RuPaul’s DragCon Returns to LA: A Dazzling Showcase of Global Drag Excellence
Story by Anna Dória
Los Angeles, CA – July 20, 2024 – The vibrant spectacle of drag culture took center stage this weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center, as World of Wonder hosted the annual RuPaul’s DragCon. The event, which coincided with the announcement of 10 new Emmy® nominations for “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” brought together over 200 dazzling queens from around the globe and tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans.
Dubbed the “Met Gala of drag,” RuPaul’s DragCon is the world’s largest celebration of drag culture. This year’s convention was marked by a record-breaking reunion of queens from across the worldwide “Drag Race” franchise. The event offered a packed schedule of meet-and-greets, performances, panel discussions, and exclusive merchandise, leaving fans with an unforgettable experience.
A Celebration of Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent
In his opening remarks, RuPaul emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “History is being made at RuPaul’s DragCon LA as a record-breaking number of Drag Race queens from around the world have united to share their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. The outpouring of love from their fans has been truly overwhelming. At moments like this, I am reminded of the power of community, creativity, and the freedom of expression.”
World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato echoed these sentiments, praising the role of drag queens as “global freedom fighters” and “the marines of the LGBTQ+ community.” They highlighted the event’s mission to bring together queens and fans from around the world in a celebration of life, love, and artistry.
Unforgettable Moments and Performances
The convention was a feast for the senses, featuring everything from live tapings of WOW Presents Plus original series to electrifying performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars. Fans were treated to a spectacular Queens Walk, live-streamed from the convention’s Pink Carpet, with host Michelle Visage speaking with fan-favorite queens such as Plastique, Marina Summers, and Kween Kong.
Award-winning makeup artist Raven filmed new episodes of her series “Touch Ups with Raven” with special guests, while Jonny McGovern hosted live tapings of “Hey Qween!” These episodes are set to premiere on WOW Presents Plus later this year.
Attendees also enjoyed a dance party DJ’ed by the one and only RuPaul, live runway performances, fashion shows, and a fan-led lip-sync competition. The convention floor buzzed with energy as over 200 exhibitor booths showcased exclusive merchandise, beauty products, apparel, and interactive fan experiences.
Writer’s personal experience as a 12-year-long fan of the franchise
As a young Brazilian woman, I’ve always felt fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive queer community since high school. My journey as an admirer of drag art began in 2012, thanks to my best friend who introduced me to the whimsical world of RuPaul’s Drag Race. For us, the show was a breath of fresh air in a global landscape where drag was rarely and inaccurately represented on TV. RuPaul, with his trailblazing spirit, offered us a glimpse of a vibrant, affirming world that felt both exhilarating and validating.
Attending DragCon was like stepping into a fantastical realm akin to a dream trip to Walt Disney World. For a dedicated fan like me, who has been chasing RuGirls and their dazzling performances across Brazil since 2014, the experience was surreal. Seeing so many of my beloved queens all in one place—each with their own uniquely decorated booths and some performing at a non-stop rhythm—was a dream come true that exceeded anything I had imagined a decade ago when this world was revealed to me.
The highlight of DragCon, in my conception, was witnessing the performances of queens from Brazil’s Drag Race cast. These incredible artists, many of whom grew up with RuPaul as their beacon and faced challenges in marginalized communities, were finally given their moment to shine on a global stage. Watching the crowd embrace Brazilian performers with such enthusiasm was profoundly moving. It was a testament to their undeniable charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. I was especially touched by an emotional video from the mother of Organza, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Brazil, who expressed her pride in seeing her child’s artistry celebrated on an international platform. Seeing these performers achieve the recognition they’ve always deserved was nothing short of heartwarming.
A Milestone in Drag Herstory
This year’s DragCon was a milestone in the event’s history, as it became the most live-streamed DragCon ever, exclusively available on WOW Presents Plus. Fans worldwide could partake in the celebration and revel in the creativity and diversity that the event champions.
RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2024 was not just an event; it was a powerful affirmation of community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of drag culture. As fans and queens bid farewell until next year, the echoes of laughter, music, and celebration will linger, reminding everyone of the transformative power of drag.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of World of Wonder