Tag: Drag Race

Sasha Velour Celebrates 10 Years of ‘NightGowns’ With Star-Studded NYC Residency
Sasha Velour is bringing the legacy, and the lashes, back to where it all started. The acclaimed drag icon, author, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 9 winner has announced a glittering 10th anniversary residency for her trailblazing drag revue, NightGowns.

Set to take over New York City’s La MaMa theatre from August 27 through September 1, the “NightGowns 10 Year Anniversary” series will feature seven shows spotlighting some of the most exciting performers in the drag world. Tickets go on sale July 28 at 2 p.m. EST via SashaVelour.com.

Poster for the 10th Anniversary of ‘Nightgowns’ featuring Sasha Velour. Photo: House of Velour

A Decade of Drag Disruption

What began as a scrappy but ambitious monthly night at the now-closed Bizarre Bushwick in 2015 has evolved into one of the most respected and artistically rich drag showcases in the world. NightGowns was created by Velour to uplift queer artistry with no compromise, fierce, theatrical, and radically inclusive from the jump.

“I am deeply honored to celebrate the audiences and artists who have made NightGowns into the platform and space that it’s become over the last decade,” Velour said in a statement. “When our art form and our people are being criminalized, erased, displaced… just knowing it’s possible to survive is a source of POWER.”

Velour adds: “Ten years, this is history! And if we made it, anyone can.”

Photo: House of Velour

Photo: House of Velour

Photo: House of Velour

Photo: House of Velour

Who’s Performing?

Velour, of course, will be front and center at each performance, joined by a fierce mix of NightGowns alumni and new icons. The lineup is split across the run as follows:

Aug 27 & 28 at 9 p.m.
- Daphne Always
- Neon Calypso
- Glace Chase
- K. James
- Miss Malice
- Elle McQueen
- Vigor Mortis
- Untitled Queen
- Sasha Velour
Aug 29 at 6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | Aug 30 at 9 p.m.
- Kevin Aviance
- Sasha Colby
- The Illustrious Pearl
- King Molasses
- Sasha Velour
Aug 31 & Sept 1 at 9 p.m.
- Sweaty Eddie
- Julie J
- Miz Jade
- Tenderoni
- Sasha Velour
Expect iconic looks, unapologetic artistry, and the kind of performances that linger long after the curtain falls.

More Than Just a Show

NightGowns has never been content with just dazzling the crowd, it’s always had a mission. The revue has raised over $80,000 in recent years for organizations supporting LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and mutual aid initiatives in Gaza. Velour’s blend of activism and art is part of what’s made NightGowns so vital in the drag landscape.

What’s Next for Velour?

Even with this milestone celebration underway, Velour is showing no signs of slowing down. Her latest one-queen theatrical spectacle, The Big Reveal Live Show, has toured internationally to critical acclaim and sold-out venues, including a recent residency at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in June.

Up next? Velour’s brand-new solo piece, TRAVESTY, will debut in March 2026 at Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, D.C., followed by a European tour.

From Brooklyn bars to global stages, Velour continues to expand what’s possible in drag, and NightGowns is living proof. This 10th anniversary isn’t just a celebration. It’s a call to action, a love letter to drag, and a vision for what’s still to come.

For tickets and full details, visit SashaVelour.com.
July 25, 2025
Willam and Mistress Isabelle Brooks Go Head-to-Head in ‘Drag Race’ Drama Showdown

What began as subtle shade has spiraled into full-blown digital warfare between RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty Willam and All Stars 10 standout Mistress Isabelle Brooks. The two queens, both known for their unapologetic opinions, razor-sharp wit, and fan-favorite chaos, are embroiled in an increasingly public and deeply personal back-and-forth that’s playing out in real time on YouTube. And trust, the library is wide open.

Round One: Willam Throws the First Punch

Willam has never been one to hold back, and in recent months, she’s taken aim at Mistress during podcast episodes, viewing parties, and social media posts. In a viral TikTok, Willam accused Mistress of being “a bully” and claimed she was kicked out of the Drag Race Season 15 group chat, on Christmas, no less. She doubled down, saying Mistress is “duplicitous and shady,” adding, “People want to go see queens that are fun, not glued to their phones backstage.”

@staleoldbeef
Willam, never shy about her opinions, had a lot to say about Mistress Isabelle Brooks #willam #mistressisabellebrooks #rupaulsdragrace #rpdr #rupaulsdragraceallstars #rpdrallstars #greenscreenvideo
♬ original sound – StaleOldBeef

And yet, the usually fiery Mistress kept her lips sealed, until now.

Round Two: Mistress Delivers a Precision Strike

Earlier this week, Mistress broke her silence with a jaw-dropping 15-minute YouTube video titled The BEATUP feat Willam (Confronting My Biggest Fan). Not only is it a not-so-subtle parody of Willam’s long-running Beatdown series, it’s a no-holds-barred read of the queen who’s been name-dropping her all year.

“I didn’t realize the power I had over him until many of you pointed it out,” Mistress begins, before diving into receipts, including alleged text messages and podcast invites from Willam. She accuses Willam of lying on podcasts, begging for collaborations, and misrepresenting their relationship for clout.

Mistress also drags Willam’s comments about her wardrobe, “frumpadump t-shirts,” in Willam’s words, calling her a desperate attention-seeker with a selective memory. “Willam, you have lied on my name time, after time, after time,” she says, with screenshots from Reddit and tabloid stories in tow.

Round Three: Willam Fires Back… Harder

If Mistress thought she’d get the last word, Willam had other plans. In her latest Willam Wednesday upload, the veteran queen responds point-by-point with the kind of brutal honesty and snark that made her a legend.

Willam claims Mistress has been playing both sides, publicly shading her while privately asking their shared manager for collaboration opportunities. “She wants to act like I’m obsessed with Drag Race,” Willam says, “but she’s the one constantly trying to work with me.”

Addressing the DragCon rumor that he waited in line for a RuPaul photo, Willam laughs it off. “She’s loud, but that doesn’t mean she’s right. I told her that on the phone, she didn’t like it.”

Willam goes on to criticize how Mistress treated fellow queen Aja during All Stars, claiming this YouTube dragfest is a strategic smokescreen to deflect from her own behavior. And when it comes to being called a clout chaser? Willam owns it. “I am. And what are you, girl?”

The Feud Heard ‘Round the Fandom

Comparisons to the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake rap beef have already begun, except this time, it’s wigs instead of bars and YouTube thumbnails instead of album covers. But the intensity? Just as real.

Willam capped her video by saying, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen,” accusing Mistress of panicking over her fleeting spotlight. “You’re worried this fame might be going away, so you’re swinging at anyone nearby,” she added. “You’re indisputably, factually a b*tch.”

No word yet on whether Mistress will respond, but if history (and her heels) are any indication, another video might already be in the works.

Stay Tuned, Because This Isn’t Over

In the grand tradition of Drag Race drama, this saga is already one for the herstory books. With both queens armed with receipts, comebacks, and a fierce following, the Willam vs. Mistress feud is more than just a fight it’s appointment viewing.

So grab your popcorn, charge your phone, and stay subscribed. Because this YouTube beef? It’s far from done.

July 24, 2025
Leaked Cast List for ‘All Stars 11’ Teases Surprising Queens and a Fan-Favorite Return
We may have just finished the chaos of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 10, but superfans are already shifting their wigs toward Season 11. And if the online tea is to be believed, a rumored cast leak has revealed eight queens reportedly set to return, and the lineup is anything but predictable.

A recently updated IMDB page for All Stars 11 has Drag Race fans buzzing, as it quietly listed a batch of returning contestants, some expected, some wild-card surprises. While production for the upcoming season is rumored to have started in late May, speculation has only intensified thanks to sleuths on social media and Reddit’s ever-reliable “Drag Race Tea” subreddit.

Let’s break down the eight queens reportedly set to sashay back into the All Stars spotlight.

Queens Allegedly Cast for “All Stars 11”

According to IMDB and fan forums, these eight queens are currently listed as part of the All Stars 11 lineup:
- A’Keria C. Davenport (Season 11, All Stars 6)
- Dawn (Season 16)
- Morphine Love Dion (Season 16)
- Salina EsTitties (Season 15)
- Silky Nutmeg Ganache (Season 11, All Stars 6, Canada vs. the World)
- Crystal Methyd (Season 12)
- Vivacious (Season 6)
- Morgan McMichaels (Season 2, All Stars 3)
Cast Listing of ‘All Stars 11’ on IMDB. Photo: IMDB

This mix spans nearly every era of Drag Race, from early legends like Morgan and Vivacious to more recent breakout stars like Dawn and Morphine. The combination hints at a season filled with charisma, legacy, and some serious fashion whiplash.

A Tournament Twist?

Sources also suggest that All Stars 11 will continue the “Tournament of All Stars” structure introduced in Season 10. If true, we might once again see queens competing in bracket-style matchups, building toward a final showdown instead of the traditional elimination format.

Though not officially confirmed, the return of this format could give underdog queens more room to shine and shake up fan expectations. Plus, it lends itself perfectly to gag-worthy rivalries and redemption arcs, and who doesn’t love a good bracket with their brunch?

When Could the Season Air?

If filming is already underway, All Stars 11 could premiere as early as mid-2025, depending on post-production schedules and Paramount+’s programming slate. Until then, fans will be combing every tweet, TikTok, and tour date for clues about who else might join the cast.

While nothing is set in stone, this leaked cast has already ignited chatter online, and we’re more than ready for the drama, the lip-syncs, and the legacy queens to light up the werkroom once again.
July 21, 2025
Sasha Colby Spills on Drag, Dating, and Dressing Cam Brink on ‘Straight to Cam’

WNBA rising star Cameron Brink just got a little more fabulous. On the latest episode of Straight to Cam, Brink welcomes drag icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner Sasha Colby for an honest and hilarious sit-down that covers everything from her first performance to her polyamorous dating life, with a few juicy celebrity moments sprinkled in.

Hosted by Brink and co-host Sydel Curry-Lee, Straight to Cam is quickly becoming a must-watch for fans of sports, pop culture, and unfiltered conversations. With Colby as this week’s guest, the show took a fabulously queer turn.

Sasha’s Drag Origin Story

Colby opened up about the moment she first stepped into drag, on her 18th birthday. From that pivotal night to eventually snatching the crown on Drag Race, she walks Brink through her journey, explaining what it was like to compete on a reality show with high stakes, high heels, and plenty of backstage drama.

The winner of Season 15 also spilled behind-the-scenes tea: yes, those confessionals are filmed after the fact, and no, she doesn’t regret a single moment.

Working with Pop Royalty

Colby shared her surreal experience working with Ariana Grande as part of the r.e.m. beauty campaign, calling the singer “an absolute angel.” She also recalled the thrill of introducing Chappell Roan at the VMAs, a moment that underscored her growing status as a cultural icon.

Dating in LA Is Rough, Even for a Queen

As the conversation turned toward love, Colby didn’t hold back. “Dating in LA is the hardest,” she said, citing a mix of flakiness, ego, and mismatched expectations as her biggest turn-offs. She also opened up about being polyamorous, explaining how she navigates those conversations with new partners, and what her dream date would look like (hint: it’s all about connection, not just chemistry).

The Tunnel Fit Debate and Cam’s Drag Dreams

In one of the episode’s most playful moments, Brink brought up a viral meme comparing fellow WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers’ tunnel fits. Colby didn’t miss a beat, lovingly roasting the drastically different styles.

Cam also revealed that she’s ready to get dragged up herself, alter ego and all. She even pitched the name for her future drag persona: Cherry. Naturally, Colby approved.

Watch “Straight to Cam”

New episodes of Straight to Cam drop every Monday on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. With its mix of candid celeb interviews and casual, queer-friendly chaos, it’s fast becoming a cultural touchstone, and this episode with Sasha Colby is one for the books.

July 21, 2025
Lady Camden Gets Real in ‘Lady Like’ Doc, Premiering on Revry for International Drag Day

RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty is stepping into the spotlight once again, this time, off the runway and onto the small screen. Lady Camden, the poised and playful Season 14 finalist known for her ballet-inspired elegance and Brit-born charm, is the subject of a brand-new documentary titled Lady Like, premiering July 16 exclusively on LGBTQ+ streaming network Revry.

Timed perfectly to celebrate International Drag Day, Lady Like gives viewers a front-row seat to the heart, hustle, and high heels behind Lady Camden’s meteoric rise.

A Crownless Queen, But Never Without Grace

Since sashaying into the Werk Room, Lady Camden has captivated fans with her unique blend of theatrical camp, vintage Hollywood glam, and genuine vulnerability. Though she didn’t snatch the Drag Race crown, her polished performances and emotional storytelling made her a standout of the season.

In Lady Like, fans get to see more than just rhinestones and lip-syncs. The documentary offers an intimate glimpse at the person beneath the persona, highlighting the struggles, dedication, and joy that fuel her drag.

Behind the Wig: Authenticity in Focus

“Following the incredible response to King of Drag, we’re thrilled to continue showcasing the artistry of drag culture,” said Damian Pelliccione, Revry’s co-founder and CEO. “Lady Camden’s story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring, and reinforces our platform’s commitment to authentic LGBTQ+ storytelling.”

That promise of authenticity is at the heart of Lady Like. Expect moments that feel both fierce and familiar, as Lady Camden reflects on the challenges of growing up queer, chasing artistic dreams, and turning pain into performance.

Streaming with Pride on Revry

Founded in 2015, Revry has become a go-to digital destination for queer content, offering everything from films and series to live channels and music programming. The network is ad-supported and available on most major devices, ensuring queer stories like Lady Camden’s are accessible far and wide.

So if you’ve ever rooted for a queen, needed a dose of backstage honesty, or just want to celebrate drag in all its glittering glory, Lady Like is your next must-watch.

Catch the premiere today, July 16, on Revry and toast to International Drag Day in true Camden couture.

July 16, 2025
Ginger Minj Summons a Star-Studded Drag Coven for Hokus Pokus Live! Tour
Witches, drag lovers, and theater kids unite because Ginger Minj is casting her most ambitious spell yet. The RuPaul’s Drag Race icon and Hocus Pocus 2 scene-stealer has announced the return of her spellbinding stage production Hokus Pokus Live!, and this time, she’s bringing a cauldron full of drag royalty along for the ride.

This all-new theatrical experience will tour 22 U.S. cities from Sept. 4 to Oct. 6, co-starring Drag Race darlings Jujubee and Sapphira Cristál, along with Dragula champion Landon Cider.

A Wickedly Starry Lineup

Ginger Minj, known affectionately as “The Glamour Toad”, isn’t just performing; she wrote, directed, and co-produced Hokus Pokus Live! through her Fruit Wine Productions. This marks the show’s third iteration, but don’t expect a rehash. Each performance promises a fresh blend of iconic characters, new songs, and supernatural sass tailored to the talents of this all-star cast.

“It’s more than just a drag show,” Minj said in a statement. “It’s a magical theatrical experience that will leave audiences spellbound.”

That magic comes in no small part thanks to her cast:
- Sapphira Cristál, the operatic powerhouse and runner-up of Drag Race Season 16.
- Jujubee, fan-favorite multi-season queen with Broadway chops from DRAG: The Musical.
- Landon Cider, a trailblazing drag king whose theatrical flair made him a Dragula winner.
The Bette Midler Blessing

The origins of Hokus Pokus Live! are as iconic as the show itself. Ginger credits Hocus Pocus 2 co-star Bette Midler for planting the spellbinding seed. “I just really love the way that you do me,” Midler reportedly told Ginger. “I would like to see you take this and run with it and turn it into something.”

Consider it done, Divine Miss M.

Tour Dates & Ticket Info

The tour kicks off Sept. 4 in Orlando, FL, and hits major cities like NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before wrapping Oct. 6 at The Novo. Tickets go on presale July 16 (Code: SPELLBOOK) and general sale July 18 at hokuspokuslive.com, with VIP packages available for those who want to hex it up with the cast.

VIP Packages That Slay

Whether you’re looking for a spooky meet-and-greet or some exclusive glam swag, there’s a VIP tier for every witchy wallet.
- Coven Ultra VIP includes front-row seats, Q&A sessions, exclusive merch, and a group photo with the cast.
- RIP (Really Important Person) includes premium seats, a supernatural meet-and-greet, signed posters, and more.
Final Spell

From Broadway-worthy vocals to drag transformations that defy reality, Hokus Pokus Live! promises a theater experience with a high-glam twist. And with a cast like this? The spell is already cast.
July 15, 2025
What Your Queer-Coded Nintendo Character Says About You (Part 2)
Let’s be real: most Nintendo characters are camp. Between the eyeliner, melodrama, power stances, and wardrobe choices, the Big N is basically serving Drag Race: Mushroom Kingdom. But what if we told you your favorite queer-coded character says a lot about you?

Whether you’re a Luigi loyalist, a Toadette apologist, or a King Boo girlie with commitment issues, we’ve got your spiritual diagnosis.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Princess Zelda

Mystical Femme With a Degree in Emotional Distance
Princess Zelda is the friend who always looks flawless but is secretly dealing with five ancient curses, two exes, and a prophecy. She’s a regal intellectual who can recite ancient texts and ghost you in perfect grammar. Zelda has big “healer girl with intimacy issues” energy, wise beyond her years, emotionally layered, and never without a cloak or a dramatic backlight. If she’s your favorite, you’re drawn to elegance, mystery, and the type of woman who would absolutely destroy you in a debate and still make you want to write poetry about her.
- Zodiac Signs: Virgo sun, Pisces moon
- Favorite Food: Lavender tea and a gluten-free almond tart
- Hobby: Tarot readings, ancient scroll translation, and setting boundaries via scroll
- Green Flag: Emotionally intelligent, loyal, and knows what everyone needs before they ask
- Red Flag: Believes “destiny” is a valid excuse for leaving you on read for six weeks
Rosalina

Lipstick Lesbian in a Spaceship
Rosalina is the intergalactic femme fatale of your dreams. She left the galaxy because no one on Earth was giving her the respect, or the orgasms, she deserved. She’s poised, mysterious, and never texts first because she’s literally in another dimension.
- Zodiac Signs: Libra sun, Scorpio moon
- Favorite Food: Champagne truffles (ideally gifted by a nervous girl in a sundress)
- Hobby: Floating through space while listening to Phoebe Bridgers remixes
- Green Flag: Knows your love language without asking
- Red Flag: Still emotionally hung up on a space princess from 200 years ago
Luigi

Bisexual Soft Boy With a Ghost Problem and a Gold Heart
Luigi is the anxious bisexual prince of your heart. Always second to the spotlight, but first to hold your bag, Luigi is gentle, loyal, and just nervous enough to be endearing. He apologizes when you bump into him, cries at Pixar movies, and has exactly one denim jacket that he wears to every queer event. He’s emotionally in tune, just not with his own feelings. If he’s your favorite, you’re either a hopeless romantic, a sucker for underdogs, or you’ve dated someone who claimed they were “just figuring things out.”
- Zodiac Signs: Cancer sun, Libra rising
- Favorite Food: Pesto pasta and whatever you’re eating off your plate
- Hobby: Ghost hunting, overthinking, and leaving voice memos at 2 a.m.
- Green Flag: Deeply empathetic, remembers small details, and lets you cry during movies
- Red Flag: Will emotionally spiral over a text with no punctuation
Toad

Chaos in a Crop Top
Toad is that friend who shows up late, loud, and dressed like he’s about to get kicked out of a gay bar for crowd-surfing during a Carly Rae Jepsen deep cut. He’s the life of the party and the reason it got shut down. Toad has never whispered a day in his life. If you’ve ever gone on a spontaneous trip, gotten a questionable piercing, or flirted with three people in one hour, Toad was probably involved.
- Zodiac Signs: Aries sun, Gemini moon
- Favorite Food: Spiked iced matcha
- Hobby: Starting drama and then immediately exiting the group chat
- Green Flag: Will hype you up no matter what
- Red Flag: Will also expose your secrets for fun
Toadette

Activist Lesbian With a Megaphone and a Mission
Toadette organizes mutual aid drives and drag brunch in the same afternoon. She has pronoun pins in every color, knows three types of composting, and once made a cop cry with a single tweet. She’s got a carabiner full of keys, stickers, and a laminated schedule. If she’s your fave, you either love her… or you are her.
- Zodiac Signs: Capricorn sun, Aries moon
- Favorite Food: Fair trade iced oat latte and a protest sandwich wrapped in wax paper
- Hobby: Volunteering, tabling events, and yelling at your landlord on your behalf
- Green Flag: Passionate, principled, and will help you build your bookshelf and your political consciousness
- Red Flag: Corrects your grammar and your politics in bed
King Boo

Villainous, Vengeful, and the Drama You Secretly Crave
King Boo isn’t just a ghost, he’s the phantom of your failed situationship. He’s the one who said “we’re just vibing” while holding your hand under the table. He lives for theatrics, disappears at random, and always reappears just when you’re finally healing. He doesn’t haunt houses, he haunts people. And if he’s your favorite? Baby, you love a red flag with good lighting.
- Zodiac Signs: Scorpio sun, Gemini rising
- Favorite Food: Dark chocolate and stolen joy
- Hobby: Casually destroying group dynamics with a single cryptic comment
- Green Flag: Charismatic, mysterious, and throws unforgettable Halloween parties
- Red Flag: Gaslights you and your therapist
Bowser

Gay Bear With a Soft Belly and a Big Roar
Bowser isn’t your enemy, he’s your ex’s new boyfriend who insists on being friends with you now. He’s the undisputed king of Bear Week, wears leather year-round, and bakes sourdough when he’s not trying to take over the Mushroom Kingdom. Beneath the spikes and growls? A sensitive guy who just wants cuddles and control (but mostly cuddles).
- Zodiac Signs: Taurus sun, Leo moon
- Favorite Food: Brisket, craft beer, and your leftovers
- Hobby: Powerlifting and hosting game night (he brings a cheese board)
- Green Flag: Loyal, protective, and gives the best hugs
- Red Flag: Gets weirdly jealous of Mario even though he swears he’s “over it”
That’s the End of This Rainbow

Whether you’re channeling Toadette’s clipboard-wielding chaos, Rosalina’s cosmic femme energy, or Bowser’s bear-coded dominance, one thing’s clear: these Nintendo icons aren’t just characters, they’re queer archetypes.

So next time someone asks why you relate so hard to an intergalactic space mom or a bisexual ghost hunter, just shrug and say: It’s gay lore, babe.
July 1, 2025
Seven Trans Icons Join Stonewall’s LGBTQ Wall of Honor in Powerful Pride Tribute

The National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the historic Stonewall Inn will add seven new names to its ranks on June 26, and for the first time, all honorees are trailblazing transgender advocates. The annual ceremony, co-hosted by the International Imperial Court Council and the National LGBTQ Task Force, is free and open to the public, though RSVPs are required due to limited space.

The induction comes at a time of heightened attacks on the transgender community, with discriminatory legislation and violence on the rise across the United States. Organizers say this year’s focus on trans honorees is both a tribute to resilience and a call to action.

Honoring a Legacy of Resistance

The National LGBTQ Wall of Honor, nestled inside the legendary Stonewall Inn, epicenter of the 1969 uprising that ignited the modern LGBTQ rights movement, is part of the Stonewall National Monument. Since its unveiling in 2019, the Wall has served as a posthumous tribute to queer pioneers such as Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, and Harvey Milk.

“This year’s focus on transgender trailblazers and changemakers underscores the importance of recognizing our history and the current climate for our trans siblings,” said Cathy Renna, Communications Director at the National LGBTQ Task Force. “Their courage inspires our ongoing fight for liberation.”

Nicole Murray Ramirez, founder of the Wall and Queen Mother of the Americas, added, “A movement that does not know where it came from, or whose shoulders it stands on, does not know where it’s going. This is a reminder that trans people have always been at the forefront of our community.”

Photo: The Stonewall In

Meet the 2025 Inductees

Ruddy Martinez
Known as “Mami Ruddys,” Martinez was a beloved trans drag performer and activist in Puerto Rico. Since the 1980s, she turned her home into a sanctuary for queer youth rejected by their families.

Chili Pepper
A frequent guest on 1980s talk shows like Oprah and Phil Donahue, Chili Pepper used her platform to challenge stereotypes and raise AIDS awareness.

Lynn Conway
A computer science pioneer, Conway revolutionized microchip design while fighting gender discrimination in STEM. She helped pave the way for future generations of trans scientists.

Alan L. Hart
One of the first people to undergo gender-affirming surgery, Hart was a physician and novelist who made groundbreaking contributions to tuberculosis research in the early 20th century.

Jiggly Caliente
The beloved RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and Pose star, Jiggly (Bianca Castro-Arabejo), was a powerful force for representation until her death in April 2025 at age 44.

The Lady Chablis
A charismatic entertainer and actress, Chablis broke barriers with her performance in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, becoming one of the first Black trans women to gain widespread media visibility.

Sam Nordquist
A Black trans man whose brutal murder in 2025 ignited national outrage. His death exposed the ongoing crisis of violence against transgender people, especially Black trans men and women.

A Moment of Reflection and Action

This year’s induction is more than symbolic, it’s a statement against erasure. As anti-trans legislation threatens access to healthcare, safety, and freedom, remembering trans leaders past and present becomes a radical act of visibility.

The Wall of Honor, which began with 50 names on the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, continues to grow each year. With the addition of these seven names, the Wall becomes an even more inclusive testament to the diverse identities that have shaped the LGBTQ movement.

And in the words of Ramirez: “Trans people have not only always been here, they’ve led the charge.”

June 27, 2025
Sasha Colby and Vivian Wilson on Drag, Resilience, and the Art of Not Giving a Damn

In the latest episode of Teen Vogue’s FaceTime YouTube series, trans icon and Drag Race winner Sasha Colby linked up with cover star Vivian Wilson for a deeply personal conversation about drag, resilience, and flipping the bird to online hate. What started as a heart-to-heart quickly turned into a masterclass on authenticity, with a few laughs (and some truth bombs) along the way.

From Healing to Heels: Colby’s Journey Through Drag

For Sasha Colby, drag has never just been about rhinestones and runway walks. It was the lifeline that pulled her out of addiction. She opened up about hitting a turning point when she booked a show at Chicago’s legendary club The Baton.

“I quit everything the day I got that call,” Colby shared. “It was like a divine intervention in a pair of heels.”

That moment marked the start of a new chapter, one where performance didn’t just entertain, it empowered. For Colby, drag was both a career and a form of spiritual realignment.

Wilson on Drag, Femininity, and Finding Her Power

For model and Gen Z trailblazer Vivian Wilson, drag was less about escaping and more about arriving, as in, arriving into her femininity, her power, and her identity.

“I used to be this anxious little fem boy,” she said, describing her high school years. “Watching drag, watching people like you, gave me a reason to believe in myself.”

Since then, Wilson has leaned fully into her gender expression, her voice, and her refusal to be silenced. Drag didn’t just affirm her identity, it built it.

A Masterclass in Not Caring What the Right Thinks

Colby, no stranger to right-wing backlash herself, asked Wilson how she stays so composed under public scrutiny. The answer? Radical indifference.

“If conservatives are talking about me, they’re making money off my name,” Wilson said bluntly. “They should be thanking me. You’re welcome.”

She went on to explain that tuning out the noise is a skill that comes with time, and trauma. “Once you’ve been dragged across burning coals, regular coals feel like a spa treatment.”

Colby laughed, admitting the quote alone “just saved me ten years of therapy.”

Drag as Chosen Family and Cultural Resistance

Beyond the jokes, both women returned to a shared truth: drag is family. Whether it’s the sisterhood on stage, the mentors who light the way, or the audience members quietly finding courage in the crowd, the drag community offers more than sparkle, it offers survival.

“You can be a trans woman and still wear a tux, or a ballgown, or both,” Wilson said. “Drag taught me there’s no wrong way to be me.”

Colby nodded in agreement. “That’s what we’ve always done. Show people what’s possible.”

The Future Looks Fierce

Since her Teen Vogue cover debut, Wilson’s star has only risen, with campaigns for Wildfang and Tomboyx under her belt, plus a debut drag performance that solidified her status as a Gen Z icon. But it’s her candid honesty and fearless outlook that will likely leave the biggest impact.

Their ‘FaceTime’ chat wasn’t just a moment, it was a movement in miniature, proving once again that drag, in all its glittering defiance, remains one of the most radical forms of joy.

June 26, 2025
Revry Presents the the Ultimate LGBTQ+ Voguing Dance Battle from World Pride Ball
For the first time ever, the high-energy, dazzling voguing tournament known as the World Pride Ball is hitting television screens. Revry, the world’s pioneering LGBTQ+ streaming network, announced the televised debut of World Pride Ball 2025, presented by McDonald’s, airing June 27 at 9 p.m. ET.

The annual ballroom dance battle, held live in Washington, D.C., electrifies audiences with fierce competition and jaw-dropping performances. The 2025 edition sold out quickly, taking place June 5 as the official after-party of the Capital Pride Honors Awards.

The Ballroom Comes to Your Living Room

Revry’s co-founder and CEO, Damian Pelliccione, shared his excitement about broadcasting the event, calling the competition a “fierce showcase of athleticism and artistry in the queer community.” He added, “It’s an honor to bring World Pride Ball’s full multi-camera extravaganza to a wider audience, spotlighting the vibrant culture of self-expression, love, and acceptance.”

Photo: B Sharp for Revry

Photo: B Sharp for Revry

Starting June 27, the World Pride Ball special will run as a 24-hour marathon exclusive on Revry, giving fans across the globe a chance to experience the glamour, grit, and grandeur of ballroom culture.

McDonald’s Champions Inclusivity Year-Round

Backing this iconic event is McDonald’s, whose representative highlighted the company’s commitment to inclusivity. “We open our doors to everyone,” they said. “Our goal goes beyond Pride Month, when fans interact with McDonald’s, everyone should feel welcome, safe, and free to express their authentic selves.”

Legendary Hosts, Iconic Judges, and Electrifying Categories

The competition features hundreds of voguing competitors representing “houses,” or teams, battling it out for ballroom glory. The star-studded panel includes:
- Carmen Carrera – Model and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum
- Leiomy Maldanado – Vogue legend and model
- Dashaun Wesley – Voguer and choreographer from Pose
- Ivy Mugler – Renowned voguer
The ball’s runway categories promise thrills with names like “Taste Level: Opulence,” “Let Them Cook,” and the highly anticipated “Select Six World Pride Vogue Down.”

As voguing continues to captivate mainstream audiences, Revry’s televised World Pride Ball offers a vibrant, unapologetic celebration of queer artistry and resilience. Mark your calendars, this is one ballroom battle you won’t want to miss.

Photo: B Sharp for Revry

Photo: B Sharp for Revry
June 25, 2025