Shangela Has a Simple Message for Everyone: Tip Your Queens

In a recent "Money Diary" essay, fan-favorite and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Shangela spoke with Wealthsimple (a new investing service that caters to millennials) about what it costs to be a drag queen and how important it is to be resourceful.

Born and raised on a farm in Paris, Texas, Shangela knows what it’s like growing up without much money. Her experiences contributed to her ability to be resourceful—which is crucial as a drag queen.

"Drag queens, most of us don't make a lot of money, honey," she said. "We make seventy-five dollars a night a lot of times—a hundred dollars max for most performers."

She continued:

"And that’s why Drag queens are some of the most resourceful and professional people in the business, in any part of entertainment. You try to make every bit of makeup last the longest and you figure out ways to recycle costumes. That’s why drag queens get tipped, and it's so important to tip local queens. That money goes right back into the entertainment that you're going to be getting the next week."

But after being on Drag Race, Shangela's approach to drag (and its economics) changed.

"Before Drag Race, my drag was just light, carefree. I was doing it because I loved it. If my wig fell off, my wig fell off, but I was having fun! But once you've been on the show and you're celebrated and endorsed by RuPaul—people hold you to a different standard."

Now though, "I’m still hustling, I’m still touring, I’m still selling my merch. But I'll just tell you this—I sure ain't workin' for a hundred dollars a night no more."

Head on over to Wealthsimple to read Shangela’s whole story!