Kat Joplin ⭐️ Le Horla Mizrahi
@katjoplin.bsky.social
Journalist, author, drag queen. Very Queer™️
I'm the primary English language writer covering Tokyo's drag and ballroom scenes. 🌈🌈
I'm the primary English language writer covering Tokyo's drag and ballroom scenes. 🌈🌈
New prime minister Sanae Takaichi is ultra right-wing, big on covering up Japan’s history of war crimes, very anti-immigration, and in 2014 took a smiling photo with Kazunari Yamada, leader of Japan's neo-Nazi party. 🫠
Heads up to the folks less plugged in to Japanese politics.
#Japan #politics
Heads up to the folks less plugged in to Japanese politics.
#Japan #politics
October 25, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Part 1 of my ballroom primer piece! A history of ballroom in Japan.
Features the photos many friends and colleagues I've been privileged to meet in the scene, thanks also to the excellent photographers including (but not limited to) Rino Ninja, J. Elle Harris, Shen Wei Hung, and Christopher Sy.
Features the photos many friends and colleagues I've been privileged to meet in the scene, thanks also to the excellent photographers including (but not limited to) Rino Ninja, J. Elle Harris, Shen Wei Hung, and Christopher Sy.
An Introduction to Japan Ballroom
Voyapon's LGBTQ columnist, Kat Joplin, documents the vibrant ballroom scene in Tokyo which welcomes everyone who accepts its world view.
voyapon.com
September 12, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Part 1 of my ballroom primer piece! A history of ballroom in Japan.
Features the photos many friends and colleagues I've been privileged to meet in the scene, thanks also to the excellent photographers including (but not limited to) Rino Ninja, J. Elle Harris, Shen Wei Hung, and Christopher Sy.
Features the photos many friends and colleagues I've been privileged to meet in the scene, thanks also to the excellent photographers including (but not limited to) Rino Ninja, J. Elle Harris, Shen Wei Hung, and Christopher Sy.
Interview with Kosmic Sans, a beloved Tokyo drag queen, is now live on the Tulip Wolf Journal!
@kosmicsans.bsky.social
@tulip-wolf-journal.bsky.social
@kosmicsans.bsky.social
@tulip-wolf-journal.bsky.social
She Came from Outer Space: An Interview with Kosmic Sans, Tokyo’s Techno-Queen
By Kat Joplin – I try to celebrate all kinds of femininity. I don’t tuck too much, I don’t need to proportionalize. It’s okay to be flat, to have no ass, no hips, to be a little masc! I want to show d...
www.tulipwolfjournal.com
August 31, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Interview with Kosmic Sans, a beloved Tokyo drag queen, is now live on the Tulip Wolf Journal!
@kosmicsans.bsky.social
@tulip-wolf-journal.bsky.social
@kosmicsans.bsky.social
@tulip-wolf-journal.bsky.social
The first article in a new column I'm writing for Voyapon!
A primer for people new to Shinjuku Ni-chōme and Tokyo's other gay neighborhoods, featuring quotations by Don Cortez and bartender Yuna Sun, tons of photos by Michael Judd.
Excited to have the piece out!
voyapon.com/ni-chome-shi...
A primer for people new to Shinjuku Ni-chōme and Tokyo's other gay neighborhoods, featuring quotations by Don Cortez and bartender Yuna Sun, tons of photos by Michael Judd.
Excited to have the piece out!
voyapon.com/ni-chome-shi...
Shinjuku Ni-chome: Tokyo's Vibrant LGBTQ Hub
Voyapon delves into Tokyo's wonderful Shinjuku Ni-chome area, a well-established hub for the capital's LGBTQ communities.
voyapon.com
July 14, 2025 at 7:50 AM
The first article in a new column I'm writing for Voyapon!
A primer for people new to Shinjuku Ni-chōme and Tokyo's other gay neighborhoods, featuring quotations by Don Cortez and bartender Yuna Sun, tons of photos by Michael Judd.
Excited to have the piece out!
voyapon.com/ni-chome-shi...
A primer for people new to Shinjuku Ni-chōme and Tokyo's other gay neighborhoods, featuring quotations by Don Cortez and bartender Yuna Sun, tons of photos by Michael Judd.
Excited to have the piece out!
voyapon.com/ni-chome-shi...
New article up!!! Covering responsible dog ownership in Japan!
Special thanks to my dog owner interviewees Spencer Walther, Ice Elloso, Reyna Marquez, and Atsushi Fukumori
Special thanks to my dog owner interviewees Spencer Walther, Ice Elloso, Reyna Marquez, and Atsushi Fukumori
A furever friend: Tips for responsible dog ownership in Japan
Owning a dog in Japan may seem daunting, but having these tools and tips in mind can ease your journey and bring you lots of joy.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 8, 2025 at 8:26 AM
New article up!!! Covering responsible dog ownership in Japan!
Special thanks to my dog owner interviewees Spencer Walther, Ice Elloso, Reyna Marquez, and Atsushi Fukumori
Special thanks to my dog owner interviewees Spencer Walther, Ice Elloso, Reyna Marquez, and Atsushi Fukumori
HOMECOMING
✦ ISSUE 02 ✦
“In that sweaty, glowing night, I learned what it is to be Vietnamese and queer.”
An essay about visiting Saigon as a queer Vietnamese-American to attend the Nguyễn Huệ Kiki Ball 3
noonemag.com/products/iss...
✦ ISSUE 02 ✦
“In that sweaty, glowing night, I learned what it is to be Vietnamese and queer.”
An essay about visiting Saigon as a queer Vietnamese-American to attend the Nguyễn Huệ Kiki Ball 3
noonemag.com/products/iss...
July 1, 2025 at 1:40 PM
HOMECOMING
✦ ISSUE 02 ✦
“In that sweaty, glowing night, I learned what it is to be Vietnamese and queer.”
An essay about visiting Saigon as a queer Vietnamese-American to attend the Nguyễn Huệ Kiki Ball 3
noonemag.com/products/iss...
✦ ISSUE 02 ✦
“In that sweaty, glowing night, I learned what it is to be Vietnamese and queer.”
An essay about visiting Saigon as a queer Vietnamese-American to attend the Nguyễn Huệ Kiki Ball 3
noonemag.com/products/iss...
Had an in-depth interview with dual-voiced opera diva, Maria Seiren! From her working combining Japanese Noh theater with Western opera, pop, and disco, to her victory in Japan's Got Talent 2023, Seiren has been shaking up the music world and pulling more interest to traditional arts.
#opera
#opera
Diva of dualities: Maria Seiren sings opera and noh in both a female and male voice
The first-ever winner of talent show competition “Japan’s Got Talent” is having a stacked year with two noh and opera productions and her 10th anniversary album release.
www.japantimes.co.jp
June 28, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Had an in-depth interview with dual-voiced opera diva, Maria Seiren! From her working combining Japanese Noh theater with Western opera, pop, and disco, to her victory in Japan's Got Talent 2023, Seiren has been shaking up the music world and pulling more interest to traditional arts.
#opera
#opera
@gcnmag.bsky.social was kind enough to run my article on Hong Konger trans man and activist Henry Tse, with supporting interviews by Bella Vongvisitsin and Way Lam.
We discussed how the legal gender marker change and reformed ID policies will impact trans lives.
#transrights #hongkong
We discussed how the legal gender marker change and reformed ID policies will impact trans lives.
#transrights #hongkong
One step at a time: trans community pushes for rights in Hong Kong
Journalist Kat Joplin explores the recent change in Hong Kong's laws regarding gender recognition and how it impacts the trans community.
gcn.ie
June 25, 2025 at 4:04 AM
@gcnmag.bsky.social was kind enough to run my article on Hong Konger trans man and activist Henry Tse, with supporting interviews by Bella Vongvisitsin and Way Lam.
We discussed how the legal gender marker change and reformed ID policies will impact trans lives.
#transrights #hongkong
We discussed how the legal gender marker change and reformed ID policies will impact trans lives.
#transrights #hongkong
Let's go!!!!!
www.gofundme.com/f/rianas-tra...
www.gofundme.com/f/rianas-tra...
Donate to Riana’s Transition Surgery Fund, organized by Riana Plummer
I’m reaching out for help with something deeply personal and incredibly important to me—… Riana Plummer needs your support for Riana’s Transition Surgery Fund
www.gofundme.com
June 21, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Let's go!!!!!
www.gofundme.com/f/rianas-tra...
www.gofundme.com/f/rianas-tra...
Reposted by Kat Joplin ⭐️ Le Horla Mizrahi
Pawned summers & Billy Idol. Grooves pressed to vinyl & coconut rum. Tiger eyes & boys who smell like bonfires. A knowing smirk wrapped around a cigarette.
beestung #23 is here!
www.beestungmag.com
beestung #23 is here!
www.beestungmag.com
May 20, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Pawned summers & Billy Idol. Grooves pressed to vinyl & coconut rum. Tiger eyes & boys who smell like bonfires. A knowing smirk wrapped around a cigarette.
beestung #23 is here!
www.beestungmag.com
beestung #23 is here!
www.beestungmag.com
On Saturday, I had the honor of receiving the title Princess of Mizrahi’s Japan chapter.
Koppi has always believed in me, inviting me to join in November 2022. I don’t always feel deserving to be in a great ballroom house like Mizrahi, but being embraced by the house has meant the world to me.
Koppi has always believed in me, inviting me to join in November 2022. I don’t always feel deserving to be in a great ballroom house like Mizrahi, but being embraced by the house has meant the world to me.
May 18, 2025 at 2:15 PM
On Saturday, I had the honor of receiving the title Princess of Mizrahi’s Japan chapter.
Koppi has always believed in me, inviting me to join in November 2022. I don’t always feel deserving to be in a great ballroom house like Mizrahi, but being embraced by the house has meant the world to me.
Koppi has always believed in me, inviting me to join in November 2022. I don’t always feel deserving to be in a great ballroom house like Mizrahi, but being embraced by the house has meant the world to me.
“The money shot” 🏔️
May 18, 2025 at 12:45 PM
“The money shot” 🏔️
Hakone Open Air Museum 🤓
May 18, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Hakone Open Air Museum 🤓
Said farewell to Krista and her family in Nagoya! We spent the last few days hanging out in Tokyo and visiting Mt. Fuji’s scenic locales, Ghibli Park, and a Nagoya Pride drag show.
It was wonderful to introduce old, dear friends to the folks who make up my circle in Japan, drag & ballroom 🥹
It was wonderful to introduce old, dear friends to the folks who make up my circle in Japan, drag & ballroom 🥹
May 18, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Said farewell to Krista and her family in Nagoya! We spent the last few days hanging out in Tokyo and visiting Mt. Fuji’s scenic locales, Ghibli Park, and a Nagoya Pride drag show.
It was wonderful to introduce old, dear friends to the folks who make up my circle in Japan, drag & ballroom 🥹
It was wonderful to introduce old, dear friends to the folks who make up my circle in Japan, drag & ballroom 🥹
Reposted by Kat Joplin ⭐️ Le Horla Mizrahi
🏳️⚧️ "Aya Kamikawa is the first out transgender politician in Japan, she is making history - right now."
For @transhistoryweek.com and @wearequeeraf.com, @katjoplin.bsky.social writes one of seven history articles released this week.
For @transhistoryweek.com and @wearequeeraf.com, @katjoplin.bsky.social writes one of seven history articles released this week.
May 8, 2025 at 1:38 PM
🏳️⚧️ "Aya Kamikawa is the first out transgender politician in Japan, she is making history - right now."
For @transhistoryweek.com and @wearequeeraf.com, @katjoplin.bsky.social writes one of seven history articles released this week.
For @transhistoryweek.com and @wearequeeraf.com, @katjoplin.bsky.social writes one of seven history articles released this week.
For people wanting to support author Li Kotomi, her friends and followers have also set up this website with up-to-date information on her court battles, as well as information on how to donate!
supportlikotomi.studio.site/donation
supportlikotomi.studio.site/donation
支援・寄付｜李琴峰さんを支える会～LGBTQ+が安心して暮らせる社会を目指して～
supportlikotomi.studio.site
May 6, 2025 at 6:14 AM
For people wanting to support author Li Kotomi, her friends and followers have also set up this website with up-to-date information on her court battles, as well as information on how to donate!
supportlikotomi.studio.site/donation
supportlikotomi.studio.site/donation
Very honored to have had the chance to interview Akutagawa Prize-winning author Li Kotomi.
One of the world’s rising voices in queer literature.
She is fighting back against a TERF backlash, together with her supporters and community, showing to the world the forms LGBTQ resilience can take.
One of the world’s rising voices in queer literature.
She is fighting back against a TERF backlash, together with her supporters and community, showing to the world the forms LGBTQ resilience can take.
Kotomi Li: 'I refuse to choose death'
The Taiwanese writer reflects on the importance of queer community, her ascent in Japan’s literary world and her ongoing battles against online harassment.
www.japantimes.co.jp
May 6, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Very honored to have had the chance to interview Akutagawa Prize-winning author Li Kotomi.
One of the world’s rising voices in queer literature.
She is fighting back against a TERF backlash, together with her supporters and community, showing to the world the forms LGBTQ resilience can take.
One of the world’s rising voices in queer literature.
She is fighting back against a TERF backlash, together with her supporters and community, showing to the world the forms LGBTQ resilience can take.
Reposted by Kat Joplin ⭐️ Le Horla Mizrahi
May 2, 2025 at 9:24 AM
My personal essay on grief, cosmetic enhancement, and the Tokyo drag scene is live. Volume 1 of Tulip Wolf Journal; thank you for the publication!
#tokyo #dragqueen #personalessay
www.tulipwolfjournal.com/post/broken-...
#tokyo #dragqueen #personalessay
www.tulipwolfjournal.com/post/broken-...
Broken Hearts and Botox: A Drag Queen’s Guide to Sustainable Coping Mechanisms
By Kat Joplin (content warning: surgical procedures) – A peek at the world of Tokyo's queer community, drag queens, and cosmetic surgery...
www.tulipwolfjournal.com
March 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
My personal essay on grief, cosmetic enhancement, and the Tokyo drag scene is live. Volume 1 of Tulip Wolf Journal; thank you for the publication!
#tokyo #dragqueen #personalessay
www.tulipwolfjournal.com/post/broken-...
#tokyo #dragqueen #personalessay
www.tulipwolfjournal.com/post/broken-...
Interview and article with Drag Race season 12 queen Rock M. Sakura came out!
Since Rock and her colleague Cash Monet were in Tokyo, we discussed the strong overlap between Japanese pop culture and the queer ex-pat community.
#dragrace #tokyo #japan #dragqueen
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
Since Rock and her colleague Cash Monet were in Tokyo, we discussed the strong overlap between Japanese pop culture and the queer ex-pat community.
#dragrace #tokyo #japan #dragqueen
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
When anime meets drag: The manga-inspired world of Rock M. Sakura
A drag queen who merges manga, anime and queer culture, Rock M. Sakura's persona resonates deeply with fans worldwide.
www.japantimes.co.jp
February 27, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Interview and article with Drag Race season 12 queen Rock M. Sakura came out!
Since Rock and her colleague Cash Monet were in Tokyo, we discussed the strong overlap between Japanese pop culture and the queer ex-pat community.
#dragrace #tokyo #japan #dragqueen
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
Since Rock and her colleague Cash Monet were in Tokyo, we discussed the strong overlap between Japanese pop culture and the queer ex-pat community.
#dragrace #tokyo #japan #dragqueen
www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2025...
I remember when this book trailer (and then the book itself) came out in my freshman year of uni. The impact it had on me and my desire to be a writer, I can't even begin to say.
In November 2011, for about $4k, we made a book trailer for The Drowning Girl: A Memoir.
The Drowning Girl - Trailer
India Morgan Phelps-Imp to her friends-is schizophrenic. Struggling with her perceptions of reality, Imp must uncover the truth about her encounters with creatures…
vimeo.com
February 5, 2025 at 5:55 AM
I remember when this book trailer (and then the book itself) came out in my freshman year of uni. The impact it had on me and my desire to be a writer, I can't even begin to say.
Reposted by Kat Joplin ⭐️ Le Horla Mizrahi
A reminder that fiction — books, film, games, what have you — is always political. The willful absence of “politics” in any work is itself a political choice and a political act. Who gets to tell (and sell) stories is political. It might be an undercurrent — covert, not overt. But it’s there.
February 4, 2025 at 12:10 AM
A reminder that fiction — books, film, games, what have you — is always political. The willful absence of “politics” in any work is itself a political choice and a political act. Who gets to tell (and sell) stories is political. It might be an undercurrent — covert, not overt. But it’s there.
Reposted by Kat Joplin ⭐️ Le Horla Mizrahi
**UPDATE ON THE URGENT MUTUAL AID REQUEST**
February 2, 2025 at 1:31 AM
**UPDATE ON THE URGENT MUTUAL AID REQUEST**
Reposted by Kat Joplin ⭐️ Le Horla Mizrahi
