Tag: sasha colby

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
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
Sasha Colby’s ‘Stripped II’ Tour Set To Shine a Spotlight on Local Drag Artists (Exclusive)

Sasha Colby is taking center stage—again. And this time, she’s bringing a bigger, bolder, and even more fantastical vision of drag to life with the return of her Stripped tour, now evolved into Stripped II.

The 2025 tour, presented by Live Nation, spans 30 dates across North America and promises an immersive, emotional, and empowering experience that builds on everything fans loved the first time around—and then some. For Sasha, it’s more than just a tour. It’s a celebration of queer creativity, a platform for emerging talent, and a moment of pure magic in a time when LGBTQ+ expression continues to face challenges.

Speaking exclusively with Gayety, Sasha Colby covered everything from her tour vision and hair empire to emotional homecomings and giving back to the drag community. Here’s what she had to say.

Sasha Colby Tour Dates.

‘Stripped II’ Is Here—And It’s a Whole New World

“I’m so excited to be working with Live Nation again,” Colby said. “To expand on the world I created with Stripped feels like such a dream. With them, I feel truly taken care of.”

This time around, Sasha’s bringing audiences something that she calls more magical, more fantastical, and deeply rooted in escapism.

“In these very oppressive and scary times,” she said, “I wanted to build a world we could all disappear into for 90 minutes—to reconnect with our humanity.”

That ethos is deeply woven into Stripped II, a show designed to be both a safe haven and a celebration, where drag becomes a mirror and a portal—reflecting reality while offering a place to heal and dream.

Elevating the Next Generation of Drag

One of the standout features of Stripped II is the Opening Performer Contest, a brilliant initiative that invites local drag artists to share the stage with Sasha in their city.

“It’s so personal for me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who gave me a shot when I was just starting—Delta Work, Mimi Marks, Jim Flint, and the Baton Show Lounge. This is my way of paying that forward.”

So what does it take to open for Sasha Colby?

“I’m looking for originality. Authentic storytelling. Show me your nerve and talent—but also show me why you need to do drag,” she said. “This is an art form that saves lives. I want to feel that truth.”

Looking Back at ‘Stripped’: A Tour Rooted in Heart and Healing

Reflecting on her first headlining tour in 2024, Sasha described the experience as a “creative love letter” to the friends and family who’ve stood beside her for decades.

“Creating something so meaningful with people I’ve known for 20 years was surreal,” she said. “And finishing the tour in my hometown of Honolulu—it felt like a true homecoming.”

That last show wasn’t just a curtain call. It was a full-circle moment where her biological family, chosen drag family, and her dance family from 24-VII Danceforce all came together to celebrate the journey.

“It reminded me why I do this. Why live performance, especially in drag, is so transformative,” she said. “There’s a unique magic in seeing someone live—especially when they’re sharing their whole truth.”

From Hair Whips to Hairlines: Sasha Colby Hair

Another triumph? Sasha Colby Hair, her signature line of ponytails and clip-ins that’s quickly become a staple for performers and fans alike.

“I’m known for my ponytails,” Sasha laughed. “So I thought—why not make them accessible to everyone?”

But this isn’t just another celebrity beauty brand. Sasha personally designs each piece, drawing on years of experience crafting her own hairpieces by hand.

“From color to length to the way we sew them—it’s all based on my drag technique. I wanted to offer high-quality, affordable hair that actually works for the queer community.”

And the feedback?

“When someone comes up to me and says, ‘I’m wearing a Sasha Colby ponytail,’ and they feel beautiful and powerful—that’s what it’s all about,” she said. “Confidence is everything.”

‘Home Stretch’: Documenting the Real Sasha

In 2024, Sasha invited audiences even deeper into her world through Home Stretch, a docuseries that captured the behind-the-scenes reality of launching a national tour.

“It’s so easy to forget to be present when you’re building something like this,” she shared. “Having a way to look back at it now—especially at such a pivotal time in my life—is invaluable.”

The series culminated in her emotional return to Honolulu, where she revisited formative places and reconnected with her roots.

“I cried a lot,” she admitted. “It was cathartic. Healing. I got to reframe some of the darker parts of my life through a new lens. It really helped my mental health and allowed me to create meaning from hardship.”

Beyond the Wig and Heels—Redefining Drag on Her Own Terms

From the stage to the screen to the hair aisle, Sasha Colby is a one-woman powerhouse. But what she’s doing goes beyond glamour or applause—it’s about shifting the cultural understanding of drag.

“Drag is art. It’s storytelling. And it’s subjective,” she said. “People come to my show and leave with a new understanding of what drag can be. It’s not just a lip sync and a split—it’s theatre. It’s healing. It’s freedom.”

With Stripped II, Sasha is pushing those boundaries even further.

“You think you know what a drag show is?” she asked with a grin. “Think again.”

July 1, 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
Alex Consani Gets Candid With Laverne Cox, Sasha Colby, and More in Pride Month Interview

Supermodel Alex Consani is closing out Pride Month with a powerful and playful bang. Them magazine just dropped the fourth and final cover of its Pride series, spotlighting the Gen Z icon as she takes questions from a star-studded panel of trailblazing trans voices. Dubbed “The Dolls,” this interview lineup includes Sasha Colby, Laverne Cox, Connie Fleming, Susan Stryker, Blizzy Mcguire, Ceyenne Doroshow, and Martine Gutierrez, and nothing is off the table.

From zombie apocalypse survival plans to systemic inequality, Consani is serving honesty, humor, and heart.

A Cover Story That Celebrates Community

Consani’s feature is part of Them’s month-long Pride celebration, which also includes covers starring Bella Ramsey, Tramell Tillman, and Alan Cumming, as well as an in-person WorldPride DC event with drag legend Sasha Colby.

In addition to its cover stories, the publication launched “Them Superlatives,” a cheeky high school yearbook-inspired tribute to queer excellence, with shoutouts from stars like Hayley Williams, Vico Ortiz, and even Ellie the Elephant.

But Consani’s cover feels particularly meaningful, not just because of her meteoric rise in fashion, but because of her commitment to community and advocacy.

Photo: Them

Photo: Them

Photo: Them

On Trans Joy, Visibility, and the Fight Ahead

When asked by activist Ceyenne Doroshow about how to uplift the trans community during an increasingly hostile political era, Consani didn’t hold back.

“We are not politics. Our existence shouldn’t be political,” she said. “You don’t owe anybody shit. The only person you owe at the end of the day is yourself.”

She went on to emphasize that community, self-love, and education are vital tools in the face of hate, adding that respectful curiosity from outside the community can be powerful, if done with care.

“Ask the questions,” she said. “Because that could save a life.”

The Future Is Dolls

In a conversation with fashion icon Connie Fleming, Consani shared her vision for a more inclusive industry, one that celebrates the full spectrum of trans identities.

“I think the future is dolls,” she said. “Not just white, thin, able-bodied versions of our community, but all of us. That’s what’s fashionable to me.”

She described a recent runway moment, the show Mother, Daughter, Holy Spirit, as a moving example of how the trans community continues to create beauty and meaning in the face of adversity.

Photo: Them

Photo: Them

What’s Next for Alex?

While Sasha Colby asked what’s still on her bucket list, Consani revealed her ambitions beyond the catwalk.

“There are a lot of important industries that trans women need to break into,” she said. “I want to work on accessibility, and yeah, maybe philanthropy, big word, I know.”

As her star rises, she wants her impact to go deeper than runways and magazine covers.

Zombies, Boys, and Real Talk

The interview wasn’t all heavy topics. Internet personality Blizzy Mcguire wanted to know: What would Consani wear in a zombie apocalypse?

“Girl, a gun and some camo pants,” she quipped. “But also an escape plan, because that’s what the girls really need.”

When Laverne Cox got personal about dating as a trans woman in the spotlight, Consani kept it real.

“I’ve been active. I’ve been having my fun,” she laughed, noting that being publicly trans often brings complicated and sometimes fetishizing attention. “You never know people’s intentions.”

Still, she’s learning to embrace exploration and take up space on her own terms.

A Powerful Close to Pride

Consani’s conversation with historian Susan Stryker reflected on her Bay Area roots, highlighting the beauty of local activism in San Francisco despite its post-COVID transformation.

“Seeing San Francisco show up for No Kings Day really touched me,” she said. “That’s my community, and they showed up.”

It’s clear that for Consani, pride isn’t just a photoshoot, it’s a commitment to connection, courage, and continued conversation.

And with The Dolls by her side, she’s making sure those conversations are as dazzling as they are vital.

June 24, 2025
Jennifer Lopez Performs ‘Freedom’ Closing Out The Opening Worldpride with One Massive Chorus

Under the radiant lights of the RFK Festival Grounds, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ music festival roared to life this past weekend, delivering an unforgettable celebration of queer culture, music, and unapologetic pride. As part of the official WorldPride DC 2025 festivities, the WorldPride Music Festival united tens of thousands of fans from across the globe for two days of high-voltage performances, heartfelt messages of solidarity, and a powerful sense of community. Leading the charge was global icon Jennifer Lopez, who turned her headline set into a poignant tribute to love, identity, and freedom.

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Lopez’s performance on Friday night wasn’t just a star-studded spectacle—it was the heartbeat of a weekend defined by unity and resistance. “We are singing and dancing right here on their front lawn, misbehaving. Yes we are,” she told a roaring crowd, just miles from the White House, during a climactic cover of George Michael’s song Freedom ’90. The performance, backed by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., swelled into a full-blown anthem of resilience, echoing through the night as a call to embrace joy and authenticity in the face of rising political tension.

Rita Ora for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

The singer’s set, filled with career-spanning hits like “Let’s Get Loud,” “On The Floor,” and “Waiting for Tonight,” reached new emotional heights as rainbow lights washed over the crowd during Freedom, turning the festival grounds into a sea of unity and celebration. The moment wasn’t lost on Lopez, who has long been an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

Betty Who for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

“Over the years, your love and your support have been a source of strength for me,” Lopez said, pausing between songs. “And today, I am here to celebrate you. I’m so happy to be able to be here to celebrate community, diversity, love, and freedom.”

Paris Hilton for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

The electrifying evening also featured the world premiere of her new single, Save Me Tonight, a collaboration with David Guetta, which she performed live for the first time. As a special bonus for fans, Lopez offered an exclusive sneak peek of her upcoming film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, set for release in October, teasing the multidimensional impact of her ongoing creative journey.

Jennifer Lopez for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

The two-day festival featured four immersive stages and a stacked lineup that showcased the diversity of queer music and performance. Alongside Lopez, standout acts included Troye Sivan, Kim Petras, Rita Ora, Zedd, Paris Hilton, Tinashe, Marina, Sasha Colby, Trisha Paytas, and Sofi Tukker, among others.

On Saturday, Sivan closed the festival with an emotional, magnetic set that included hits like “Rush,” “My My My!,” and “Bloom.” His performance, much like Lopez’s, doubled as a thank-you to the LGBTQ+ fans who have been with him from the start. “This community has given me everything,” he told the crowd, voice trembling as thousands sang along.

Renee Rapp for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

Kim Petras brought high-octane club energy with her signature blend of pop and electro bangers, while RuPaul delivered an iconic DJ set that had the audience voguing under the stars. Singer-songwriter RAYE brought vulnerability and soul, and Renee Rapp’s set, including her biting track “Poison Poison” dedicated to the current administration, emphasized that Pride is as much protest as it is celebration.

Throughout the festival grounds, interactive brand activations, wellness spaces, and bold art installations added layers of engagement and introspection. Hornitos Tequila, a major sponsor, set up a vibrant “Wall of Joy” photo activation, encouraging guests to leave messages of hope and love. Festival screens played queer stories, trivia, and media clips from favorites like Young Royals, Love, Simon, Queer Eye, and Glee—a continuous reminder that visibility matters in every form.

Rupaul for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

Produced by Dreamland’s Jake Resnicow, named one of OUT100’s Most Influential LGBTQ+ People of the Year, in partnership with Insomniac and Club Glow, the WorldPride Music Festival was more than a party. It was a political and cultural statement, boldly affirming that queer voices, art, and joy deserve space, spotlight, and safety.

The weekend’s high-energy sets were matched by moments of deep emotion. As Lopez stood center stage with the chorus behind her during Freedom, it became clear that this was no ordinary performance. The rainbow-lit stage, the live choir, and the sea of flags and tears in the crowd crystallized what Pride is truly about: liberation, visibility, and love.

Troye Sivan for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

Lopez’s ability to blend dazzling showmanship with heartfelt sincerity solidified her as the festival’s emotional anchor. From debuting new music and sharing sneak peeks of upcoming projects to honoring the community with every note and gesture, her set embodied the power of presence.

And that presence resonated far beyond the stage.

Kim Petras for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under renewed threat in parts of the U.S., WorldPride DC 2025 stood tall as a radiant reminder of queer resilience. For two days, politics faded into the background as music, dance, and connection took center stage. The crowd—diverse in every imaginable way—was united in joy, protest, and celebration.

Troye Sivan for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

As the last note rang out and the lights dimmed on an unforgettable weekend, the message was clear: Pride is not just a month or a parade. It is a movement. And at WorldPride, that movement had a soundtrack.

For more information about WorldPride DC 2025, visit worldpride25.com.

June 9, 2025
Fabulous and Ordained Sasha Colby Officiates Surprise Queer Weddings at WorldPride DC Kickoff

Love was quite literally in the air at the WorldPride DC kickoff celebration, where a handful of unsuspecting LGBTQIA+ couples were whisked into an unforgettable moment: surprise wedding ceremonies hosted by none other than drag royalty, Sasha Colby.

The glamorous gathering, hosted by Them and Destination DC at Succotash, transformed into an impromptu queer love fest as Colby officiated the heartfelt unions. The ceremonies aligned beautifully with a significant milestone — the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in the United States.

A Toast to Love (and Cake, of Course)

What’s a wedding without the trimmings? Guests were treated to the full fairytale treatment: a decadent wedding cake, lush florals fit for a Pride-themed Pinterest board, and a sparkling champagne tower that had everyone raising a glass to queer joy. The surprise ceremonies were met with laughter, tears, and cheers from a room full of chosen family and allies.

Sasha Colby has been on whirlwind ride of global appearances ever since her RuPaul’s Drag Race win, but with this, she’s also delivering more than just glamour, she’s bringing gravitas, humor, and heartfelt sincerity to the couples’ big moment.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 30: Sasha Colby performs a marriage ceremony for Barry Hoy and Teraj Allen as Them and Destination DC kick off World Pride 2025 at Succotash on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Them

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 30: Sasha Colby greets guests as Them and Destination DC kick off World Pride 2025 at Succotash on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Them

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 30: (L-R) Barry Hoy and Teraj Allen celebrate their marriage as Them and Destination DC kick off World Pride 2025 at Succotash on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Them

A Pride Month to Remember

The event marked the official kickoff of Them’s Pride Month programming. Editor-in-Chief Fran Tirado took a moment to speak to the crowd, emphasizing the importance of honoring queer stories — not just the struggles, but the celebrations too.

Colby also graced the stage with a performance that had guests out of their seats and living for every beat. It was a perfect blend of performance art and emotional resonance — exactly the kind of energy you want when ushering in a month dedicated to queer joy and resilience.

Earlier in the week, Them launched their Pride coverage with a bold cover reveal featuring The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey. The media outlet promises more big moments throughout the month, including exclusive features, interviews, and fresh cover stories spotlighting the LGBTQIA+ community.

Marriage, Magic, and Momentum

In a cultural climate where queer rights continue to be debated and defended, events like these do more than dazzle — they affirm. The surprise weddings weren’t just sweet — they were symbolic of how far we’ve come and how powerful visibility can be.

Sasha Colby’s impromptu officiating gig might not have been on anyone’s Pride bingo card, but it turned out to be the heartwarming highlight of the evening. And as the champagne flowed and confetti settled, one thing was clear: Pride in D.C. had officially begun — with love leading the way.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 30: (L-R) Fran Tirado and Sasha Colby make a champagne toast as Them and Destination DC kick off World Pride 2025 at Succotash on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Them

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 30: Sasha Colby (center) and guests attend as Them and Destination DC kick off World Pride 2025 at Succotash on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Them

June 2, 2025
Chappell Roan on ‘Outlaws’: Inside Her Villain Era and Why the Media Treated Her Worse Than Customers

Pop rebel Chappell Roan is rewriting the rules of stardom—and she’s doing it in blue eyeshadow and drag queen glam.

On the latest episode of Outlaws, the iHeartPodcasts original hosted by TS Madison, Roan joined Drag Race royalty Sasha Colby for an intimate, unfiltered conversation about religion, self-image, and why refusing to fit into the traditional mold has become her personal manifesto.

Photo: iHeartMedia

From the Church Pew to the Gay Club

Roan opened up about her journey from strict religious upbringing to queer nightlife discovery, painting a vivid picture of her first time in a gay club after leaving the church.

“I was in shock and I was in awe,” she said. “It was just like, how do I be them, just watching go-go dancers.”

That spark of inspiration—born from dancers in tiny shorts and glitter—ignited a new understanding of self-expression for Roan, who spent years associating modesty with virtue and sex appeal with shame.

“There was this weird thing in my head that I thought the more modest you were, the better woman you were,” she said. “The more you will be respected. I just realized everything that I was taught was really disrespected: sex work, gay people, drag queens, BLUE EYESHADOW.”

Yes, blue eyeshadow. The much-maligned cosmetic quickly became a symbol of rebellion and empowerment for Roan.

Ban Shame, Not Blue Eyeshadow

Roan’s embrace of drag aesthetics—long nails, bold makeup, exaggerated performance—wasn’t just about glam. It was political.

Blue eyeshadow, she explained, was demonized in her youth, tied up in the same stigma reserved for queer performers, sex workers, and anyone who dared to be “too much.”

But now? She’s owning all of it.

“I’m a singer and I write songs, but I’m also a drag queen,” she said proudly. “I’m very against what the pop girls are supposed to be doing.”

Pop Villain Era: Chappell Claps Back

Roan also opened up about the challenges she’s faced navigating fame on her own terms—and the public backlash that’s come with it.

“I think I’ve had three villain eras in the last nine months,” she said, referring to moments when fans and media criticized her for asserting boundaries and speaking out.

Her refusal to shrink herself or play nice has earned her both adoration and condemnation—but Roan is clear: she won’t be bending for anyone.

“If I don’t stand up for myself, I will quit. Because I cannot bear this,” she said, describing how the industry often punishes women for advocating for themselves.

She even drew a sharp comparison to the treatment of early 2000s pop icons like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan.

“There’s so much love and apologies for people like Britney,” Roan said. “People were so evil to them, and as a community, we need to apologize. But that behavior is still happening. Do you want me to get to the point where I become agoraphobic? Or too anxious to perform?”

Her point? Don’t romanticize past wrongs if you’re still enabling them today.

“I’ve been treated better at my donut shop job than I have on a red carpet,” she added. “People just assume you’re the villain if you don’t accept mistreatment with a smile.”

A Final Word: Ban It, Bitch

The episode closed with the fan-favorite “Ban It, Bitch!” segment, where Roan served a list of things she’s over—hot takes, internet critics, and cork shoes included.

“I don’t care if you’re a publicist—get out of the comments and do your job,” she quipped. “Pop Crave? Ban it. Cork shoes? Ugly. Ban it!”

Outlaws is available weekly on Tuesdays – you can find all Outspoken shows on the iHeartRadio app, and everywhere podcasts are heard.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/30zYb2NKBQQ2nwXCmKPBW2?si=538f03b7c49b4c72

May 20, 2025
World of Wonder to Host Special Screening of ‘The Little Pageant That Could’ to Benefit APLA Health

Get ready for wigs, rhinestones, and a whole lot of heart. Emmy-winning media company World of Wonder is rolling out the pink carpet for a special benefit screening of its new documentary The Little Pageant That Could—and it’s all for a good cause.

The event, held Wednesday, May 21, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, will support APLA Health’s Alliance for Housing and Healing, which provides critical services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The screening comes ahead of the documentary’s global premiere on WOW Presents Plus on May 29.

Photo: World of Wonder

A Night of Glitz and Giving

The exclusive, invite-only screening is hosted in partnership with APLA Health and features an all-star host committee that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood and drag royalty. Among those lending their names to the cause: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato (World of Wonder co-founders), Sasha Colby, Margaret Cho, Judy Greer, Cheyenne Jackson, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews, Carson Kressley, and Vanessa Williams—just to name a few.

MC duties will be handled by the ever-fabulous Salina Estitties, with live performances, raffle prizes, donation opportunities, and the chance to throw cash tips on stage in true drag pageant tradition.

Photo: World of Wonder

All proceeds benefit the Alliance for Housing and Healing, which has received more than $6 million from the Best in Drag Show over the decades. Funds help support emergency housing, rental assistance, and long-term housing for people living with HIV/AIDS.

From Apartment Spoof to Cultural Staple

The Little Pageant That Could tells the larger-than-life origin story of the Best in Drag Show, which began in 1990 as a tongue-in-cheek parody of Miss America staged in a cramped West Hollywood apartment. What started as a joke among friends has grown into L.A.’s longest-running drag benefit, attracting celebrity judges, sold-out crowds, and serious fundraising power.

Photo: World of Wonder

Directed by John Carlos Frey—who also served as the original stage show’s director—the film features never-before-seen footage and laugh-out-loud moments spanning the show’s 33-year history. Expect appearances from a star-studded cast of past guests, including Jennifer Coolidge, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Faris, Martin Sheen, and fashion icon Bob Mackie.

Coming to WOW Presents Plus May 29

Following the benefit event, The Little Pageant That Could will premiere globally on WOW Presents Plus, joining a lineup of critically acclaimed documentaries like The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Party Monster, and Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures.

The platform has been expanding its library of original and acquired content in 2024, with notable additions like the Elvira Collection, the comedy duo specials Happily Ever Laughter and No Refunds from creators Darcy and Jer, and the upcoming scripted series I Hate People, People Hate Me.

Executive produced by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, and produced by David Neuendorff, James Cude, and Frey himself, the documentary is the latest testament to World of Wonder’s legacy of blending entertainment with activism, storytelling with sparkle.

May 14, 2025
Sasha Colby Announces ‘Stripped II’ Tour With 28 Dates Across North America

Get ready, glamazons! Sasha Colby, your favorite drag queen’s favorite drag queen, is back and bigger than ever. The RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner is hitting the road once again with a revamped and reimagined production of her acclaimed Stripped Tour — and she’s taking audiences along for the ride.

The new production, Stripped II, kicks off Sept. 16 in Seattle, Washington, and will hit 28 cities across North America, including stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and more. The tour wraps up in Colby’s home state of Hawaii with a final performance in Honolulu on Nov. 15.

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A post shared by Sasha Colby (@sashacolby)

“Even though this upcoming set of shows is Stripped, it is not the same Stripped show as last year. It’s Stripped II, which is telling different stories,” Colby said in an exclusive interview with Out magazine. “The first Stripped Tour was more centered around my life experiences that brought me to where I am today. With Stripped II, I want to tell different stories about trans experiences and queer experiences that are more general and universal.”

The tour comes at a time when LGBTQ+ communities across the United States are facing increasing challenges, with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on the rise. But Colby is undeterred. In fact, she’s using her platform to stand louder and prouder than ever.

“Obviously, with the state of mankind right now, it is really scary to be one’s authentic self,” she said. “But our queer strength and community are what will get us through these hard times. It is so important right now to be out, loud and proud — that is the number one weapon in our arsenal to fight back against hatred and sheer stupidity.”

Colby says the tour is not just entertainment — it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity and authenticity.

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A post shared by Sasha Colby (@sashacolby)

“Immersing myself in creativity is one of the ways I like to do my own work against hatred,” she said. “I always say, if we don’t like the world that we’re looking at, let’s turn ourselves inwards and make the world we want inside reflect to everyone else.”

Tickets for Stripped II go on artist pre-sale Tuesday, April 22. General on-sale begins Friday, April 25 via Sasha Colby’s official website.

April 21, 2025