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‘Tried to end it all’: Hannah Conda’s suicide spiral exposed

In an explosive interview, RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Hannah Conda reveals how one moment changed her life forever.

Hannah Condah ahead of Pride Month. Picture: Richard Dobson
Hannah Condah ahead of Pride Month. Picture: Richard Dobson

The online bullying and hate Hannah Conda received after appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under led the Aussie performer to one of the lowest points of her life.

The stage name of Christopher Collins, Hannah Conda is one of the country’s most famous drag names.

She placed runner-up on the second season of the Down Under season two in 2022 but faced heavy criticism for historical cultural appropriation in drag.

“I don’t want drag to hurt people, I’ve never wanted that,” Hannah Conda said in the latest episode of the Mental As Anyone podcast.

Pictured in her drag room at her home is well known Australian drag performer Hannah Condah, as her real self, Christopher Collins. Picture: Richard Dobson
Pictured in her drag room at her home is well known Australian drag performer Hannah Condah, as her real self, Christopher Collins. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I’ve never operated out of a place of trying to make fun of anyone. When that became the narrative of who people thought I was, without even knowing me, that was really such a challenge to wrap my head around.”

The 33-year-old performer had a real fears about their life personally and professionally.

“I was chatting with my friend on Friday night at the club and I said, ‘you know what, I haven’t thought about killing myself for six months’,” he said.

“Suicidal ideation, it has been one of those things that has lurked around me forever, always. “There have been many times I have tried to end it all and be done with it.”

Kween Kong is performing at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe. Source: Supplied
Kween Kong is performing at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe. Source: Supplied

Professionally, Hannah Conda had nothing to worry about. The reality show invited him back for a spot on the international version of RuPaul’s Drag Race: The UK vs The World.

Again, Hannah placed second.

“I want to enjoy all of life because I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time by not enjoying things and not allowing myself to be happy when I should have been.”

* Do you need help? Lifeline: 131144. Beyond Blue: 1300224636. Kids Helpline: 1800551800.

* A new episode of Mental As Anyone drops Tuesday’s at 6am.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/television/reality/tried-to-end-it-all-hannah-condas-suicide-spiral-exposed/news-story/e17e418b4ab085dca6d31ea0b23ab84f