By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff
Photography and Stills courtesy of Project Publicity

This fall, the world of drag takes center stage in a way it never has before. Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown, a 12-episode docuseries directed by Travis Stancil with Michael Silas as Artistic Director, promises to peel back the layers of glamour, competition, and community that have shaped generations of drag artistry.

The series, streaming its first ten episodes this fall, follows ten legendary national titleholders as they move into a stunning South Florida mansion to prepare for the ultimate crown, The Queen of Drag, and a $50,000 grand prize. But unlike traditional competition shows, Pageant Queens has no eliminations. All ten icons will compete in the finale, creating a rare environment that celebrates collaboration, legacy, and self-discovery over rivalry.

“This isn’t a race, it’s a revolution,” says Stancil. “From the first episode, viewers see that these queens are here to share what drag truly means to them. It’s an emotional journey that reveals their struggles, triumphs, and untold stories. We’re shining light on the experiences that shaped this art form.”

A New Lens on Drag History

Before drag went mainstream, drag pageantry was its foundation, the heartbeat of an entire culture. Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown honors that history by featuring performers who have collectively earned over thirty-eight national titles from the most prestigious systems in the country: Miss Continental, Miss Gay USofA, Entertainer of the Year, Miss Black Universe, Miss Gay America, and more.

“These women are the architects of an art form,” Stancil explains. “They’re the blueprint for the drag that exists today.”

Among them are RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Kennedy Davenport, Texas powerhouse Layla Larue, Laguna Beach’s vibrant Shae Shae Lareese, Jacksonville’s dazzling A’Zsia Dupree, and Paris-born icon Joan Jullian. They’re joined by Tonica E. Cavalli, “The Diamond of the South”; Tatiyanna Voche, whose theatricality shines on and off the stage; Tiffany T. Hunter, affectionately known as “America’s Sweetheart”; Buff Faye, a Charlotte-based entertainer whose mix of humor and activism has made her a household name; and Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington, one of the most decorated entertainers in drag history.

Revolution, Resilience, and the Real Story Behind the Crown

Set in South Florida; including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Wilton Manors, the show uses its location as both backdrop and statement. “We considered filming somewhere more drag-friendly,” Stancil says, “but decided that staying in Florida would be more powerful. You can’t create change by staying in safe spaces. By shining bright here, we send a message of perseverance, visibility, and hope.”

That message resonates deeply with the queens themselves, many of whom shared their personal stories and reflections on the impact of Pageant Queens with Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine.

Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington: Defining the Crown

For Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington, Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown isn’t just another competition, it’s a homecoming. A revolution rooted in remembrance. “For me, the biggest misconception about pageantry is that people think drag is all one thing,” she begins. “In reality, there are different genres; you have male lead entertainers, female impersonators, and the trans portion. Each represents a different side of the art: performance, transformation, and authenticity. They’re all equally important because together they show the full spectrum of what drag really is; creativity, identity, and pride.”

Alexis’ drag is built on reverence; for the art, for her sisters, and for those who came before. “When I walk into the room, I carry Chanell Dupree with me, the first person I witnessed when I began my career,” she shares. “She was that beacon of light who showed me what confidence, grace, and purpose truly look like. Watching her taught me that success isn’t just about the crown, but about the light you leave behind for others to follow. I aspire every day to reflect even a fraction of the warmth and inspiration she shared with me.”

Three decades into a groundbreaking career, Alexis’ roots run deep. “My career started over 30 years ago, long before Drag Race, TV, or streaming,” she recalls. “Back then, pageantry was the foundation of drag. It’s where you learned discipline, stage presence, and how to perfect your craft. I studied those who came before me face to face, not through a screen, and that hands-on experience shaped everything about my performance style. Pageantry taught me polish, respect, and the value of community; lessons I still carry to this day.”

Even for an icon, Pageant Queens brought new personal revelations. “One truth that really surprised me during filming was how vulnerable I allowed myself to be,” Alexis says candidly. “I’m usually someone who keeps my guard up, but being in a house with ten other people pushed me to open up. Letting my walls down helped me connect with others and reminded me how important it is to embrace vulnerability.”

That openness is matched by sacrifice; a cost she acknowledges with grace. “I’ve definitely sacrificed relationships along the way,” she reflects. “A lot of people love the idea of the ride, the excitement, the energy; but not everyone is ready for the full journey that comes with it. This art form demands time, focus, and emotional energy. It’s tough, but I’ve learned that what’s meant for me will align with my purpose, even if that means walking the path alone sometimes.”

Now, Alexis is focused on legacy, not just as a titleholder, but as a trailblazer. “At this point in my career, legacy means setting a foundation built on purpose and principle,” she says. “It’s about creating something that lasts, something that inspires and uplifts others. To me, legacy is leaving things better than how you found them, whether that’s in your work, your community, or the people you’ve connected with along the way.”

Her message to the next generation of drag artists, especially young queens of color, is both heartfelt and defiant. “Always remain true to yourself, even when the world doesn’t make space for you,” Alexis insists. “Carry with you the knowledge that your art, your voice, and your existence matter. Build on the creativity, resilience, and joy that those who came before you have fought to create, but also dare to make it your own. Let this moment remind you: the stage, the spotlight, and the world are yours to claim on your own terms.”

That spirit of empowerment extended into the unique format of Pageant Queens, which breaks tradition by having no eliminations. “That completely shifted the energy in the house,” she explains. “Everyone had their own strengths, and while it was still a competition, the absence of eliminations created a unique dynamic. It fostered more collaboration and respect among the contestants.”

Even surrounded by legends, Alexis found solidarity. “What really surprised me about living with nine other national titleholders was how naturally we were able to coexist and put our egos aside,” she says. “Despite each of us having our own achievements and ambitions, sisterhood consistently took priority over pride. It was inspiring to see how collaboration, support, and genuine connection became the foundation of our experience together.”

As the finale approaches, one thing is certain: Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington will arrive on that stage with poise and purpose. “I’m a fierce competitor who is focused on excellence,” she says with quiet conviction. “Whatever version of me walks onto that stage, it will be authentic, determined, and fully committed.”

And when the music swells, one song still brings her back to the beginning. “‘Can You Stop the Rain’ — that song takes me back to my very first pageant performance,” she smiles. “Every note reminds me of the hope, courage, and determination that started my journey, and of the dream I refused to let go of.”

Because behind her crown, as Alexis so beautifully puts it, “there is the unwavering vigilance of someone who is destined not to let the crown define her, but to define the crown.”

Buff Faye: Glitter as Armor

For Buff Faye (BuffFaye.com), drag has always been a form of joyful resistance. “Activism-in-drag means putting on outlandish wigs, the boldest costumes, and the biggest lashes you can find, and the thickest skin,” she says. “Our very existence is resistance, being all of who we are, fierce and fabulous.”

In her view, Pageant Queens has the power to transform how the world sees drag. “This series can help shift the tired old narrative that drag is just entertainment. No ma’am, drag is education, empowerment, and evolution!”

She recalls a moment during filming when she met a young trans woman at a gig. “It wasn’t about me, it was about her,” Buff shares. “Watching her light up reminded me why we do what we do. Drag has the power to heal, inspire, and unite. This is why we keep showing up; so someone out there can feel joy, feel seen, and believe in themselves.”

Layla Larue: Finding Peace in Purpose

Texas legend Layla Larue describes this chapter of her journey as one of confidence and acceptance. “The most confident and self-aware person I have ever been is what you are witnessing in this chapter,” she says. “With faults and imperfections, I am enough.”

After decades of performing and promoting, Larue has found balance in self-acceptance. “Now that I’m older and have much more knowledge about the industry, I’ve learned to focus on the positive things about myself rather than what I haven’t done well. That’s what keeps my passion alive.”

Her understanding of legacy is deeply personal. “Competing at this level among experienced entertainers solidified how much I’m respected in the industry, and that means a great deal to me.”

Tatiyanna Voche: The Performer with Purpose

For Tatiyanna Voche, drag was an unexpected calling that merged her background in musical theatre with a higher purpose. “I swore I would never do drag,” she laughs, “but when I won a Halloween contest and had to perform, I realized this was my path.”

That moment of discovery turned into a lifelong mission to inspire others. “Pageant culture sharpened every part of my drag — but it also shaped the man behind the makeup. It taught me discipline, organization, and professionalism.”

Her message to younger trans and queer creatives is one of self-belief: “I hope they feel possibility. There is power in being different, in taking up space, in betting on yourself before the world does. If I can inspire just one person to keep going, then it was all worth it.”

Joan Jullian: The Amazon Beauty Unveiled

French-born entertainer Joan Jullian admits that the show reveals sides of her story she’s never shared publicly. “The rough, secretive part that I usually reserved for my close circle; even my family isn’t aware of it,” she confides. “I’m kind of scared of their reaction.”

Her advice to her younger self before her first pageant reflects wisdom born from experience: “You deserve your place. Don’t be intimidated. You’ve given it your all, now show them!”

And though she’s learned independence through her journey, Joan still values connection. “As a sensitive and caring person, I wish I had more sisterhood in my career. But I’ve learned that no one is coming to save me, only I can bring myself where I need to go.”

A Movement Decades in the Making

From laughter to loss, from polish to pain, Pageant Queens: Our Story Behind the Crown captures the humanity behind the legend. For its creators and cast alike, the message is clear: this is more than a competition, it’s a love letter to the art of drag and the generations who built it from the ground up.

As Stancil reflects, “The ladies are not only fighting to win, they are fighting for respect, to make their mark in history, and for their pageantry to be recognized as the best in the world.”

With its blend of authenticity, artistry, and advocacy, Pageant Queens doesn’t just tell stories, it crowns them.

“This is just the beginning,” Stancil promises. “We’re building something bigger than a show. We’re building a legacy. One crown at a time.”

Pageant Queens premieres this fall.

This article was originally published as a digital exclusive for the 2025 Holiday Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, which can be read in its original format here.