As Seen on Yuhua Hamasaki: Superstar & Drag Icon
Image Credit Link: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16 x Bootleg Opinions: I Can Buy Myself Flowers! 💐
At last year's FlameCon in Manhattan, an annual two-day comic convention with a focus on LGBTQIA+ pop culture, I crossed paths with someone very special.
I found myself a bit fatigued from managing my vendor booth when an absolutely stunning individual approached me.
A sparkly glow filled the room. ✨
This person recognized my "Drag is not a Crime Earrings" and shared that they had received a pair of these earrings, one of the many I donated, for Drag Story Hour in NYC. This is an organization that hosts educational events for children featuring drag performers, storytelling, and books. The nonprofit is promoting reading and diversity.
What added to my astonishment was the revelation of their identity – none other than the drag superstar and performer Yuhua Hamasaki.
You can see my earrings on her Youtube channel series, Instagram Reels, and TikTok: "RuPaul's Drag Race x Bootleg Opinions".
Yuhua is non-binary and uses pronouns interchangeably.
Yuhua Hamasaki gained international acclaim on the Emmy Award-winning Season 10 of RuPaul's Drag Race. The season aired on VH1 starting March 22, 2018.
This season was very important to me. 2018 was also a challenging year for me both mentally and professionally. Drag Race became a source of comfort.
It was also the first time I sold my jewelry at RuPaul's Drag Con in New York City. That event marked a turning point, making me realize the potential of running a jewelry business full-time. I now wonder if Yuhua Hamasaki might have passed by my booth six years ago.
From Yuhua Hamasaki's bio: "Beyond her captivating stage presence and costume design skills, Yuhua Hamasaki is recognized for her versatile expression through distinctive Asian-themed fashion.
Her influence extends to mainstream media, including features in Vogue Italia, The Huffington Post, and The New York Times. Time Out NY Magazine has honored her as a favorite queen and 'Queen of the Year.'
Holding prestigious titles like Miss Asia NYC and Miss Gay South Pacific, Yuhua is also a former Miss Fire Island, Miss Stonewall, and Miss Long Island Entertainer of the Year."
Image Credit: Yuhua Hamasaki