For nearly 12 years, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has been a showcase of the fiercest drag queens around the world. In honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month, (September 15-October 15,) let's take a moment to appreciate some amazing drag talents to come out of the community.
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is a time to show some love to the community and culture. This includes celebrating the contributions of those who have made an impact on the Latinx drag community.
Adore Delano (Season 6)
A queen who knows how to “party!” Season 6 queen Adore Delano is a memorable Latina drag queen from season six. However, her magic was first recognized out of drag as Danny Noriega on season seven of American Idol, finishing as a semi-finalist. The Mexican-American singer later became one of the most punk queens on her season of Drag Race where she occasionally showed off her vocal talents.
Bianca Del Rio (Season 6)
Not only is Bianca Del Rio one of the most popular names to come out of the Drag Race show, she’s also the funniest! Bianca is the first Latina queen to win RuPaul’s Drag Race and the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” She is of Honduran and Cuban descent. During her reign on season six, Del Rio never had to Lip Sync for Her Life and never placed in the bottom for any challenges. Known for her brutal reads, Bianca is a force to be reckoned with.
Carmen Carrera (Season 3)
Carrera proudly represented her Puerto Rico and Peru on Season 3 of the show. During her time on the show, she made history with an epic Lip Sync for Your Life against Yara Sofia. Since her season, Carrera has come out as a trans woman and regularly advocates with the trans community
Crystal Methyd (Season 12)
Crystal Methyd was known as the artsy clown on season 12 and was immediately a fan favorite. She was one of the most-improved contestants who made it all the way to the finale. Methyd placed as runner-up alongside Gigi Goode. The Mexican-American queen rocked a number of memorable looks like a corpse bride, a club kids version of Bert and Ernie, even a creepy Freddy Krueger-inspired getup. Crystal continues to rock her unique style of drag and is largely viewed as the “Queen of Halloween.”
Delta Work (Season 3)
While Delta didn’t win the title of America’s Next Drag Star, she did get the chance of a lifetime when she signed on to be RuPaul’s personal hair stylist! Eventually, this led to Delta winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special for RuPaul's Hair In Season 10. She is the first ever RuGirl to win an Emmy.
Jaymes Mansfield (Season 9)
Milwaukee queen Jaymes Mansfield’s Drag Race run was cut short as the first-eliminated queen of season 9. However, she didnt let the disappointment keep her down! Nowadays, Mansfield is keeping fans gagged with amazing lewks posted to social media. A short scroll through her profile will keep you mesmerized with transformations, like the one of Selena Quintanilla and death-defying wigs.
Monica Beverly Hills (Season 5)
Monica Beverly Hillz, who has Puerto Rican roots, made history on season five when she became the first contestant to come out as transgender during the taping of the show. “I’m not just a drag queen,” she to the judges. “I’m a transgender woman.” While Monica ultimately finished in twelfth place, but she has since become an advocate for the trans community.
Valentina (Season 9)
One thing about the fabulous Valentina is that she is PROUD of her Latinidad! She regularly pulled looks showcasing her Mexican-American heritage and joked about wanting to live out her “telenovela fantasy.” Ultimately, Valentina won Season nine’s Miss Congeniality, and is even dabbling in acting with appearances in Fox’s televised production of Rent and a cameo in In the Heights.
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo (Season 10)
Although this Rican queen’s time on the show was brief her first time around, she made a lasting impression with fans after her “Miss Vanjie” exit went viral. Fortunately, she was brought back by popular demand for season 11 where she placed fifth overall.
Violet Chachki (Season 7)
While Chachki is known as a popular name in the community, many don’t know that they are actually of Ecuadorian descent. The Atlanta-native took home the crown in Season 7 and gagged audiences with her high fashion couture and runway presence.
Let us know who we missed in the comments!
1 comment
What about Yara Sofia and Alexis Mateo?