Christopher Delmar Caldwell (born June 22, 1986), also known by his stage name Caldwell Tidicue and better known by his drag name Bob the Drag Queen, is an American drag queen, comedian, actor, activist, musician, and reality television personality. He[a] is best known for winning the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.[3] As of 2020, he has more than one million followers on Instagram and was the first Black Drag Race queen to reach the milestone.[4][5] After Drag Race, he pursued acting, appearing in television shows such as High Maintenance (2016), Tales of the City (2019), and A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019). In 2020, he began co-hosting We're Here on HBO alongside fellow Drag Race contestants Eureka O'Hara and Shangela.[6]

Quick Facts Born, Other names ...
Bob the Drag Queen
Thumb
Bob the Drag Queen in London 2023 on The Celebration Tour
Born
Christopher Delmar Caldwell[1]

(1986-06-22) June 22, 1986 (age 38)
Other namesCaldwell Tidicue
Kittin Withawhip
EducationColumbus State University
OccupationDrag queen
Years active2009–present
Known forRuPaul's Drag Race (season 8) winner
Websitebobthedragqueen.com
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Early life

Christopher Delmar Caldwell was born to Martha Caldwell[7] on June 22, 1986. His last name, "Caldwell", was later incorporated into the professional name "Caldwell Tidicue".[8][b] He was born in Columbus, Georgia.[2] He moved a lot as a kid, which included Phenix City, Alabama, Corinth, Mississippi, LaGrange, Georgia, and Atlanta, Georgia.[9] He was raised in Clayton County, Georgia.[10] Caldwell explained, "You can call it the hood. You can say it. That's where I'm from."[10] His mother owned a drag bar in Columbus, Georgia. On the nights that she could not afford a babysitter, she brought Caldwell to the drag bar, where he would work and collect money from the patrons.[11]

Caldwell has described his mother as a supportive early influence on his life. He explained, "I also grew up with a mom who told me I could do anything, so I was like, 'Y'all don't even know how amazing I am.' My mom was one of the moms who was like, 'You are so handsome why aren't you modeling? I am handsome, but model... let's not get crazy."[11] Bob has also been influenced by several other drag queens, such as Peppermint, Bianca Del Rio, BeBe Zahara Benet, and her Sibling Rivalry co-host Monét X Change.[12]

As a teenager, Caldwell attended Morrow High School in Ellenwood, Georgia. He then went back to Columbus to study theater at Columbus State University.[10] He first appeared in drag when he attended a lesbian party during Pride Month 2008.[13]

When Caldwell was 22 years old, he moved to Queens, New York, with $500 and two suitcases. He originally intended to become an actor and standup comedian.[11][10] Before becoming a drag queen, Caldwell worked in children's theater for years and "always found children to be a source of joy for [him]."[14]

Career

2009–2015: Drag career beginnings

In the summer of 2009, Caldwell started doing drag, after watching the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race on TiVo. He explained that he "became obsessed" with the show and it immediately inspired him to order a TK-7 makeup kit from the Ben Nye website. Since his first presentations, his character was focused on stand-up comedy routines, and he started lip-syncing after a couple of months into his drag.[15][10][16] His initial stage name was Kittin Withawhip, which was a reference to Kitten with a Whip (1964), a film that starred Ann-Margret. He was featured in Leland Bobbé's Half Drag Series with his name.[17][11] In his early drag career, Caldwell would perform with a nine-foot bullwhip.[11]

In the beginning of his career, Caldwell faced challenges as a drag queen. As he described, "It did not make me money or get me gigs. It cost me a lot. I did this competition every Thursday. Then another one on Wednesday. And another on Tuesday. I never won any of them. Ever. After a few years, I finally won one. It was really addictive and fun doing competitions."[10]

In 2013, Caldwell officially changed his stage name to Bob the Drag Queen.[18] As he explained, at a karaoke hosting gig, "The guy goes, 'Give it up for your host... Kate. But she made light of the moment, reintroducing herself as 'Kate the Drag Queen,' then 'Kim the Drag Queen' throughout the evening. Then at the end of the night, I was like, 'Give it up for... Bob the Drag Queen.' And I was like, 'That sounds really funny.'"[11]

2016–2019: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8

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Bob at DragCon 2017.

On February 1, 2016, Bob the Drag Queen was revealed as a cast member on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.[19] On the show, he was noted for his focus on comedy. During the show, he won three challenges, including the recurring "Snatch Game" (where he portrayed Crazy Eyes, as played by Uzo Aduba, and Carol Channing).[20] On the season's eighth episode, Bob "lipsynced for her life" against her rival Derrick Barry and won.[21] On May 16, 2016, Bob was crowned the winner of the season and received a cash prize of $100,000.[3]

In June 2019, a panel of judges from New York magazine placed Bob eighth on their list of "the most powerful drag queens in America", a ranking of 100 former Drag Race contestants.[22]

2020–2022: We're Here

In 2020, he began co-hosting We're Here on HBO alongside fellow Drag Race contestants Eureka O'Hara and Shangela. In the series, the trio of drag queens travel across the United States to recruit small-town residents to participate in one-night-only drag shows.[23][6] After premiering on April 23, 2020, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on October 11, 2021.[24][25] In December 2021, the series was renewed for a third season.[26] The series has received acclaim from critics.[27][28]

Music and podcasts

In 2016, shortly after winning Drag Race, Bob released the single "Purse First" featuring DJ Mitch Ferrino. He also appeared in the music video for MC Frontalot's "Mornings Come and Go". In 2017, he collaborated with Alaska Thunderfuck on the single "Yet Another Dig",[29] contributed to the compilation album Christmas Queens 3,[30] and collaborated with Shangela for a Christmas theme song, "Deck a Ho".[31] On March 15, 2018, Bob debuted the podcast Sibling Rivalry with his drag sister Monét X Change as co-host and produced by DJ Mitch Ferrino.[32] On April 2, 2018, a video version of the podcast was uploaded to YouTube.[33]

Theatre and tours

Bob played the role of Belize in Berkeley Rep's production of Angels in America from April to July 2018.[34] In March 2020, Bob performed alongside fellow drag race alumni BeBe Zahara Benet, The Vixen, Monique Heart, Peppermint, and Shea Couleé in the Nubia tour, a live drag show featuring and produced by Black drag queens.[35][36] In 2022 Bob embarked on the co-headlining Sibling Rivalry Live! tour with Monét X Change.[37] During the Celebration Tour, Madonna's twelfth world tour in 2023–2024, Bob served as an emcee, appearing during different moments of the show interacting with the singer.[38][39]

Other ventures

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Bob in 2017

Bob appeared as a guest co-host alongside Trixie Mattel on The Trixie & Katya Show, filling in for regular co-host Katya during her hiatus.[40] Her TV comedy special, Bob the Drag Queen: Suspiciously Large Woman, aired on Logo in July 2017.[41] In November 2019, Bob was interviewed by KMVT about a one-time drag event hosted in Twin Falls, a show highlighting local drag queens and introducing international drag talent to Magic Valley.[42] This event was filmed as part of Tidicue's HBO show We're Here (2020). Bob's second comedy special, Bob The Drag Queen: Crazy Black Lady, aired on OutTV in Canada in 2020.[43] Bob also writes jokes for other drag queens including Trinity the Tuck, Ginger Minj, and Monét X Change.[44]

Bob is a co-founder of Black Queer Town Hall along with Peppermint.[45][46] The inaugural event featured speakers such as Laverne Cox and Angela Davis and raised over $150,000.[46] In May 2021, Bob was featured in Coach New York's "Pride is Where You Find It" campaign.[47] Bob is an LGBT activist and spoke on RuPaul's Drag Race of a moment when he was protesting for LGBT rights and was arrested in drag.[48]

Bob is the drag mother of Miz Cracker[49] and drag sister to Monét X Change,[50] who placed fifth and sixth, respectively, on season 10 of RuPaul's Drag Race, with X Change going on to win RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 4 and Cracker placing as runner-up on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 5.

In June 2024, Bob was announced as a contestant on the third season of the American reality competition The Traitors.

Personal life

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Bob in 2018

Bob is polyamorous, pansexual and non-binary and goes by either he/him or she/her pronouns.[51][52]

Bob has been sober for 14 years as of January 2023.[53]

Discography

Extended plays

More information Title, EP Details ...
Title EP Details
Gay Barz
  • Released: February 10, 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
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Singles

As lead artist

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Dance

[54]
"Purse First" (featuring DJ Mitch Ferrino)[55] 2016 43 Non-album singles
"Bloodbath" (featuring DJ Mitch Ferrino)[56]
"Yet Another Dig" (featuring Alaska Thunderfuck 5000)[57] 2017
"Deck a Ho" (Mitch Ferrino Remix)
(featuring Shangela)
"The Most Office"
(with Peppermint featuring DJ Mitch Ferrino)
2020
"Bitch Like Me" 2022 Gay Barz
"Black"
(featuring Basit and Ocean Kelly)
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More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Album
"Soak It Up"
(Monét X Change featuring Bob the Drag Queen)[58]
2018 Non-album single
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Other appearances

More information Title, Year ...
Title Year Other artist(s) Album Ref.
"Wrong Bitch" 2016 Todrick Hall Straight Outta Oz
"Sandra Claus" 2017 Christmas Queens 3 [59]
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Filmography

Television

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2016 RuPaul's Drag Race Himself (Contestant) Season 8, Winner [3]
RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked Himself [3]
High Maintenance Darnel HBO premiere episode, "Meth(od)" [3]
2017 Playing House Himself Episode: "Reverse the Curse" [60]
RuPaul's Drag Race Himself Season 9, Episode 14 [61]
Bob the Drag Queen: Suspiciously Large Woman Himself Television Comedy Special [59][62]
2018 The Trixie & Katya Show Host Co-host with Trixie Mattel, filling in for Katya [40]
RuPaul's Drag Race Himself (Guest) Season 10, Episode 1 [63]
2019–2022 A Black Lady Sketch Show Ball Emcee 2 episodes [64]
2019 Tales of the City Ida Best Recurring Role [60]
Bob The Drag Queen: Crazy Black Lady Himself Television Comedy Special [43]
2020 RuPaul's Celebrity Drag Race Himself (mentor) RuPaul's Drag Race Spin-Off [65]
2020–2022 We're Here Himself HBO series, Season 1-3 [66][67]
2021 A Little Late with Lilly Singh Himself Guest [68]
The Sherry Vine Show Himself Guest [69]
CBS This Morning Himself Guest [70]
Lucifer Drag queen Guest [71]
The Boulet Brothers' Dragula Himself Guest judge [72]
2022 Legendary Herself Guest judge [73]
Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration Himself Co-Host [74]
Trixie Motel Herself Guest [75]
2023 The Simpsons Himself Episode: "My Life as a Vlog" [76]
2024 Hell's Kitchen Himself Guest diner; Episode: "#HellishHangover"
2025 The Traitors Himself Season 3, Contestant [77]
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Film

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2017 Rough Night Himself DJ [78][79]
Cherry Pop Kitten [80]
2018 A Queen for the People Himself Documentary [citation needed]
2019 The Queens Documentary [citation needed]
Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts Documentary [81]
2020 Live at Caroline's Comedy special [82]
2021 One Week 'Till Doomsday Documentary [83]
2023 We Have a Ghost Cameo [citation needed]
Woke Man in a Dress Comedy Special [84]
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Audio series

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Ref.
2019 Heads Will Roll Remy [85]
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Web series

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2016 RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked Himself Companion show to RuPaul's Drag Race [86]
2016-2019 Bobbin' Around Co-Host [59][87]
2017 Bestie$ For Ca$h Guest, with Luis Alvarez [88]
2018 Drag Babies Host [89]
Cosmo Queens Guest [90]
2019 The X Change Rate Hosted by Monet X Change [91]
Portrait of a Drag Queen Guest, episode 4 [92]
Drag My Dad Host [93]
2020-22 The Pit Stop Season 12, All Stars 5 and 7 Host [94][95]
2020 Gayme Show Guest judge [96]
The Marti Report Guest [97]
2021 In the Dollhouse With Lina Guest [98]
What's My Game? Guest [99]
Beyond the Binary Guest [100]
Coach Conversations Co-host [101]
2022 Game Changer Guest [102]
2023 Dimension 20 Gertrude Player in the Dungeons and Drag Queens campaign [103]
Lucky Lyft Himself Host
2024 Monét's Slumber Party Himself Guest [105]
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Podcasts

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2014 Feast of Fun Guest 2 episodes
2015 Haus of Mimosa: The Podcast Episode: "Pride Edition with Bob the Drag Queen"
2016 Cooking with Drag Queens Episode: "African Peanut Curry w/ Tofu, Purple Potatoes & Naan Bread"
The Michelle Meow Show Episode: "May 22, 2016"
Out N Out Talk Season 2 Episode 24
2016, 2018 The Cooler 2 episodes
2017 2 Dope Queens Episode: "I Hated It"
RuPaul: What's the Tee? Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
2018 Series of Fortunate Events Episode: "Suspiciously Large Woman"
2018–present Sibling Rivalry Co-host With Monét X Change; Studio71 production
2019 Conversations with People Who Hate Me Guest Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Cooking By Ear Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen and Vegan Soup"
Living with Shangela Episode: "World Pride Revue: Bob the Drag Queen, Alaska, Yvie Oddly, Alyssa Edwards and More!"
Inside the Closet 4 episodes
2019-2020 Ask Me Another 2 episodes
2020 Chosen Family Episode: "Purse First with Bob the Drag Queen"
All of It Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen, Coming to a Small Town Near You"
Straight Talk with Ross Mathews Episode: "Shangela, Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka"
The Big Ticket with Marc Malkin Episode: "Shangela, Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka O'Hara"
Homophilia Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Marti Talks Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"; The Only Productions production
Seth Rudetsky's Back to School Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Stuck at Home with Cliff and Jason Episode: "We're Here with Bob the Drag Queen"
Scissoring Isn't a Thing Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
On the Rocks: Where Celebrities and Cocktails Mix Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Why Here Episode: Bob the Drag Queen"
Metrosource Minis Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer Episode: "Black History Year"
The Conversation Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen & Jason Harrow"
Doing Great with Vicky Vox Episode: "I Like All Dicks"
Just the Sip Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen Is Here for a Major Kiki"
BuzzFeed Daily Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Best Friends with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata Episode: "Sasheer Doesn't Think That Birds Are That Hard"
Keep It! Episode: "Black Is Queen"
Words & Music Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Poptarts Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen!"
Headstrong 2 episodes
The OutCast Episode: "We're Here - Bob the Drag Queen, Shangela, and Eureka O'Hara"
Las Culturistas Episode: "Barracuda Nights"
Double Threat with Julie Klausner & Tom Scharpling Episode: "Physician, Heal Thyself"
American Influencer Real Talk Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Alec Mapa: Hot Mess Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen: Politics, Drag, and Race Relations"
Internet Insanity Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"; The Only Productions production
Hardcore Humanism with Dr. Mike Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Just Between Us Episode: "Political Drag with Bob the Drag Queen, Disclosing Your Bipolar Diagnosis and Cognitive Dissonance"
In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Not Too Deep with Grace Helbig Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen - We're Here"
Wish U Were Weird with Sarah Rachel Lazarus Episode: "Wish We Could Walk Into the Room Purse First"
Pepp Talks: Black Movie Classics 2 episodes
The Bald the Beautiful with Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamo Episode: "A Dainty 6'2" with Bob the Drag Queen"
Sloppy Seconds with Big Dipper & Meatball Episode: "Koolickles"
Good Morning, Sodomites! 2 episodes
Brad Behavior Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
2020-2021 The Blaque Tea 2 episodes
Race Chaser with Alaska and Willam 2 episodes
2021 Behind the Velvet Rope Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen (Drag Race Winner Tells All)"
Greatest Music of All Time Podcast Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Hot Takes & Deep Dives Episode: "Interview w/ Bob the Drag Queen: Drag Race's Reigning Stand-Up Comedian"
Unhappy Hour with Matt Bellassai Episode: "Covidiots"
Sean L. Show Episode: "I Didn't Know This Was a Kinky Podcast"
Core Issues with Corey Andrew Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen Shares His Success Story of Drag Stardom"
Cobi Kremer: Road to Recovery Episode: "Recovery Is NOT a Drag"
Pour the Tea with Tis & Nates Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen vs Christian Walker"
Black Folx Episode: "Policing Someone's Dating Life Is Problematic"
The Salon with Lala Milan Episode: "Work Smart Not Hard"
Good Judy Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Friends of Dorothy Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen on Mistaken Identities & Reddit Trolls"
The Tight Rope Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen, RuPaul's Drag Race Winner on 'Non-Conformity' in the Black Community"
This Fat Girl Life Episode: "My Interview with Bob the Drag Queen"
Say Yas to the Guest Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen - Winning with Authenticity"
Movies & Me Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen on the Power of Drag, the Importance of Pride, & Creating "Bob Land""
Lemonade & Tea Episode: "Juneteenth"
I Weigh with Jameela Jamil Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
The Carlos Watson Show Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Hi Jinkx! Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
I'm 40% Podcast Episode: "Fear of a Bot Planet"
Celeb vs Superfan Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen vs Joia"
Gooplah Episode: "We're Back and We're Here with Bob the Drag Queen!"
Small Doses with Amanda Seales Episode: "Side Effects of Drag"
Wanna Be On Top? with Shea Couleé Episode: "Cycle 4: "Be Quiet Tiffany""
Queery with Cameron Esposito Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Fake the Nation Episode: "Artificially Enhanced Camels"
2022 Exposed: Dragged Out Episode: "Ringlets Flowing Over the Shoulder"
Hardcore SobrieTEA Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
The Table Is Ours Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen: Hulture, That's Hustle Culture"
Dating Games Episode: "I've Just Been Vague and Confusing to People Ever Since"
Dear Chelsea Episode: "You're Lucky to Have Me"
Couples Therapy Episode: "Bob the Drag Queen"
Death, Sex and Money Episode: "Knock Knock, Who's There? Bob the Drag Queen"
Lovett or Leave It 2 episodes
2023 Beyond the Scenes from The Daily Show Episode: "The Queer History of Drag"
Very Delta Episode: "Are You the Drag Queen Like Me?"
I'm Literally Screaming Episode: "Theories on the Afterlife"
2023–present Town Hall: A Black Queer Podcast Co-host With Peppermint; Studio71 production
2024 So True with Caleb Hearon Guest Episode: Bob The Drag Queen Loves a Downfall
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Music videos

As lead artist or director

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Credited as Notes Ref(s)
Lead artist Director
2016 "Purse First" Yes No [201]
"Bloodbath" Yes No [202]
2017 "Yet Another Dig"
(featuring Alaska Thunderfuck)
Yes No [203]
2019 "Super Queen Remix"
(with Thorgy Thor)
Yes No Unofficial remix of "Super Queen" by RuPaul [204]
2020 "The Most Office" Yes No [205]
2021 "Girl Baby" No Yes Credited as director; artist credit to Ezra Michel [206]
2022 "Bitch Like Me" Yes No Directed by Assaad Yacoub [207]
"Black"
(featuring Ocean Kelly and Basit)
Yes No Directed by Marvin Brown; credited as creative director [208]
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More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Artist Ref(s)
"The Realness" 2016 RuPaul featuring Eric Kupper [209]
"Straight Outta Oz" Todrick Hall featuring Bob the Drag Queen [210]
"Soak It Up" 2018 Monét X Change featuring Bob the Drag Queen [211]
"Scores" 2019 Kahanna Montrese [212]
"Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs" 2020 Todrick Hall [213]
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Theatre

More information Year, Production ...
Year Production Role Venue Notes Ref.
2017 Angels in America Belize Berkeley Repertory Theater Credited as Caldwell Tidicue [34]
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Awards and nominations

More information Year, Award ...
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2020 Queerty Awards Drag Royalty Herself Nominated [214]
2021 Podcast Sibling Rivalry Nominated [215]
TV Series We're Here Runner-up [216]
GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Reality Program Won [217][218]
2022 Queerty Awards Podcast Sibling Rivalry Nominated [219]
Reality/Docu-series We're Here Runner-up [220]
WOWIE Awards Best YouTube Channel Herself Nominated [221][222]
Best Podcast Sibling Rivalry Nominated
Peabody Awards Entertainment We're Here Won [223]
GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Reality Program Won[c] [224][225]
2023 Queerty Awards Podcast Sibling Rivalry Won [226]
Music Video "Black" Runner-up [227]
Reality/Docu-series We're Here Runner-up [228]
GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Podcast Sibling Rivalry Won [229]
Outstanding Reality Program We're Here Won
Webby Awards Podcasts - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (People's Voice) Sibling Rivalry Won [230]
2024 Queerty Awards Badass Herself Nominated [231]
GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Podcast Sibling Rivalry Nominated [232]
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See also

Notes

  1. Bob is non-binary and uses both he and she personal pronouns. This article uses he pronouns for consistency.
  2. "Tidicue" is a play-on-words: it sounds like "T.D.Q.", which is short for "The Drag Queen".[8]
  3. tied with RuPaul's Drag Race

References

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