Grag Queen is Queen of the Universe

From the Amazon Forest to Carnival, to owning one of the Seven Wonders of the World and dominating the world of soccer, Brazil just does everything big. Adding to the colorful culture is Grag Queen, crowned the Queen of the Universe, and she’s about to become one of Brazil’s hottest exports.

A dash of Eurovision Song Contest and a pinch of Drag Race, Paramount +’s Queen of the Universe pitted 14 queens from 10 countries against each other in a nail-biting and hair teasing competition where these larger-than-life queens not only had to bring the lewks, but they had to… gasp… actually sing for themselves! In front of judges from the pop and pop culture world Leona Lewis, Michelle Visage, Trixie Mattel, and Vanessa Williams, Grag became a viral sensation for her performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up.” At the end of the series, host Graham Norton crowned her as the first winner of Queen of the Universe and the recipient of a record-breaking $250,000, the highest amount paid for any drag-related competition.

Crown in hand, she is continuing her musical legacy and heading to the States. She made her Los Angeles debut at Drag Con and will appear alongside Christina Aguilera and fellow Brazilian pop star, Anitta, at this year’s LA Pride. She is also on a mission to write new music every month through the summer and is now expanding her library to include songs in English. The first peek into her new English album is her single “Party Everyday,” with a follow-up track to be included in the final season of Love, Victor. Her hit song, “Bota Fé” has garnered over half a million views on YouTube and streams on Spotify.

She is not just using her voice for music. She is using her platform to bring awareness to the discrimination and violence that exists towards the LGBTQ+ community under Brazil’s current administration. Brazil continues to be the country with the largest number of trans people killed, not including the number of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community that 11 states in Brazil still refuse to catalog.

Armed with a powerhouse voice and make-up skills that have earned her a place in drag history, she is on a mission. We are proud to have Grag Queen as our Pride issue centerfold. She stopped by to spill the tea for our Spotlight Rapid Fire.

Hometown: CANELA, BRAZIL

How did you come up with your drag name?

My name is Gregory and I’m a drag queen. WHY NOT be Grag Queen? Ha, ha! They used to call me that in school in an offensive way. Now, it’s surely not offensive.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Socks and sandals.

Your favorite part about doing drag?
Going from being a tired gay adult to being a fierce bish!

Least favorite part about doing drag?
The need to drink water… meaning the need to pee! I FREAK OUT!

What is your craziest drag story?
It’s not a happy one – but being threatened and pushed on the subway line by a crazy guy in Brazil. It made me feel so vulnerable and scared.

Most un-drag thing you do?
If it’s not showing, don’t shave it. [Laughs]

Strangest hobby or talent?
Gurl, my mind runs SO fast that I can come up with lots of jokes in minutes on that question…

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?
I would love to see Anitta in drag.

Favorite nightlife hotspots?
The corners, with wine and friends.

Favorite binge food?
Salads and chocolate.

What is the most overrated pop song?
I could never!

Your go-to cocktail?
Anything with alcohol! In Brazil, we drink some crazy things like Corote, Catuaba, and Chevete. They’re cheap and deliver a very strong hangover.

What would the name of your biography be?
“WHO IS SHE?”

Favorite song to perform?
“Party Everyday” or “Rise Up.”

Celebrity dream duet?
Lauryn Hill.

Do you really party every day?
I celebrate every day. I party only if I have a day off afterward… but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a day off!

Grag by SB Music and Maicon Doulglas Fotografia

What must every party have?
Bathrooms.

What is your after-drag ritual?
Take off all the makeup, take a shower, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

What’s your favorite pickup line?
“What’s Up, Lindas (Pretties)?”

Strangest place you’ve had “relations?”
I would say on the streets in the middle of Brazilian Carnival. Aye!

You can follow Grag Queen on IG: @GragQueen