Bianca Del Rio on Drag Race and the power of saying no

“Now you have something to jerk off to!” teases Bianca Del Rio at the end of her Attitude interview, after we told the world’s most regaled (and feared!) drag queen that she’s handsome out of drag. (Seriously, have you seen those dimples?!)

We caught up with the 47-year-old as she passed through London earlier this year for her Unsanitized tour; her fifth since winning Drag Race in 2014. “You know people in the UK don’t care — nobody goes to a dentist!” says the star of her “wild” British fans.

“I’m just happy to be in a place where people understand me — I was just in Brazil, where I don’t think they did. And I’ve been to Hong Kong, where for a long time I just assumed they thought I was Hello Kitty!”

What can fans expect from a Bianca Del Rio show?

The unexpected. Because I drink.

What do you want on your gravestone?

I don’t want to be buried; I want to be burned and scattered in the gutter.

Who’s the hottest trade in Drag Race herstory?

Who cares? I don’t watch the show.

Your weirdest interaction with a fan?

This moment.

How would you describe your style?

Queen Elizabeth: find a look that works and do it in every colour, then they can find you in a crowd. Anna Wintour, hello?!

What are you wearing today?

The lowest of the low: a onesie and a wig!

How would you describe RuPaul?

Lovely. I have to say that. “RuPaul is amazing. Without RuPaul, I’d have nothing. ‘Sissy That Walk’ is available now on iTunes.”

You’ve started a cult. What is it about?

Cleaning your wigs. It’s important, like flossing.

What kind of messages do you receive from fans — any marriage proposals?

I wish! It’s never anybody cute. It’s always a girl with a disease: “This is my dying wish!” I’m kidding because death is funny! No, people have been kind. What’s fascinating is, in 1996, when I started, no one cared about you out of drag. Drag Race changed the game. Even the gays hated us — gays hated drag queens! They’d go: “Oh, you’re too feminine.” I’d go: “Have you met me?!” I’ve been called many things, but never feminine!

Bianca Del Rio on

☕️ Her creative process

90% of it happens in the moment. What I enjoy the most is talking to the audience. Most comedy starts with the people you’re dealing with. I live for it. It’s like waiting for test results: you don’t know what’s going to happen, but you hope it all clears up!

☕️ The power of saying no

The platform Drag Race has given me is astounding and amazing. I wouldn’t be here without the opportunity. But I also know: don’t shit where you eat. I had a great run and came out unscathed. So, it’s one of those things. They’ve been lovely, and any chance I have to go back and be a part of the show, I totally say yes. And it’s usually about schedule; if I’m home. But as far as going back if it’s a competition? No. I’m good. I’m not interested. People think I’m being fancy — no. Would you go back to high school? Exactly. Did you even go to high school? I’m curious. You’re working for Attitude but was that a requirement?

Bianca rates the drag of three queens from season six and seven

1st: Courtney Act

Aesthetics-wise, I’d have to go with Courtney. She’s the glamour puss. But all three have gorgeous makeup: they know their faces and what works for them. They have a softer approach and can get ready in 20 minutes.

2nd: Adore Delano

Courtney and Adore are neck and neck. They’re both pretty, which is why they never thought I would win! They don’t require much makeup — they’re cute with small features. I wear big lashes to balance out my nose. That’s how bad it is.

3rd: Pearl

Not my favourite. Her aesthetic’s amazing, but we did meet-and-greets at an event and she looked at me — she was exhausted — and said: “Too much energy.” I went: “You fucking sleepy bitch!”

This article first appeared in the November/December 2022 issue. Get it here.