8 Most Influential Drag Queens

Are you ready to learn about the most influential queens of drag? From celebrity impressions to powerful statements, these kings and queens have captivated audiences with their talent and tenacity.

From fan favorites like Trixie Mattel and Violet Chachki to RuPaul’s Drag Race alums such as Shea Couleé and Sasha Velour, drag has come a long way since its emergence into the mainstream. Here are eight of the biggest icons in drag history who have made an indelible mark on popular culture—acting as role models and fashion trendsetters for all genres of performers.

Read on to look at some fiercest forces that have helped shape this art form!

Bianca Del Rio

One of the biggest names in drag today, Bianca Del Rio (born Roy Haylock), began her career as a costume designer before taking on standup comedy and, ultimately, drag. She was born in New Orleans, LA, and is known for her razor-sharp wit and cutting one-liners. Bianca started her crossdressing career in her teens after seeing the movie The Birdcage and is widely recognized as a queen of comedy.

Bianca won the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. And she has since become an international sensation—headlining tours, starring in feature films, and guest-starring on television shows. She is known for her razor-sharp wit, unapologetic sense of humor, and constant pushing of the boundaries with her bold fashion choices. As a result, she has been dubbed the “Queen of Mean” and has become an icon in the drag world.

I personally like a few things about Bianca Del Rio. First, she always speaks her mind and isn’t afraid to make jokes about anything. She also has an excellent eye for fashion and constantly pushes the boundaries with her looks. Lastly, she has a big heart and uses her platform to bring attention to critical social issues like LGBTQ+ rights.

Courtney Act

Courtney Act (born Shane Jenek) is an Australian drag queen, recording artist, and television personality who rose to fame after appearing on the first season of Australian Idol in 2003. She is a self-proclaimed genderqueer performer and has become one of the most recognizable drag queens globally.

Courtney has also starred on RuPaul’s Drag Race and was the runner-up of season six. She is known for her high-energy performances and has been featured in publications ranging from The Advocate to the New York Times. Additionally, Courtney has released several popular albums and singles, making her a true trailblazer in the music industry.

Courtney Act has become significant in the crossdressing journey in various ways; first, she is constantly pushing the restrictions of what it means to be genderqueer and is unapologetic about it. Most of us have been able to relate to her struggles and successes as a genderqueer person.

Secondly, she has become an inspirational figure for young people looking to express themselves alternatively and has made a successful career. Lastly, she is very vocal about LGBTQ+ rights and other social issues, using her platform to help create change. Through her, many crossdressers have felt more comfortable expressing themselves.

Trixie Mattel

Trixie Mattel (born Brian Firkus) is an American drag queen, singer-songwriter, comedian, and television personality. She gained distinction as a contestant on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and is widely recognized for her signature look, which often consists of pale skin, exaggerated eyeshadow, and bright pink lips.

Trixie was born in Milwaukee and has made a name for herself as an innovative performer. In addition to appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Trixie has also released two musical albums and is a regular panelist on the show UNHhhh. Her witty and creative performances have made her a fan favorite, and she often incorporates elements of comedy and music into her acts.

Trixie Mattel is an excellent inspiration for crossdressers as she uses her platform to spread the message of self-love and acceptance. Additionally, Trixie always pushes the boundaries of drag with her unique looks and performances. As a result, she has managed to make an impact on the LGBTQ+ community. And then she has become an icon in the drag scene.

Her witty, creative style has made her a fan favorite and is something crossdressers can aspire to emulate in their work. Trixie is proof that no matter who you are, you can make a difference and be successful.

Alyssa Edwards

Alyssa Edwards (born Justin Johnson) is an American drag performer, choreographer, and entrepreneur. She is best known for competing on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. And she has become an icon in the drag community. Alyssa is known for her high-energy performances, fabulous looks, and signature one-liners.

Alyssa’s success as a drag performer led her to create her dance studio in her hometown of Mesquite, Texas, Beyond Belief Dance Company. She also runs an online store where she sells merchandise such as makeup and apparel, which often feature slogans that she is known for saying on the show.

Alyssa Edwards is an excellent example of someone who has made a career by doing something they love. She also advocates for self-expression and encourages her students to be themselves unapologetically, making her an inspiration for crossdressers looking to express themselves freely.

She has become an icon in the drag community because of her style and performances and because she is always staying true to herself. Alyssa Edwards is an excellent example of someone who has taken the art form of drag to new heights. And it is an inspiration for crossdressers everywhere.

Adore Delano

Adore Delano (born Danny Noriega) is an American drag queen, singer-songwriter, and reality television personality. She is best known for competing on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and has developed a large fan base since then. Adore is known for her unique style, combining punk, rock, and pop music elements.

She has released several albums in her career and is an advocate for self-expression and freedom. She often speaks out about LGBTQ+ rights and ensures that all voices are heard. Additionally, she strongly supports body positivity and often encourages her fans to love themselves no matter what.

Adore Delano is a great inspiration for crossdressers; she strongly advocates for self-expression and freedom. Her unique style and performances are something that crossdressers can aspire to emulate in their work. Additionally, Adore is an excellent example of someone who has taken the art form of drag to new heights. And she is an inspiration for crossdressers everywhere.

Alaska Thunderfuck

Alaska Thunderfuck (born Justin Andrew Howard) is an American drag performer, musician, and reality television personality. She is best known for her stage name Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 and for competing on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She is known for her unique style, which combines elements of camp, glam, punk, and avant-garde fashion.

Alaska is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and often speaks out against discrimination in the drag community. Additionally, she strongly supports body positivity and often encourages her fans to embrace their inner beauty. Alaska Thunderfuck is an icon in the drag scene and has become a role model for crossdressers everywhere.

Bob the Drag Queen

Bob the Drag Queen (born Christopher Caldwell) is an American drag performer and comedy actor. She was born on the south side of Chicago. And she is best known for competing on the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Bob is known for her unique style, which combines elements of fashion, comedy, and hip-hop music.

Bob is an excellent example of someone who has taken the art form of drag to new heights. She often speaks out about the importance of self-expression and encourages her fans to be confident in their skin. Additionally, she is a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and works to ensure that all voices are heard.

I look up to Bob for her courage, her strength, and for being an inspiration for crossdressers everywhere. Specifically, I admire her confidence and ability to be unapologetically herself. Her unique style, performances, and music are something that crossdressers can aspire to emulate in their work.

Latrice Royale

Latrice Royale (born Timothy Wilcots) is an American drag performer and reality television personality. She is best known for competing on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. And Latrice Royale has developed a large fan base since then. She brands herself as a “big, black and beautiful” queen and is known for her unique style, combining elements of fashion and comedy.

Latrice is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and often speaks out against discrimination in the drag community. She strongly supports body positivity and often encourages her fans to love themselves no matter what. She is a powerful role model that I look up to for her courage and strength and for being an inspiration for crossdressers everywhere.

Final Thoughts

By celebrating diversity and self-expression, these eight drag queens have been able to make an impact on the LGBTQ+ community. And they are inspiring role models for crossdressers. They are all shining examples of how you can make your dreams come true and remain unapologetically yourself. With their talents, wit, and courage to express themselves freely, these three drag queens continue to shape the landscape of drag culture today.