The PROUDEST performance of my life 🔔💔🤍💎(watch to the end for a reveal that takes my breath away every time). Thank you @kesha for writing this amazing song “Praying” from such a personal and powerful place. It continues to take on new meaning and resonance! 🌈 Based on the “magic” costume reveals of medieval church theater (which in turn were inspired by ancient queer spiritual shows) I wanted to use my dress as a tool for storytelling. The red dress represents the judgement placed on so many people by hate (and often religion), and as it lifts it reveals the purity and truth that exists behind the lies. If we can just be seen as we truly are, we can refract new possibilities for light, love, and joy all around us. Watch @WereHere Season 4 on @HBO/@streamonmax. So grateful to the huge team who made this possible. Concept and direction by me (with support from @zoeziegfeld and Johnny Velour) Dress: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared (inspired by @balenciaga) Earrings: @schiaparelli Video: @cosettepindesign
One of my favorite moments of filming in Oklahoma last fall was our visit to church. Yeah, it surprised me too! Being accepted as queer people in a religious space—a Catholic congregation no less—reminded me that the purpose of spirituality should be to unite people in service of community, to help those in need, to raise our voices and celebrate LIFE! That’s the role that drag has played in my life. The queer version of spirit isn’t tied up in fear and shame and judgement, but rather encourages us to see all people—no matter their identity—as good and worthy of inclusion…deserving of freedom (and a spotlight!). Thank you to Father Joshua (@joshua_shawnee) and @st.jerometulsa for welcoming drag into your sacred space! Watch the EPIC and truly DIVINE season finale of @WereHere tonight on @HBO/@streamonmax
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
I can’t believe season 4 of @werehere is wrapped! Stream all episodes now @streamonmax! I am so grateful for the incredible crew of this show who kept us surrounded in love and helped us to do the same for everyone we met. Big love to @johnnieinstagram and @thestevewarren for creating this show, to our incredible show runner @peter_lo_g for crafting an amazing series and to the best-in-business story producers and camera, sound, and production crews who kept the whole thing running and looking gorgeous. TO my sisters @thequeenpriyanka, @jaidaehall, and @latriceroyale I love you more than anything. And just as much love to OUR team who kept us running, @reillywhale, @omgeewigs, @christopherlhamblin, and darling @zoeziegfeld. And congrats to my love Johnny who produced our live shows. Thanks to @gregendries for capturing behind-the-scenes moments, portraits, and live photography for the entire season. Love you!
“The Big Reveal Live Show” at @spoletofestivalusa in Charleston, South Carolina last night, and last week in Hartford, Connecticut with special guest @therobinfierce. Look by @blackandwhitestriped (repurposed from a vintage house skirt given as a gift—but I can’t remember from whom—let me know!) Hair by @hair_by_koji_ichikawa
“The Big Reveal Live Show” at @spoletofestivalusa in Charleston, South Carolina last night, and last week in Hartford, Connecticut with special guest @therobinfierce. Look by @blackandwhitestriped (repurposed from a vintage house skirt given as a gift—but I can’t remember from whom—let me know!) Hair by @hair_by_koji_ichikawa
“The Big Reveal Live Show” at @spoletofestivalusa in Charleston, South Carolina last night, and last week in Hartford, Connecticut with special guest @therobinfierce. Look by @blackandwhitestriped (repurposed from a vintage house skirt given as a gift—but I can’t remember from whom—let me know!) Hair by @hair_by_koji_ichikawa
“The Big Reveal Live Show” at @spoletofestivalusa in Charleston, South Carolina last night, and last week in Hartford, Connecticut with special guest @therobinfierce. Look by @blackandwhitestriped (repurposed from a vintage house skirt given as a gift—but I can’t remember from whom—let me know!) Hair by @hair_by_koji_ichikawa
“The Big Reveal Live Show” at @spoletofestivalusa in Charleston, South Carolina last night, and last week in Hartford, Connecticut with special guest @therobinfierce. Look by @blackandwhitestriped (repurposed from a vintage house skirt given as a gift—but I can’t remember from whom—let me know!) Hair by @hair_by_koji_ichikawa
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
Everyone is living for JESS A. VELOUR (@jess.a.v.719) my gorgeous drag daughter! I love you Jess! Watch our performance to “Spectrum” (@florence) now on @hbo/@streamonmax. I am so proud of Jess for sharing her story and owning her power so gloriously onstage!! Since we filmed, Jess has continued her journey and is moving to Rochester, NY this month where she has accepted a new job. Let’s give her a big NEW YORK welcome and help her build a beautiful community there! Jess’s Makeup: @misslailamcqueen Drag Team : @justbosston, @daintiestdiva Design: @diegomontoyastudio @marcosquared Wig: @wigsandgrace Photos: @gregendries
