Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Culture > Entertainment

A Beginner’s Guide to RuPaul’s Drag Race: Top 10 Queens You Need to Know

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter.

Hey, kitty girl! Whether you’re a drag baby or a seasoned queen, you probably have a thing or two you’d like to know about the show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. A good way to start on this fabulous journey is to get to know the queens that have made the series what it is today! Without further ado, here’s a list of the top ten RuPaul’s Drag Race queens that you need to know!  

RuPaul

RuPaul’s Drag Race wouldn’t be what it is today without its host, RuPaul, of course! Dubbed the mother of drag, RuPaul became an icon for the gay community in the late 80s and early 90s. With an extensive discography, hit TV-series and many awards, Rupaul is one of the most famous, internationally-known drag queens of all time.

Ongina

Although Ongina didn’t make it too far within the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, her impact within the drag and LGBTQ+ is everlasting. Ongina revealed that she was diagnosed with HIV during her time on the show, and is now a vocal HIV activist known for interviewing those who struggle with HIV/AIDS on her web show HIV and Me. Rumor has it, she could be appearing on the upcoming seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars!
 

Manila Luzon

As a viewer, you’ll see Manila Luzon on the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as the first and fourth seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars! Luzon is a fashion icon in the Drag Race community, and has been featured in many episodes of WOWPresents’ online web series “RuPaul’s Drag Race Fashion Photo Ruview.” Luzon also released her most recent album, Rules!, this past year.

Shangela Laquifa Wadley

Next on the list is Shangela Laquifa Wadley, more commonly known as Shangela. Shangela appears in seasons two and three of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as season three of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars. Known for her positive energy and catchphrases, Shangela is a fan favorite of the series and has starred as a tv personality in other shows such as Glee, Bones, Dance Moms, 2 Broke Girls and many, many more!

Raja Gemini

Raja Gemini is well known for starring on season three of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Alongside her time on the show, she also worked as a makeup artist for America’s Next Top Model and performer Adam Lambert on his national and international tours. Similar to Manila Luzon, Gemini has been a co-host on “RuPaul’s Drag Race Fashion Photo Ruview” since 2014.

Alyssa Edwards

Up next on the list is Alyssa Edwards! Edwards competed on both season five of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars. Edwards is an extremely well-known performer and choreographer, owning her own dance studio called Beyond Belief Dance Company. Edwards has a list of accomplishments, such as her very own Netflix series and makeup palette.

Bianca Del Rio

Bianca Del Rio otherwise referred to as “Hurricane Bianca,” is well known for her time on season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Outside of the show, she is a world-renowned touring comedian and has two of her own original movies! Del Rio also has an extensive theatre history, dating all the way back to 1998. This past year, New York magazine named Del Rio number one of the top 100 Most Powerful Drag Queens in America.

Trixie Mattel

Trixie Mattel, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin fame, is best known for her recognizable makeup looks and top-notch comedy. Mattel stars in season seven of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as season three of RuPaul’s Drag Race; All Stars. Outside of the world of drag television, she has also had roles in American Horror Story, and as well as Tiny Moving Parts, a documentary based around her life. On Youtube, Mattel co-hosts a talk show named UNHhhh alongside drag queen Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova. On top of her features within shows, movies and online series, Mattel is a well-known recording and touring artist, releasing two studio albums since 2017.

Bob the Drag Queen

Coming up next, entering “purse first,” is Bob the Drag Queen! Bob is best known for her time on season eight of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Bob has her own television comedy special named Bob The Drag Queen: Crazy Black Lady, and has also released a handful of singles. Along with releasing her own music, she has also worked alongside artists like Todrick Hall on music collaborations. Bob is also a co-host of a podcast, Sibling Rivalry, alongside her drag sister, Monét X Change.

Sasha Velour

Last, but certainly not least, is the empowering beauty, Sasha Velour. Velour is a gender-fluid drag queen, as well as a visual artist. Velour is known for their stunning looks and reveals in season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Velour has created makeup looks for magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan and more. Outside of drag looks, Velour has created a well-received comic series titled “Stonewall” that depicts the events of Stonewall from different perspectives. Velour has opened and been a part of many art galleries throughout New York.

So, there you have it! Hopefully your Drag Race knowledge has been somewhat expanded, and you’re ready to take a deep dive into the series! Although it isn’t officially Drag Race season yet, there’s always time to become more educated on the topic and series! If you’d like to give the show a shot, RuPaul’s Drag Race is available for your viewing pleasure on sites like VH1 and Hulu! Now, sashay away and decide for yourself if you agree with this list! May the best top ten  win!  

Hello! I'm Katarina Wickman, undergraduate student in the class of 2023 at UW-Madison. 2019 will mark my first year as a member of HER Campus! I plan on majoring in Journalism with a potential certificate in Gender & Women Studies. If you would like to get in touch with me for any reason, feel free to contact me via social media!
I am a senior at the greatest university— the University of Wisconsin. I am in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, double tracking in reporting and strategic communications and earning a certificate in and Digital Studies. I am a lover of dance, hiking, writing for Her Campus, the Badgers and strawberry acais. I am also a president of Her Campus Wisconsin.