10 influential and versatile disabled drag queens you should follow on social media
Drag is a type of entertainment where people dress up and perform in clothing and makeup to imitate and often exaggerate female gender signifiers and gender roles. It is popular among the LGBTQ+ community with the visibility of more disabled drag queens entering the spotlight.
Our writer, Emma Purcell, shares 6 glamorous, stylish and empowering disabled drag queens you should follow on social media.
We have updated the post for 2024 and added four more, plus a bonus!
1. Yvie Oddly
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Yvie Oddly is an American drag queen, fashion designer, performer, rapper and recording artist, with 1.2 million followers on Instagram and almost 275,000 followers on Twitter.
She has a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type 3, which affects the tissues in the skin, bones, blood vessels and many organs.
Yvie captured the attention of the world when she won the eleventh season of America’s RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019.
New York Magazine named Yvie one of the most powerful drag queens in June 2019 because of her ability to push the boundaries of drag performance art.
You can follow Yvie Oddly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
2. Saltina Shaker
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Saltina Shaker, legally known as Jesse Leśniowski, is Canada’s viral drag queen sensation and online influencer.
Saltina has an invisible disability. She uses her platform to represent others who have them, especially in the 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-spirit LGBTQ+) community.
After winning Ottawa’s Ms. Capital Pride pageant and hitting two million followers on TikTok, Jesse says there is much more coming from Saltina Shaker.
Saltina is a rising star in Ottawa, Ontario, that takes versatility in drag to an entirely new level. Her video game girl, anime, sci-fi and colourful styles leave the eye intrigued all while delivering a mesmerising performance.
Her short videos and pictures on social media inspire many, as she is as much of a role model as she is an entertainer and influencer.
As a disabled queer person, she also makes a strong effort to raise awareness about body positivity involving scars, various disabilities, self-love and overall acts as a beacon of hope for many.
Which Pronouns for Saltina?
According to the official Pride Toronto website, Saltina Shaker uses the following pronouns:
- Saltina Shaker (in drag): she/her
- Jesse Lesniowski (out of drag): he/they
It’s important to note that drag performers often use different pronouns when in and out of drag. In Saltina’s case, she uses feminine pronouns (she/her) when performing as Saltina Shaker, while using he/they pronouns when not in drag as Jesse Lesniowski.
When referring to Saltina Shaker in drag, we use she/her pronouns. For Jesse Lesniowski, the performer behind Saltina, he/they pronouns are used when not in drag.
This clarification helps readers understand how to respectfully address and refer to Saltina Shaker/Jesse Lesniowski in different contexts.
You can follow Saltina Shaker on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
3. Janira Obregon
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As an Afro-Latina American model, activist and influencer with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia from New York, Janira Obregon is working to pave the way for disability representation, challenging beauty standards and breaking down barriers in the fashion industry and beyond.
She was a contestant on Dragged, in which she told hosts Marti Gould Cummings and Jasmine Rice LaBeija why she wanted to get a drag queen makeover:
“In the disability community, there is a stigma that we can’t do it… I want to represent that we can.”
Janira was the perfect fit for Dragged, which aims to empower people to access the inner fierceness, confidence and self-love it takes to be a drag queen.
By creating an inclusive space where contestants are encouraged to explore and experiment with gender expression and performance, the series is challenging stereotypes about what drag is and who it is for.
After her makeover was complete, Janira told the hosts that she felt “really transformed and empowered” by the changes.
This speaks directly to the main objective of Dragged, which is to empower people to feel like the best, most glamorous versions of themselves.
As an activist and influencer with 45K Instagram followers, the work Janira does every day reaches a wide audience and has an incredible impact on disability representation in the world of modelling and beyond.
You can follow Janira Obregon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
4. Jake Sawyers
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Jake Sawyers is said to be Wales’ first visually impaired drag queen. He was born with a condition called Norie Syndrome and also has Nystagmus, which makes his eyes move involuntarily. It means he is completely blind in his left eye and has limited vision in his right.
Speaking to BBC Wales, Jake said: “I have always taken it in my stride and being a big comedy fan, I have always tried to see the funnier side of it and the light-heartedness, obviously there are days where I feel blinder than I am.”
He added: “Blind people can do everything sighted people can do, like with me, I am a filmmaker, photographer, an actor and I do drag too”.
Jake, originally from Port Talbot, started performing in drag in 2019 after he was introduced to the drag scene.
“I had moved to Cardiff in 2017 where I was introduced to the local drag scene and I just fell in love with it,
I was also watching RuPauls Drag Race on TV – so I was totally immersed in drag culture.
A local drag queen Connie Orff organised a drag scratch night at Wales Millennium Centre for people who wanted to try drag in a comfortable, safe environment and I just thought, if I don’t do it now I never will.
So I wrote some songs about the lived experiences of being blind to perform and ‘dragged up’ as Venetia Blind, had an absolute ball – and have just done it ever since really.
To my knowledge, I think I am Wales’ first visually impaired drag queen, [but I also] know of a few other visually impaired drag performers based in London.”
You can follow Jake Sawyers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
5. Wayne Allingham Creasy
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British drag queen Wayne Allingham Creasy was born with hemiparesis cerebral palsy, a condition from the stroke family that causes muscle weakness in the right side of his body.
He’s also got a ‘bent arm’ – which he jokingly calls his “gammy leg” – but none of this stopped him from fulfilling his dream of performing on stage.
On his mission to create a more accepting world for disabled LGBTQ+ people, Wayne launched an inclusive club night event called Disabled, Queer and Here, which has so far graced two of London’s premier queer performance spaces, Royal Vauxhall Tavern and Two Brewers.
The night gives disabled people a platform to showcase their talents, whether that’s drag, singing or – like one of his friends – ballroom dancing in a wheelchair.
You can follow Wayne Allingham Creasy on Instagram.
6. Chelsea Cherry
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Drake Naylor is a bisexual trans guy with an Associate’s Degree in social sciences. He has dyspraxia and developmental coordination disorder.
He performs as a drag artist under his alter-ego name Chelsea Cherry. He has 33 body modifications, enjoys fan art and loves animals.
You can follow Chelsea Cherry on Instagram and Tumblr.
By Emma Purcell
Here’s an updated section to add to the original post, featuring four new disabled drag performers:
More Fabulous Performers from Drag Syndrome
Drag Syndrome, the world’s first drag troupe featuring performers with Down’s syndrome, continues to break barriers and challenge perceptions. Let’s spotlight a few more of their incredible artists:
Lady Mercury
Lady Mercury is a force to be reckoned with in the drag world. Known for her fierce intelligence and powerful presence, she never fails to make audiences gag for more. Her dance moves are always on point, and she turns heads wherever she goes. Lady Mercury is dedicated to her craft and loves interacting with her adoring fans, often surprising them with her wit and sass.
Davina Starr
Aptly nicknamed the “queen of everything,” Davina Starr is a performer who knows how to command a stage with her fabulous presence. Her hobbies include being glamorous and spreading love, which she does with unmatched enthusiasm. While Davina is known for her kind spirit, don’t be fooled – she can hold her own if crossed!
Nikita Gold
Nikita Gold is a prolific dancer with killer moves and impeccable taste in music and fashion. As a classic queen with outfits to die for, she storms stages around the world, leaving audiences in awe. Beyond her performances, Nikita Gold is also an entrepreneur and businesswoman, showcasing the multifaceted talents of Drag Syndrome performers.
Gaia Callas
Miss Gaia Callas is a true renaissance queen. Not only is she a captivating performer, but she’s also a filmmaker and painter. Her diverse artistic talents make her a unique and valuable member of the Drag Syndrome collective, bringing a multidisciplinary approach to her drag artistry.
Frozita Honkong
Frozita Honkong is the well-traveled intellectual of the group. Known for her grace and extensive knowledge of music, she can dominate any quiz night. While generally kind-natured, Frozita has a low tolerance for loud disturbances and isn’t afraid to show her fiercer side when necessary.
Each performer brings their unique personality and skills to the stage, further demonstrating that drag is an art form accessible to all, regardless of disability.
You can follow Drag Syndrome and learn more about these fabulous performers on their Instagram and website.
Ellis Lloyd Jones
While not a drag performer himself, Ellis Lloyd Jones deserves recognition for his work in mentoring and guiding Wales’ first disabled drag troupe. As a TikTok content creator with cerebral palsy, Ellis uses his platform to promote inclusivity in the drag world and provide opportunities for disabled performers to shine.
@ellislloydjones Are you looking for somthing queer to watch this Pride Month? 👀 Look no further! Lost Boys and Fairies is now available to watch on @bbciplayer ! 🏳️🌈🏴❤️ #ad #wales #pridemonth @BBC ♬ original sound – Ellis + Catrin
These performers, along with those mentioned in our original list, continue to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and pave the way for greater inclusivity in the world of drag. By following and supporting these artists, we can all contribute to a more diverse and accessible drag scene.
Understanding the Terms: Transvestite vs. Drag Queen
While often used interchangeably, the terms “transvestite” and “drag queen” have distinct meanings. A transvestite is someone who derives pleasure from dressing in clothes traditionally associated with a different gender, often without the intention of performing or entertaining. This term is more closely related to personal expression and identity rather than performance art. On the other hand, a drag queen is a performer who dresses in clothing and makeup traditionally associated with female gender signifiers and roles, often for the purpose of entertainment, such as in shows, competitions, or other public performances. Drag queens use their art to challenge gender norms, express creativity, and entertain audiences. The distinction between these terms is important to understand the nuances of gender expression and performance within the LGBTQ+ community.
Important Note: Evolving Terminology
It’s crucial to note that the term “transvestite” is now widely considered outdated and often offensive. The preferred term for someone who dresses in clothes traditionally associated with a different gender is “cross-dresser.” This shift in terminology reflects the evolving understanding and acceptance of gender expression and identity within the LGBTQ+ community. When discussing these topics, it’s essential to use respectful and current language to ensure inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
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