Tag: RuPaul’s Drag Race

  • Halleloo! Shangela Lights up LA on ‘Fully Lit’ Tour

    Halleloo! Shangela Lights up LA on ‘Fully Lit’ Tour

    Shangela started a spark in Koreatown for her fourth stop on her “Fully Lit” Tour. (more…)

  • Meet the Cast of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 15

    Meet the Cast of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 15

    Ready or not, here they come. The RuPaul‘s Drag Race queens of season 15 are stepping up to mark, ready for the race of their lives. News broke recently that the show has left VH1 to her sister network MTV. Drag Race is clearly reaching new heights, and the show is even promising “biggest season yet.”

    Related | 21 Drag Race Queens Who Have Come Out as Trans

    Vroom Vroom, B*tches

    They’re not just exaggerating either. The show will literally be bigger with 16 queens competing this year, as opposed to the usual 14. The season also harks back to those racing aesthetics of the early seasons. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, allow us to introduce you to the queens battling it out to become America’s Next Drag Superstar.

    Amethyst

    Amethyst
    Where is Amethyst from?

    Amethyst is from CT.

    Where did Amethyst’s drag name come from?

    Amethyst’s name comes from her birthstone.

    What is Amethyst’s drag style?

    As a comedy queen, Amethyst plays up and into her “stupidity”.

    What is the strangest thing about Amethyst?

    Amethyst says it would be easier to make a list of normal things about her. For example, she loves Taco Bell.

    What makes Amethyst different?

    Amethyst is not afraid to make a fool of herself.

    What is Amethyst’s first drag memory?

    Amethyst got into drag through the theater.

    What is Amethyst most excited about?

    Amethyst is most excited for The Rusical and Snatch Game

    Why should Amethyst be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Amethyst says “because the nose knows no bounds.”

    Anetra

    Anetra
    Where is Anetra from?

    Anetra is from Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Where did Anetra’s drag name come from?

    Anetra got her name from a beautiful stripper who she worked with.

    What is Anetra’s drag style?

    Anetra calls her style c**talicious and divalicious.

    What makes Anetra different?

    Anetra says she has a heart and a good conscience. She uses drag to express her art, although she is not a vocalist

    What is Anetra known for?

    People have told Anetra she has a resting bitch face.

    What is Anetra most nervous about?

    Anetra says she is most nervous about disagreements with Drag Race judge Michelle Visage.

    Why should Anetra be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    When asked this question Anetra said, “Have you seen the promo? Have you seen the look? Heard the voice?”

    Aura Mayari

    Aura Mayari
    Where is Aura Mayari from?

    Originally from the Philippines, Aura Mayari grew up in Chicago, IL. She currently lives in Nashville, TN.

    Where did Aura Mayari’s drag name come from?

    Aura is gay lingo from the Philippines. It refers to someone overly confident, attention-seeking, and maybe a little bit thirsty.

    What is Aura Mayari’s drag style?

    Aura Mayari sees herself as an edgy, boss bitch, queen of the night.

    What is the strangest thing about Aura Mayari?

    Aura Mayari was circumcised in 3rd grade.

    What makes Aura Mayari different?

    Aura Mayari says she looks sickening and pretty but can perform with the best of them. Her background in hip-hop and performance puts her a leg ahead of the competition. Although she says she is definitely not a comedy queen.

    What is Aura Mayari known for?

    Aura Mayari is known as the walking face tune in Chicago.

    What is Aura Mayari’s first drag memory?

    Aura Mayari expressly remembers watching Manila Luzon, who is also from the Philippines, on her season.

    Why should Aura Mayari be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Aura Mayari says she is pretty and talented. She is ready to inspire others.

    Irene DuBois

    Irene Dubois
    Where is Irene DuBois from?

    Irene DuBois is from Seattle, WA.

    Where did Irene DuBois’ drag name come from?

    Irene DuBois got her name from Medium’s Allison DuBois played by Patricia Arquette.

    What is Irene DuBois’ drag style?

    Irene DuBois likes to look like an alien or out of this world.

    What is the strangest thing about Irene DuBois?

    Irene DuBois is sober.

    What makes Irene DuBois different?

    Irene DuBois doesn’t feel the need to look like other drag queens. She wants to look like a Star Wars character.

    What is Irene DuBois known for?

    Irene is known for her unique drag style.

    What is Irene DuBois’ first drag memory?

    Seeing Raven walk in on her season of Drag Race made Irene DuBois who she is. She knew that is what she wanted to be.

    Why should Irene DuBois be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    She forgot…

    Jax

    Jax Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Jax from?

    Jax lives in Astoria Queens but is originally from CT.

    Where did Jax’s drag name come from?

    Jax’s boy name is Jackson. Also, she was inspired by Jax from Mortal Kombat and likes to juxtapose his masculinity with her femininity.

    What is the strangest thing about Jax?

    Jax says she comes from the whitest place in the world.

    What makes Jax different?

    Jax had her start as an athlete. She was a junior Olympic diver, a gymnast, and a competitive cheerleader.

    What is Jax known for?

    Jax says she is surprisingly short but known for being a stunt queen.

    What is Jax’s first drag memory?

    Jax remembers that watching Drag race helped her get through her grandmother’s death.

    What is Jax most nervous about?

    Jax is most worried about the twists and turns in the show.

    Why should Jax be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Jax says she is the “BBB,” or “booked, Black, and blessed.” She is also the hardest worker she knows.

    Loosey Laduca

    Loosey Laduca Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Loosey Laduca from?

    Loosey Laduca is from Ansonia, CT.

    Where did Loosey Laduca’s drag name come from?

    Loosey is an homage to comedian and actress Lucille Ball and Laduca is a shoe brand.

    What is Loosey Laduca’s drag style?

    Loosey Laduca considers herself a comedy queen.

    What is the strangest thing about Loosey Laduca?

    Loosey Laduca loves slasher movies and loves gore. Her favorites are Friday the Thirteenth Part 6. Part 4, and Part 1.

    What makes Loosey Laduca different?

    Loosey Laduca jokes that her gorgeous white straight teeth make her different.

    What is Loosey Laduca known for?

    Loosey Laduca is a construction worker by day and a drag queen by night.

    What is Loosey Laduca’s first drag memory?

    Loosey Laduca distinctly remembers Nina Flowers contouring her chest.

    Why should Loosey Laduca be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Loosey Laduca says she always strives to get better. Every time she goes in drag she wants to be better than the last.

    Luxx Noir London

    Luxx Noir London Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Luxx Noir London from?

    Luxx Noir London is from East Orange, NJ.

    Where did Luxx Noir London’s drag name come from?

    Luxx Noir London was inspired by Black luxury. London comes from the person who put them in drag for the first time.

    What is the strangest thing about Luxx Noir London?

    Luxx Noir London says she talks to herself, which some people might think is weird.

    What makes Luxx Noir London different?

    Luxx Noir London says she can do it all and doesn’t put herself in a box, category, model, or label

    What is Luxx Noir London known for?

    Luxx Noir London says she is known for looking gorgeous, and smelling nice. She says that if you see her will be nice but won’t look like she’ll be nice.

    What is Luxx Noir London’s first drag memory?

    Luxx Noir London remembers watching Drag Race with her aunt.

    Why should Luxx Noir London be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Luxx Noir London thinks that she is and knows that she is America’s Next Drag Superstar.

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Malaysia Babydoll Foxx from?

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx is from Miami, FL.

    Where did Malaysia Babydoll Foxx’s drag name come from?

    She likes to go by Malaysia “Babydoll Babydoll Babydoll” Foxx because she loved playing with babydolls. She added Foxx because it just fit.

    What is Malaysia Babydoll Foxx’s drag style?

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx calls her drag style bodacious, beautiful, and glamorous.

    What is the strangest thing about Malaysia Babydoll Foxx?

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx says she is the type to do a silent but deadly fart in a group of people and blame someone else.

    What is Malaysia Babydoll Foxx known for?

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx says her leg goes all the way up.

    What is Malaysia Babydoll Foxx’s first drag memory?

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx remembers seeing LaShawn Beyond, her drag mother, on season 4.

    Why should Malaysia Babydoll Foxx be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Malaysia Babydoll Foxx quoted Nicky Minaj, saying “I am a star in every room that I stand in. I am a stand-out. These girls are my stand-ins.”

    Marcia Marcia Marcia

    Marcia Marcia Marcia Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Marcia Marcia Marcia from?

    Marcia Marcia Marcia is from New York City, NY.

    Where did Marcia Marcia Marcia’s drag name come from?

    Marcia Marcia Marcia’s name comes from that iconic scene in The Brady Bunch.

    What is Marcia Marcia Marcia’s drag style?

    Marcia Marcia Marcia’s style is inspired by vintage fashion, taking her cues from Marcia Brad.

    What is the strangest thing about Marcia Marcia Marcia?

    Marcia Marcia Marcia still watches all the shows she loved as a kid. Hannah Montana was one of her most-played artists on Spotify last year.

    What makes Marcia Marcia Marcia different?

    Just like Marcia Brady, Marcia Marcia Marcia is pretty, popular, and talented.

    What is Marcia Marcia Marcia known for?

    Marcia Marcia Marcia is known for her vintage style and unique handmade looks.

    What is Marcia Marcia Marcia’s first drag memory?

    Marcia Marcia Marcia remembers watching Drag Race during her freshman year of college watching season 6.

    Why should Marcia Marcia Marcia be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Marcia Marcia Marcia jokingly says she should be America’s Next Drag Superstar because she is young. Seriously though, she makes her own wigs, mixes, make-up, and clothing. She really is a Marcia of all trades.

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Mistress Isabelle Brooks from?

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks is from Houston, Texas.

    Where did Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ drag name come from?

    According to Mistress Isabelle Brooks a Mistress is a “b**ch who’s in control.” Isabelle comes from her boy-name Israel, and Brooks comes from her drag mother.

    What is Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ drag style?

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks calls her drag style big, over the top, with her hair touching the ceiling.

    What makes Mistress Isabelle Brooks different?

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks does old-school drag, which she calls a dying art, with a modern twist.

    What is Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ first drag memory?

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks remembers watching the season 4 drama between with Sharon and PhiPhi.

    What is Mistress Isabelle Brooks most nervous about?

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks is most nervous about being in drag all day while filming.

    Why should Mistress Isabelle Brooks be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Mistress Isabelle Brooks says she should be America’s Next Drag Superstar because she represents the past, present, and future of drag.

    Princess Poppy

    Princess Poppy Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Princess Poppy from?

    Princess Poppy is from San Francisco, CA.

    Where did Princess Poppy’s drag name come from?

    Princess Poppy always felt like royalty and wanted a name that reflected that. She also likes alliteration, and “P.P.” is funny.

    What is Princess Poppy’s drag style?

    Princess Poppy says her drag is full of comedy, beauty, and performance with strong lip-syncs. She is a glamorous beautiful princess in drag, but wild in real life.

    What is the strangest thing about Princess Poppy?

    Princess Poppy says her breasts can tell when it’s going to rain.

    What makes Princess Poppy different?

    Princess Poppy was born on April fool’s day which she says is very fitting.

    What is Princess Poppy known for?

    Princess Poppy says she is known for reading and dishing back.

    What is Princess Poppy’s first drag memory?

    Princess Poppy remembers watching Drag Race season 4. She remembers being astounded by the idea of transforming into a woman.

    Why should Princess Poppy be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Princess Poppy says she is a princess, and princesses always become queens.

    Robin Fierce

    Robin Fierce Drag Race Season 15
    Where did Robin Fierce’s drag name come from?

    She loved Raven from season two and wanted a bird name. Fierce is what her drag is.

    What is Robin Fierce’s drag style?

    Robin Fierce singing, dancing, the face is always correct.

    What is the strangest thing about Robin Fierce?

    Robin Fierce says she can wiggle her ears.

    What makes Robin Fierce different?

    Though it’s cheesy, Robin Fierce sees herself as a source of light and positivity.

    What is Robin Fierce known for?

    Robin Fierce is known for being polished, but she says there is so much more to her. She says that people think she’s a b**ch but she’s not.

    What is Robin Fierce most nervous about?

    Robin Fierce is worried about comedy challenges.

    Why should Robin Fierce be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Robin Fierce says that she has something for everybody.

    Salina EsTitties

    Salina EsTitties Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Salina EsTitties from?

    Salina EsTitties is from Hollywood, CA.

    Where did Salina EsTitties’ drag name come from?

    Salina EsTitties got her name from the queen herself, Selena Quintanilla Pérez comes from the queen herself. EsTitties come from titties.

    What is Salina EsTitties’ drag style?

    Salina EsTitties says she is a performer, actress, dancer, singer and “p**sy all over.”

    What is the strangest thing about Salina EsTitties?

    Salina EsTitties says she is loud. She says she has heart, light, p**sy, and t**ties.

    What makes Salina EsTitties different?

    Salina EsTitties wants to get the EGOT this season.

    What is Salina EsTitties’ first drag memory?

    Salina EsTitties remembers seeing herself represented when Alexis Matteo said “BAM Chorizo Baby!”

    What is Salina EsTitties most nervous about?

    Salina EsTitties says she doesn’t do well with confrontation.

    Why should Salina EsTitties be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Salina EsTitties says she should be America’s Next Drag Superstar because she is the best, “point blank period.” She says she is pretty, talented, campy, and coochie.

    Sasha Colby

    Sasha Colby Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Sasha Colby from?

    Sasha Colby is from Hawaii but currently lives in LA.

    Where did Sasha Colby’s drag name come from?

    Sasha Colby is from the House of Colby. She got the name Colby from a model in the 2000s. It was a gender-neutral name, so it was a good choice for her when she transitioned.

    What is Sasha Colby’s drag style?

    Sasha Colby started in pageants, so she has that glamour. She describes herself as a goddess sl*t.

    What makes Sasha Colby different?

    Sasha Colby says her splits make her different.

    What is Sasha Colby known for?

    Sasha Colby says she is known for seeming intimidating, but when you get to know her you realize she’s actually a huge nerd.

    Why should Sasha Colby be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Sasha Colby says she is already is a superstar and just needs to be given her the crown.

    Spice

    Spice Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Spice from?

    Spice is from Long Island, New York. She currently lives in Hollywood.

    Where did Spice’s drag name come from?

    As a twin of Sugar, they coordinated their names. Her twin is Sugar and she’s Spice. According to Spice, she can’t even name 5 spices.

    What is Spice’s drag style?

    Spice calls her style silly with a side of wild wh*re. She’s a lifesize doll.

    What is the strangest thing about Spice?

    Spice says she is obsessed with carrots.

    What makes Spice different?

    Spice says she’s the prettier twin, but also the ditzier twin.

    What is Spice known for?

    Spice is known for having a twin that is also a drag queen. She says she is ready to throw her under the bus.

    Why should Spice be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Spice says she has the charisma, the uniqueness, the nerve, and (jokingly)…maybe not the talent.

    Sugar

    Sugar Drag Race Season 15
    Where is Sugar from?

    Sugar is from Long Island, New York. She currently lives in Hollywood.

    Where did Sugar’s drag name come from?

    As a twin of Spice, they coordinated their names. Her twin is Spice and she’s Sugar.

    What is Sugar’s drag style?

    Sugar’s drag style is doll perfection.

    What is the strangest thing about Sugar?

    Sugar says she needs to be zen when she eats. She doesn’t like eating out.

    What makes Sugar different?

    Sugar says that she’s not mean or bitchy, but drag allows her to play with that.

    What is Sugar known for?

    Sugar says she is known for being the better-looking twin.

    Why should Sugar be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

    Sugar says she is the next drag superstar because she “literally thought it.”

    All Roads Lead…

    That’s it! The queens are all geared up and ready to slay for the crown. If the promo is anything to go off of, this season is going to be sickening. RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15, premiers on Friday January 6 on MTV.

    https://www.youtube.com/embed/ppwvzOH1sJE
  • Yas Queen: What It Means & Where It Originated

    Yas Queen: What It Means & Where It Originated

    Chances are you’ve heard (and used) the term “yas queen” before. It’s plastered all over the internet in tweets and memes, and it’s bound to come up at a fierce drag show or a fun kiki with friends.

    But what does “yas queen” mean? Where did the phrase come from? And how did it become so popular in the last few years?

    Related | Yeet Definition: What It Means & How To Use It

    “Yas Queen” Meaning

    “Yas queen” is a versatile term that’s often used as an exaltation or an expression of excitement. It’s similar to other queer slang terms like “work” and “fierce” and has the same connotation as saying something’s “giving you life”.

    When you say “yas queen”, you can either be affirming someone, building them up, or celebrating an achievement. In other words, it’s like an ultra-fabulous high five!
    For example, if a drag queen busts out a shablam, you can cheer them on with a hearty “yas queen”. Or, if a friend walks in with a killer pair of boots they’ve been dying to get their hands on, you could congratulate them with a “yas queen!”

    Online, people either write it as “yas queen” or “yas kween”. There isn’t much of a difference between the two spellings, so don’t worry too much about it.

    Where Did “Yas Queen” Originate?

    The origin of “yas queen” can be traced back to 1980s ball culture. In New York City, drag balls became a haven for young, queer people of color to express themselves and live their truths. At drag balls, attendees would strut their stuff and feel their fiercest fantasies for the adulation of their peers and a chance at a cash prize.

    This underground subculture is where much of the queer slang we know today was cultivated. One of the first recorded utterances of the phrase “yas queen” can be heard in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning, which gives an intimate glimpse into the phenomenon of ball culture in the 80s.

    In the context of drag balls, “yas” was an exaltation, a cheer, a celebration of whatever the person on the runway was serving – confidence, fashion, face, power, fierceness. As discussed in a 2016 Reply All podcast episode, “‘Yas’ is there in the opening scene. This beautiful, golden drag queen struts out in front of an adoring crowd and they’re yelling it.”

    “Queen”, on the other hand, is a reclaimed term, much like the word “queer”. Once used as a slur against effeminate men, “queen” is now used as a term of endearment or a way to revere someone deserving of praise and respect. Of course, it’s also used to describe someone who participates in drag culture, as in a “drag queen”.

    How “Yas Queen” Became Mainstream

    Despite being around since the 80s, “yas queen” remained largely a queer expression up until the 2010s. What changed? RuPaul’s Drag Race came into the picture. As the show became more and more successful, evolving from a niche little reality show into a mainstream hit, drag culture and the slang associated with it became more popular as well.

    Then, in 2013, a user named Johnny Versayce inadvertently created the first “yas queen” meme by uploading a video of themselves going gaga over Lady Gaga. Versayce’s “YAS GAGA SLAY MAMA” video went viral, and “yas” was stamped into the internet lexicon forever.

    And then came Broad City, the web series-turned-Comedy-Central-sitcom that peppered “yas” and “yas queen” into virtually every episode. One viral clip from the series shows the lead Ilana teaching her best friend Abbi how to say “yas queen” over and over again.

    Does Using The Term Count As Cultural Appropriation?

    There isn’t a consensus on whether non-queer people using queer slang terms like “yas”, “work”, and “fierce” counts as cultural appropriation. This is especially true as queer culture becomes more integrated into the mainstream through TV shows, films, and the internet. Some believe that it’s okay to use these terms as long as you know (and show appreciation for) where they came from or why they were created in the first place.

    That said, it’s important to remember that queer slang terms were created by and for the community. “It was kind of like code. We were speaking code. For no one else to understand us,” says dancer Jose Xtravaganza in the aforementioned Reply All episode. “For just us, you know? It was our code against society.”

    The Bottom Line

    The ballroom scene (and the culture that was cultivated in it) was a haven when it was created. LGBTQ+ BIPOCs faced immense racism, homophobia, transphobia, homelessness, poverty, and discrimination due to living with AIDS and HIV. It was a place where people could thrive and celebrate each other despite everything going on around them.

    Make sure to remember that the next time you let out a “yas queen!”

    Related | Can Bi People Reclaim The F-Slur?

  • Barbie Ferreira & Kiersey Clemons to Star in New Drag King Film

    Barbie Ferreira & Kiersey Clemons to Star in New Drag King Film

    Barbie Ferreira and Kiersey Clemons will star in the upcoming dramedy, The Young King. (more…)

  • Bob The Drag Queen Drops This Year’s Hottest TikTok Bop

    Bob The Drag Queen Drops This Year’s Hottest TikTok Bop

    You ain’t never met a b**ch like Bob The Drag Queen. The alter ego of non-binary actor, comedian, and musician, Caldwell Tidicue, “Bob The Drag Queen” is drag royalty. She is best known for winning the 8th season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Hot off of her rise to TikTok stardom, Bob’s new single Bitch Like Me dropped today. The video itself draws inspiration from her popular “interrupting” series, with seamless TikTok transitions. The video was shot on iPhone and pays homage to this new art form.

    Related | 21 Drag Race Queens Who Have Come Out as Trans

    Where You See A Void, You Fill It.

    “I really genuinely just love TikTok,” says Bob. “Even if I had no followers, I’d still probably spend a lot of time on there scrolling and double tapping.” The season 8 Drag Race winner forged a path of her own by filming entirely in a vertical aspect ratio. “I remember googling if there was a ‘vertical music video’ or a ‘TikTok music video’ and I hadn’t seen one yet.” Rather than becoming discouraged, Bob thought, “Where you see a void, you fill it.”

    The song draws from a long history of Drag anthems but turns up the energy, flexing Bob’s rapping skills. Bitch Like Me is at once drag, rap, unapologetically queer, and the perfect fit for a TikTok-inspired music video. Bob worked with producer/songwriter Ocean Kelly, songwriter Christopher Caldwell, and director Assaad Yacoub to realize his vision. “I wrote all of my own lyrics,” said Bob. “But being in a studio you really confer and converse with everyone there.”

    The Queen of TikTok

    Bob stole the hearts of 2.7 million TikTok fans with a series where she interrupts the transitions of her fellow Drag Race alum, Plastique Tiara. The series continued to grow until no one was safe. Not even the Drag mother herself, RuPaul.

    Earlier this month, Bob created a TikTok encouraging the girls, gays, and theys to show off their rap skills. “Somebody tried to tell me the girls, gays, and theys don’t got bars,” Bob explains over a familiar backtrack. “I was like, explain this,” says Bob as he offers the mic to the camera, encouraging folks to duet. Hundreds of girls, gays, and theys joined the trend, including Drag Race fan favorite Alaska Thunderfuck. The video finishes off with a bar from Bitch Like Me, cleverly teasing the upcoming release.

    Now that you’ve been primed, it’s time to meet that b**ch, Bob The Drag Queen. Check out the music video below, and follow Bob for more effortlessly viral moments.

    @bobthedragqueen Replying to @bobthedragqueen ♬ original sound – Bob The Drag Queen

  • 11 Gay Icons You Need to Know About

    11 Gay Icons You Need to Know About

    When you hear the phrase “LGBTQ icon”, who is the first person who comes to mind? Is it one of Generation Z’s representatives rallying for LGBTQ rights on social media or retro gay icons who paved the way for queer celebrities in the 70s and 80s? No matter what you believe makes someone a gay icon, here are eleven people who belong on your list!

    Related | The 16 Most Iconic Lesbian Movies Of All Time

    RuPaul Charles Icon
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    1. RuPaul (@rupaulofficial)

    Even if you don’t religiously follow RuPaul’s Drag Race, chances are you’ve heard the name before, and for a good reason. In the 1990s, RuPaul achieved peak drag queen fame, becoming one of the most important contemporary gay icons worldwide.
    His show has enabled public conversations about black empowerment, misogyny, and even politics, earning it 24 Emmy wins since 2009.

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    2. WILLOW (@willowsmith)

    No longer just Will Smith’s daughter, WILLOW has made a name for herself within the LGBTQ community, coming out as bisexual and polyamorous in 2019. The young singer has been praised for having open and candid conversations about her sexuality with her mother, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and has since become an icon for many Gen Zers exploring their gender identity.

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    3. George Michael (@georgemofficial)

    Despite passing away in 2016, former Wham! frontman George Michael continues to reign as one of the world’s most famous gay music icons. His televised coming-out announcement in 1998 inspired an entire generation to do the same, banding together to create a louder and prouder community.

    His numerous acts of charity only came to light after his death. Many revealed that the queer singer had donated millions to support various causes, such as children with special needs and the global homelessness epidemic.

    Prince Icon
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    4. Prince (@prince)

    Known for his androgynous looks and impressive guitar skills, Prince quickly became the ultimate gay music icon without even expecting it. While many assumed that his ambiguous approach to sexuality was an act, Prince encouraged fans to explore the unending facets of the gender spectrum.

    By openly opposing labels and condemning societal expectations of American masculinity, it’s no surprise that Prince was often the subject of controversy but also an inspiration to the gay community.

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    5. Elton John (@eltonjohn)

    After coming out as bisexual in an interview for Rolling Stone in 1976, Elton John’s journey within the LGBTQ community was nothing short of tumultuous. A few years later, he married and was quickly divorced from his husband Renate Blauel. In 2009, his attempt to adopt an HIV-positive child failed because he was an unmarried homosexual man.

    Elton John has since become both a music legend and icon for his perseverance amidst the continued fight for equality.

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    6. Bretman Rock (@bretmanrock)

    Filipino-American social media star Bretman Rock is one of the biggest names on LGBTQ Instagram. Vocal about the queer community and other issues like racism and environmentalism, Bretman Rock is not just your typical influencer. Approachable, hilarious, and passionate, Bretman Rock is often considered a role model for LGBTQ youths.

    In 2021, Bretman became the first openly gay man to grace the cover of Playboy Magazine.

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    7. Amandla Stenberg (@amandlastenberg)

    Known for playing Rue in The Hunger Games franchise, Amandla Stenberg is a bisexual-turned-gay Scream Queen with impressive credits to her name. Now playing queer protagonists in most of her films, Amandla preaches, through her characters, about being your most authentic self.

    Freddie Mercury Gay Icon
    Photo by Carl Lender

    8. Freddie Mercury (@freddiemercury)

    Despite his tragic demise, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury inadvertently became an unwitting “spokesperson” for AIDS. After publicly announcing his illness and succumbing to AIDS, tribute concerts and foundations in his name have raised over $20 million for global AIDS projects.

    Until now, Freddie Mercury remains at the core of the AIDS conversation, enabling the spread of awareness and helping to destigmatize the disease.

    LilNas X Icon
    Shutterstock

    9. Lil Nas X (@lilnasx)

    As an unapologetically queer black artist, Lil Nas X’s ultimate goal is to “open doors for other queer people to simply exist”. Impressively, he is also the youngest person to hold the record of Billboard’s longest-running number 1 hitmaker, proving the prediction that he would be a one-hit wonder wrong.

    Following the success of “Old Town Road”, Lil Nas X published a “baby registry” that highlighted important LGBTQ rights organizations, encouraging fans to donate to each “little bundle of joy”.

    David Bowie Icon
    Photo by Rik Walton

    10. David Bowie (@davidbowie)

    David Bowie was more than just the godfather of glam rock. He was also a pop culture rebel and a lifeline for the gay community. Since debuting his persona Ziggy Stardust in 1972, David Bowie paved the way for gender expression through fashion and created a marketable image for androgyny.

    While he wasn’t an LGBTQ activist in a traditional sense, David Bowie has often been credited as someone who encouraged listeners to explore the stranger and less-talked-about sides of their personalities and desires.

    Marsha P. Johnson Icon
    The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson – Production Still Image, Netflix

    11. Marsha P. Johnson (@mpjinstitute)

    African-American transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson made waves in the 1960s and 1970s when she threatened the then-accepted definition of queerness as a mental illness. In 1969, Marsha was among those who stood up to police during the Stonewall Inn raid, resisting arrest and protesting for equal rights for the community.

    The Marsha P. Johnson Institute was born and continues to provide a platform for black transgender people through her legacy.

    The Bottom Line

    Whether active in the 1960s, 1990s, 2000s or now, these gay icons have all played a significant role in LGBTQ history. They have opened doors for community members, encouraging awareness, acceptance, and activism.

    Related | Here’s Why The Babadook Is Considered A Gay Icon

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