America's Influential Drag Queens Are Making Waves
Drag queens have been a staple in the LGBTQ+ community for decades, bringing glamour, humor, and performance to the stage. But with the popularity of shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race," drag queens have become household names and cultural icons. In this article, we take a closer look at the most powerful drag queens in America and what sets them apart.
RuPaul Charles
RuPaul Charles is a well-known drag queen, actor, singer, and TV personality, but there are a few other facts about him that you may not know. For example, before he was famous, RuPaul was a backup dancer for The B-52s. He also appeared in the film, The Brady Bunch Movie, as well as had a role in the series, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.
Additionally, RuPaul is the first drag queen to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also holds the Guinness World Record for being the most awarded and nominated drag queen in the world. Lastly, RuPaul is a published author, having written the books Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style and GuRu.
Bianca Del Rio
Bianca Del Rio is one of the most famous drag queens in the world, but there are a few lesser known facts about her. She was born in New Orleans and her real name is Roy Haylock. She is an award-winning costume designer and has worked on Broadway as well as off-Broadway shows. Bianca also has an impressive resume of film, television, and commercial work.
She is also an accomplished stand-up comedian, having performed in some of the biggest venues in the US, Canada, and Australia. Bianca even has her own fashion line, featuring her signature style of eye-catching and outrageous costumes.
She is also the author of two books, “Blame It On Bianca Del Rio” and “Cooking With Drag Queens”. Bianca Del Rio is truly a force to be reckoned with, and she continues to dazzle audiences with her wit and outrageous style.
Trixie Mattel
Trixie Mattel is a drag queen, singer, and comedian who first rose to prominence after appearing on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race." Trixie is known for her unique style, which blends traditional drag with elements of country and western. She has released two successful albums and has toured the world, showcasing her musical talent and humor.
Trixie Mattel's success in the music industry is a testament to the growing acceptance and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. Her ability to break down barriers and create a space for herself within the industry is a true accomplishment. Through her music, Trixie is able to showcase her incredible talent and give a voice to the LGBTQ+ community.
Adore Delano
Adore Delano is an American drag queen, singer, and song writer. Born Danny Noriega in Azusa, California, Adore has become an icon in the drag and LGBT+ communities. While most people know of Adore's popularity from RuPaul's Drag Race and their hit single "DTF," there are some lesser known facts about Adore that make them even more remarkable.
Adore is the youngest drag queen to ever compete on RuPaul's Drag Race, first appearing on the show at just 21-years-old. They are also the only drag queen to ever appear on both American Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race. Adore's music has been featured in the popular video game Just Dance and they have collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Adore's career continues to skyrocket, and they are an inspiration to the LGBT+ community and beyond.
Alyssa Edwards
Alyssa Edwards is an iconic drag queen, known for her appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race and Drag Race All Stars. Born Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson in 1988 in Mesquite, Texas, Alyssa is a twin, with her brother Jonathan also a drag queen. As a professional dancer, Alyssa competed in ballroom competitions and has since appeared on the cover of Gay Times magazine, released Netflix original series “Dancing Queen” and won the People's Choice Award for Best Reality Series at the 2018 GLA.
Alyssa is also the co-owner of the “Beyond Belief” dance studio in Mesquite, Texas, and has a YouTube channel, where she posts comedy skits, makeup tutorials and other entertainment videos.
Sharon Needles
Sharon Needles, real name Aaron Coady, is the winner of Season 4 of RuPaul's Drag Race and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and groundbreaking queens in the show's history.
Sharon's unique style, incorporating elements of punk, horror, and glam, has earned her a dedicated following and has cemented her place in drag history. With her dark, gothic style and sharp wit, Sharon Needles has become a cultural icon and has released several successful albums.
But beyond her drag career, there are some lesser known facts about Sharon Needles. For example, she is an avid animal lover and has worked with many animal rescue organizations.
She also has a background in theater, having studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Additionally, she is an accomplished singer, having released several albums and singles since her time on Drag Race.
Finally, she is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, being outspoken about equal rights and representation for all. Sharon Needles is truly a force to be reckoned with, and her legacy will surely continue to inspire those around her for years to come.
Alaska Thunderfuck
Alaska Thunderfuck is a drag queen and singer-songwriter who has made quite an impact on the drag scene. But there are some lesser-known facts about her that are worth exploring. For instance, she is the first drag queen to win the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars. Additionally, she has a degree in theatre from the University of Pittsburgh and is a prolific writer, having penned the lyrics to numerous songs, including the Grammy-nominated “Pussy Mine”, as well as her autobiographical book The Illusion of Balance.
What’s more, she’s also a talented artist who creates art with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community and has recently released a line of cosmetic products. Finally, she was the first drag queen to be featured in a major commercial for the popular dating app, Tinder.
All in all, Alaska Thunderfuck is a multifaceted performer and artist who has made an impressive impact on the drag scene.
Violet Chachki
Violet Chachki is an American drag performer, burlesque dancer, and recording artist who first garnered attention after winning the seventh season of the reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race. While Chachki is well known for her iconic looks and style, there are a few lesser known facts about her.
For starters, Chachki is a trained circus performer and has a background in aerial silk acrobatics, which she has incorporated into many of her performances. She is also a self-taught corset maker and designer, something she has leveraged to create many of her iconic drag looks.
Chachki has also used her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and to promote body positivity and self-love. Ultimately, Violet Chachki is a multifaceted performer whose influence extends far beyond the world of drag.
Gottmik
Gottmik is an American drag queen, DJ, and television personality. Born in Los Angeles, California, Gottmik became the first openly transgender man to compete on the popular reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race.
In 2021, Gottmik was nominated for two Emmy Awards for their performance on the show. Here are some little known facts about this amazing entertainer. Gottmik was born Kade Gottlieb and began transitioning at the age of 16. Before transitioning, they were known as “Mikayla” and competed in pageants as a female.
Gottmik is a music producer and has released several singles, including “Paranoid”, “Just Like That” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.
Gottmik was the first drag queen to be featured on the cover of Gay Times magazine.
Gottmik is a big advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has been working to raise awareness about transgender rights.
Gottmik has a fashion line called “Gottmik: The Label”, which features bold, gender-fluid pieces.
Gottmik is currently the host of the YouTube series “Drag 101”, which offers drag makeup tips and tutorials to aspiring drag performers. Gottmik is also an artist, and has created several pieces of art, including a painting of their own face. Gottmik is a passionate philanthropist, and has worked with the Los Angeles LGBT Center to create programs for the homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the city.
Raja
Raja is an iconic drag queen and fashionista who is best known for her stint on the third edition of RuPaul's Drag Race and for being crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar in 2009. But there is so much more to Raja than her reality TV fame. She is also a talented makeup artist and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including supermodel Tyra Banks.
Raja is also an accomplished fashion designer who has collaborated with designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, and Vivienne Westwood. In addition to being a fashion powerhouse, she is also an accomplished singer-songwriter, who has released three albums and written for various artists.
Raja is also an activist whose work has been praised by the likes of Billie Jean King. She is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and works tirelessly to promote inclusion and acceptance.
Raven
Raven is an American drag queen, reality television personality, and activist. She is best known for her appearances on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the first season of RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race. Despite being a fan favorite, there are some interesting facts about Raven that many people don’t know. For instance, Raven was one of the first drag queens to wear a prosthetic nose on the show.
She has also been an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community and has used her platform to speak out against discrimination and transphobia. Additionally, Raven is a successful model, having been featured in campaigns for various fashion and beauty brands.
She has also released a few singles and her own album, which has been well-received. All of this has made Raven a powerful and influential trailblazer in the drag world.
Manila Luzon
Manila Luzon is an iconic drag queen and a staple of the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise. She is known for her witty comedy, elaborate costumes, and larger-than-life persona. But there are some lesser-known facts about her that even her most devoted fans may not know.
For example, she is a talented painter, having studied and taught art for many years. Additionally, she has a degree in fashion design and has created looks for many drag queens. Outside of drag, Manila is an avid animal rights advocate and a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
She also has a vast knowledge of pop culture and music and can often be seen spontaneously singing and dancing along to her favorite songs. Manila Luzon is certainly a unique and multifaceted talent, and these are just a few of the lesser-known facts about her.
Jinkx Monsoon
Jinkx Monsoon, real name Jerick Hoffer, is the winner of Season 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race and is known for her comedic skills and versatility as a performer. Jinkx's unique style and her ability to bring humor to the stage have earned her a dedicated fanbase and have made her one of the most successful drag queens in the world.
While most people know Jinkx for their talent and charisma, there are some lesser-known facts about this icon. For instance, Jinkx is a classically trained singer who has performed in numerous musicals. They are also an avid video game player and have competed on the popular show King of the Nerds. Additionally, Jinkx is an author and has written two books, one of which is a memoir called The Ginger Snapped.
Finally, they are a philanthropist and have partnered with The Trevor Project to support LGBTQ+ youth. With an array of talents and a passion for giving back, Jinkx Monsoon is an admirable star who has made an incredible impact on the drag community.
Ivvy Oddly
Ivvy Oddly is a rising star in the world of fashion. She is an American fashion designer and social media influencer best known for her bold, eclectic style and outspoken personality.
While some of her fans may know that she has a degree in fashion design and that she often collaborates with other fashion designers, there are some lesser-known facts about Ivvy Oddly that make her even more interesting. For instance, she is a vegan and an advocate for animal rights and environmental sustainability.
She also loves to travel and has been to some of the most exotic places in the world. Lastly, Ivvy Oddly is a published author and is currently working on her second book, which is set to be released later this year.
Sasha Colby
Sasha Colby is an up-and-coming American model, actress and social media star. She is best known for her glamorous Instagram photos and her role in the movie Summertime.
She has also appeared in several music videos and has been featured in major magazines like Vogue, Maxim and Playboy. Despite her growing popularity, there are still some lesser known facts about her. Sasha Colby is a huge animal lover and has a rescue dog named Hugo.
She is an advocate for animal rights and has spoken out about the importance of adopting animals over buying them. She is also an avid traveler and loves to explore new places and cultures. She is a huge foodie and has a passion for dining out and trying new recipes.
Her favorite cuisine is Mexican and loves to cook Mexican dishes for her family and friends. Sasha Colby is a passionate philanthropist and supports several charities and organizations that fight for social justice. She is also a huge fan of fashion and loves to experiment with different looks and styles.
Sugar and Spice
Sugar and Spice are two of the most well-known drag queens in the world. They are, in fact, identical twin sisters from the U.K. However, there are some lesser known facts about them. For example, they started their drag career at the age of 17, performing in a variety of clubs in the U.K. They later moved to the United States and formed their own drag troupe, "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice".
They are also very active in the LGBTQ community, using their platform to raise awareness and acceptance. Finally, they have even performed at the White House, an honor typically reserved for the most established drag queens. Sugar and Spice are truly an inspiration to drag fans around the world.
Miss Vanjie
Miss Vanjie is a Drag Queen who rose to fame after competing on the tenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She gained popularity for her outrageous fashion sense and her memorable catchphrase “Miss Vanjie…Mmmmmiss Vanjie”.
Despite her newfound fame, there are some lesser-known facts about Miss Vanjie that her fans may not know. For instance, prior to joining the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she had already made a name for herself in the drag community, performing in clubs and events around the country.
She is also a talented singer and songwriter, having released several singles in the past. Additionally, Miss Vanjie is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has been vocal about her support for the movement. She uses her platform to spread awareness and acceptance of all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Miss Vanjie is a living example of strength and perseverance, and it’s no wonder why she has become such an inspirational figure in the drag scene.
Bob the Drag Queen
Bob the Drag Queen is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Bob the Drag Queen is an American drag performer and comedian who is best known for winning the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Before becoming a drag superstar, Bob worked as a stand-up comedian and was a semi-finalist in the 2013 edition of NBC's Stand Up for Diversity. Bob is also an activist and has been involved in several campaigns, such as the Human Rights Campaign, to promote LGBTQ rights and visibility.
He also works with organizations such as The Sierra Club and the ACLU to promote climate change awareness and civil liberties. Bob is also a published author and his memoir, "Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story," was released in 2020. Bob the Drag Queen is a multifaceted performer who is continuing to make waves in the world of drag and beyond.
Sasha Velour
Sasha Velour, real name Alexander Hedges Steinberg, is the winner of Season 9 of RuPaul's Drag Race and is known for her innovative and boundary-pushing performances.
She is known for her creative, innovative performances and fashion-forward style. However, there are a few lesser-known facts about Sasha Velour that make her even more impressive and inspiring. For one, Sasha completed a degree in gender studies and LGBT history from Vassar College before pursuing a career in drag. Sasha also founded Nightgowns, a monthly drag show that celebrates queer people’s stories and identities.
Additionally, Sasha is a published author, with her book Smoke & Mirrors: Queer Tactics for Survival and Resistance exploring themes of identity, survival, and resistance.
Finally, Sasha has also made a name for herself in the world of art, with her work displayed in numerous exhibitions and galleries. With a degree, a successful drag show, a published book, and an expanding art career, Sasha Velour is truly a multi-faceted queen who is changing the game.
Aquaria
Aquaria, real name Giovanni Palandrani, is the winner of Season 10 of RuPaul's Drag Race and is known for her impeccable fashion sense and her stunning runway looks.
Aquaria is a drag queen from New York City best known for winning the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. She is known for her unique fashion sense and her creative looks, but there are some lesser known facts about her as well. She is a classically trained pianist and has released two songs that were featured on the show. She is also an avid animal lover and has two cats, named Charlie and Snickers.
She is also a talented makeup artist and has worked with some of the biggest names in the beauty industry. She even has her own line of makeup, Aquaria Beauty. Aquaria is truly a one of a kind queen and these lesser known facts just add to her unique and inspiring identity.
The world of drag is constantly evolving, but these powerful drag queens have left a lasting impact on the industry and the LGBTQ+ community. From their unforgettable performances to their iconic styles, they are truly the queens of the drag scene. Whether you're a fan of "RuPaul's Drag Race" or just appreciate the art of drag, these queens are not to be missed.
