be a part of was evident in Copper’s work post-Drag Race UK when she released ‘Weirdo’: an ode to her 13-year-old self and an empowering rock-inspired anthem.
She said: “I didn’t have this sort of song when I was kid. I was like, ‘I’m 38 but I can still record this anthem,’ because I’ve had so many messages from beautiful, beautiful people down in the younger age range who are telling me their trauma and I’m like, ‘No, enough’s enough.’ When is being queer going to be celebrated by everyone? I’m a little bit fed up.
“I’m going through my punk phase at the moment and I’m angry with the world, angry with politics, and angry with heteronormativity. So yeah, that’s why I wrote Weirdo and I wanted it to be a rock anthem for young people – not just young people, actually, anyone who feels like they’ve had to hide their queerness.”
Join Copper at one of her final performances (we hope for now) at DragCon UK, which is set return to ExCel London on the 13 and 14 January.
The event will feature panel and Q&A sessions, vendors, exhibitors and many more things for attendees to enjoy. The gag-worthy convention line-up will see more than 100 queens from across the franchise in attendance to slay in the new year.
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