Top 10 Times Trans Queens Were Amazing on RuPaul's Drag Race
#10: Bimini Bon-Boulash’s “UK Hun?” Verse UK Season 2
Bimini was open about being non-binary throughout the show, and even shared a touching moment with fellow non-binary queen Ginny Lemon. They did a lot to normalize gender nonconformity and being truly authentic, and that was most apparent in their verse for “UK Hun?” In it, Bimini urged fans to embrace their identity and love themselves – whether they’re he, she, or them! The impressive choreography sold the verse, and it instantly became iconic. Not only was this verse among the best of the night, it also marked the beginning of a great streak for Bimini. Above all else, their openness about their gender identity gave countless fans the confidence to embrace themselves.
#9: Gia Gunn’s Kabuki Routine All Stars 4
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There’s no denying that Gia Gunn’s variety show performance on “All Stars” 4 was simply gorgeous. No one really knew what to expect from her going into it, so many were left speechless. She performed a gorgeous number in a traditional kimono with flawless choreography. The cherry blossom petals elevated the performance even more. The number proved that Gia had more than reads up her sleeve. She has performed similar numbers off the show as well, and they serve as an indication of her true talent. While she placed safe, many fans felt she deserved to be one of the top queens of the night.
#8: Gigi Goode Coming Out as Trans Non-Binary Season 12
While Gigi did identify as gender fluid on Season 12, she came out as trans non-binary in 2021 in a touching Instagram. Throughout her season, she showcased excellence in a variety of challenges. Her impression of Maria the Robot in Snatch Game, impressive verse in “I’m That B*tch”, and portrayal of Madonna in the Rusical had us all rooting for her. And we couldn’t forget her beautiful “Take On Me” lip sync in the finale. She was effortlessly confident on the show, and only became more self-assured as she transitioned. Since being on “Drag Race”, Goode has continued building an impressive career, appearing in music videos, magazines, on runways, and more.
#7: Peppermint’s “Music” Lip Sync Season 9
Peppermint may have only landed in the bottom two once, but she still gave us one of the best lip syncs of the entire season. After an unfortunate performance in the Snatch Game, she had to lip sync to “Music” by Madonna against Cynthia Lee Fontaine. As soon as the song started, it was clear that Peppermint had no intention of going home. She proved exactly why she was considered a legend in New York City, with a hilarious yet impressive performance. The moment where she mimes taking Cynthia out is priceless. The showing proved why she deserved to stay in the competition. Needless to say, we were thrilled when she ended up making it to the finale, where she delivered more iconic lip syncs.
#6: Jinkx Monsoon Winning All Stars 7
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Monsoon season truly never ends. Jinkx Monsoon is one of the most prolific drag queens to come from “Drag Race,” having won season 5 and the first All Winners season. They publicly came out as non-binary after their original season aired, and since then have completely blossomed. Jinkx has had several iconic moments across both of their runs. We’d be remiss not to mention those elite Snatch Game performances as Little Edie and Judy Garland. Both set the standard for what a good Snatch Game impression should be. Beyond that, Jinkx’s overall run on “All Stars” 7 was proof of what a queen can accomplish when they’ve fully come into themself.
#5: Sasha Colby’s “I’m in Love with a Monster” Lip Sync Season 15
Sasha Colby has done an incredible job on Season 15, and fans can’t get enough of her lip sync against Anetra to Fifth Harmony’s “I’m in Love with a Monster.” She showed exactly why she’s referred to as “your favorite drag queen's favorite drag queen” with a flawless performance oozing with pure confidence. Anetra certainly put up a good fight, but Sasha truly made the song her own, which helped her secure the win. The queen is no stranger to breathtaking lip syncs, and we loved seeing her show off all she’s capable of. Now excuse us while we go rewatch the clip over and over again!
#4: Willow Pill Winning Season 14
It didn’t take long for Willow Pill to prove that she had more than wedge flip flops to offer. From their catalog of impressive looks to her iconic talent show performance, she made it clear that she was in it to win it. They overcame unimaginable odds throughout the competition, yet their talent still shone through, easily landing her a place in the finals. There, she slayed her “I Hate People” lip sync, which is already considered one of the best finale performances the franchise has seen to date. Delivering all of this and more, Willow went on to become the regular US show’s first openly trans winner.
#3: Monica Beverly Hillz Coming Out Season 5
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Monica Beverly Hillz made her-story as the first queen to come out as transgender on the main stage of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” While being critiqued, the judges noticed that Monica seemed off. She confessed that she was in fact holding something in – that she’s trans. Needless to say, revealing something so private in such a big way required tremendous bravery. Luckily, Ru was supportive, and hoped that her coming out would help her flourish. In fact, Monica was seemingly able to use the moment to fire herself up before her lip sync against Serena ChaCha, and survived another week. It’s one of the most significant and powerful moments the show has ever seen.
#2: Coming Out & Helping Each Other Season 14
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Season 14 is considered one of the more wholesome seasons, and the way the trans contestants in particular supported one another is a big part of why. They leaned on each other for support throughout the season, despite the fact that they were competing against one another. From physical ailments to emotional support, they had each others’ backs. Kornbread helping Willow with her look during the design challenge, and Kerri validating Jasmine while she was coming out on “Untucked” are prime examples of this. That support continued even after the season ended. In a time where trans rights are under attack, seeing displays of pure transgender power is uplifting to fans all over the world. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Aja’s Variety Show Performance, All Stars 3 Blowing the Competition Away with an Iconic Routine Angele Anang Winning, Thailand Season 2 She’s First Trans Woman to Have Won “Drag Race” in the Franchise Laganja Estranja’s Lip Sync Against Trinity K. Bonet, All Stars 6 She Reminded Everyone of Her Talent Vanessa Van Cartier Winning, Holland Season 2 She’s the Third Trans Woman to Have Won the Crown in the Franchise Gottmik’s Fashion, Season 13 Between the Bag Ball & Finale Looks, Gottmik Was the Season’s Fashion Queen
#1: Kylie Sonique Love Winning All Stars 6
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Kylie Sonique Love had one of the greatest Ru-demption arcs out there. She went from placing 9th on Season 2 to winning “All Stars” 6. She came out during the Season 2 reunion, and since transitioning has truly come into herself both as a performer and person. Her run on “All Stars” was stellar, with her “Dirrty” and “Stupid Love” lip syncs serving as notable highlights. Beyond her talent, she also got the chance to show what a kind and loving person she is. Kylie is the first openly transgender queen to have emerged victorious in an American season of “Drag Race.” For that and so many other reasons, she will always be an icon.
