In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, entertainment wasn’t as simple. The performing stage saw religious doctrine dictate that only men may grace the boards. When it came to needing female characters, men had to don dresses to fill in the “missing” role.
Drag. Call it an art, a rebellion, a celebration. Drag went from necessity to expression, becoming a phenomenon that spans pop culture queer identity. Whether it’s lip-syncing or sashaying down runways, from underground balls to primetime television, these queens aren’t just performers—they’re icons, activists, and architects of culture. Seeing that it is currently Pride Month, here’s a look at some of the most iconic and influential drag queens who have left stiletto-shaped footprints in history.
10. Katya Zamolodchikova
Funny, authentic, and a mental health advocate. Rising to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Katya gained mainstream success through her popular YouTube series “UNHhhh”, podcasts, and live shows. Her openness about personal struggles has made her a beloved role model, inspiring many in the alphabet mafia and beyond.
9. Pabllo Vittar
Chart-topping music, record-breaking streaming numbers, and major awards such as the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Brazilian Act—the first drag artist ever to win it. Pabllo is a powerful LGBTQ+ icon in Brazil and globally, using her platform to promote queer visibility and acceptance. She has also performed with stars like Madonna and earned praise from international media as “the world’s next big drag queen”.
8. Alyssa Edwards
Alyssa Edwards is a highly influential drag queen known for her standout performances on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars 2024”. She’s also a renowned choreographer and owner of Beyond Belief Dance Company, featured in Netflix’s “Dancing Queen”. Alyssa’s charismatic personality, iconic style, and mentorship have made her a beloved figure in drag and dance worldwide.
7. Shangela
A trailblazer drag queen who’s been places, she has appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” three times and popularised the catchphrase “Halleloo!” She’s appeared in “We’re Here, A Star Is Born” and was the first drag queen to walk the Oscars red carpet. Celebrated for breaking barriers and global performances, Shangela is a major figure in drag and visibility of varying gender and sexual identities.
6. Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000
Alaska is a singer and performer part of “The AAA Girls”, who you may know from “RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2” – which she won. Her sharp humour, distinctive voice, and musical talent has brought us smash hits like “Anus”, “Poundcake”, “Vagina”, and “Red 4 Filth”. She also co-hosts the popular “Race Chaser” podcast and has published a memoir. Definitely a name to remember.
5. Violet Chachki
High fashion, style, and daring performances, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7.” Violet has over 2 million Instagram followers, has appeared at major events like the Met Gala, and was named one of the most powerful drag queens in America, making her a standout figure in both the drag and fashion worlds. Beyond drag, she is a skilled performer incorporating aerial silks, torch juggling, and striptease – with a queer twist.
4. Divine
From actor to cult icon through shocking, subversive films with John Waters like “Pink Flamingos” and “Hairspray”. Stereotypes have been broken, and generations of performers have been inspired. Divine embraced a rebellious, unconventional style that challenged traditional beauty norms at the time. On top of that, she was also a successful disco singer in the 1980s and would go on to inspire Ursula the Sea Witch.
3. Trixie Mattel
Celebrated for her distinctive aesthetic, sharp humour, and advocacy, with a strong fanbase and critical acclaim across music, television, and live performance. She has built a multifaceted career with chart-topping country-pop albums, a successful cosmetics line, and popular collaborations with fellow drag queen Katya Zamolodchikova, including the hit YouTube series “UNHhhh”, Netflix’s “I Like To Watch”, and a New York Times bestselling book. Trixie also won season 3 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” after originally performing in “RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7”.
2. Bianca Del Rio
The first drag queen to headline Wembley Arena and Carnegie Hall with her stand-up tours, including “It’s Jester Joke”. She has also starred in films like “Hurricane Bianca” and hosted international tours such as “Werq the World”. Named one of New York Magazine’s “Most Powerful Drag Queens,” Bianca is celebrated for her dynamic career spanning comedy, acting, and costume design, and for being the first Hispanic winner of “Drag Race Season 6”, bringing to the table comedy, acting, and costume design.
1. RuPaul Charles
A name that’s almost impossible to miss when looking up drag, the television host, singer, producer, writer, and actor widely regarded as the most commercially successful and famous drag queen in the world. Born in 1960 in San Diego, he rose to international fame with his 1993 hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and later became the executive producer and host of the groundbreaking reality competition “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, which has won him 14 Primetime Emmy Awards.
RuPaul has also released numerous albums, authored books, and acted in films and TV shows. He was the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign with MAC and was included in Time magazine’s 2017 list of the 100 most influential people globally. Beyond entertainment, RuPaul is a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and the first drag queen to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His impact on drag culture and mainstream media is unparalleled, earning him titles like the “Queen of Drag” and making him a transformative figure in popular culture.
Sources: BBC, iconikmagazine
Gan contributed to this article.
