Trisha Paytas has dropped her latest music video, and it’s a full-on queer celebration that pays homage to drag, chosen family, and iconic cinema. Titled simply “Gay,” the song is a bouncy, bold anthem, and the accompanying visuals have quickly become a viral hit across LGBTQ+ social media spaces.
With lyrics like “We’re all a little gay” and “You want to eat like a buffet? Then you’ve got to make it gay,” Paytas’ new single embraces playful camp and inclusive energy. But it’s not just the music that has people talking — it’s the fierce, fabulous video that brings the track to life with a powerful nod to queer history and drag culture.
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A Tribute to Queer Cinema
The video draws direct inspiration from the beloved 1995 queer cult classic To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, which famously starred Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo as three drag queens embarking on a cross-country journey of self-discovery and solidarity. In Paytas’ visual reinterpretation, the YouTuber-turned-pop performer steps into the role of Vida Boheme, originally played by Swayze.
Joining her are RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 finalist Jewels Sparkles as Chi-Chi Rodriguez and fellow queen Kori King as Noxeema Jackson. The trio fully commits to the homage, donning looks reminiscent of the original film while recreating scenes that fans of To Wong Foo will instantly recognize.
The music video doesn’t just lean on nostalgia—it builds a vibrant world filled with queer performers, dancers, and allies, giving the project a fresh sense of inclusivity and representation. It’s a reminder that queer joy, chosen family, and fearless self-expression are timeless.
Drag Royalty and Dancers Bring the Energy
“Gay” features a lineup of drag artists and dancers who elevate the production with charisma, talent, and fierce looks. In addition to Jewels Sparkles and Kori King, the video features standout drag performers DIVOS, Joella, Acacia Forgot, Bohenne Arreaux, and Imara Del Chique.
The high-energy choreography is brought to life by a skilled group of dancers, including Jonah Almanzar, Aleksander Palinski, Benjamin Bigler, and Joseph Brown. Their presence infuses the video with rhythm and celebration, matching the song’s message of universal queerness and joyful rebellion.
Trisha Pays Tribute to the LGBTQ+ Community
In a heartfelt Instagram post promoting the video, Paytas expressed her deep appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community, writing, “To the Queer community, you make this world a brighter place. I love you so much.”
She went on to reflect on her own journey with identity and belonging, sharing that she struggled to find her place when she first moved to Los Angeles at 18. “I didn’t know where I belonged, didn’t know what ‘category’ I was in,” Paytas wrote. “Now at 37, not needing a label but feeling seen and understood has brought me to my state of peace with my sexuality and identity.”
The post struck a chord with many fans, who flooded her comments with support, praise, and personal stories. One fan called the video “everything we needed,” while another wrote, “So much queer joy!” Others chimed in with reactions like, “This is too iconic,” and “I love this so much.”
Giving Back: Supporting LGBTQ+ Organizations
Beyond the glitter and glam, Paytas is using the release of “Gay” to raise funds for LGBTQ+ advocacy and support organizations. She announced that all proceeds from the video are being donated to TransLifeline, a nonprofit offering peer support and crisis services for transgender individuals. “$10k has been donated already,” she confirmed.
Additionally, Paytas shared that she’s contributed to the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund, which is actively fighting anti-drag legislation and working to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ performers across the United States. She also donated to The Trevor Project, an organization that offers 24/7 crisis support to LGBTQ+ youth.
“These organizations with peer support and legal support need our help now more than ever,” she wrote. “And please reach out for help. It saved my life. We need you here.”
Embracing Queer Joy Loudly
Trisha Paytas has long had a complex relationship with public perception, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Her past controversies, including a widely criticized coming-out video, left many questioning her sincerity. But with “Gay,” Paytas seems intent on showing growth, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to celebrate queer culture rather than co-opt it.
The music video lands as a loud, glittery love letter to drag, identity, and community—a fun, feel-good project with purpose. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, “Gay” is worth watching for its dazzling visuals, unapologetic camp, and sincere celebration of queer joy.
Where to Watch
Trisha Paytas’ “Gay” music video is now streaming on YouTube. Watch it [here] and join the conversation celebrating the beauty, brilliance, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
