Sasha Velour’s 'NightGowns' Celebrates a Decade: A Decisive Moment for Drag’s Legacy

Sasha Velour, the gender-fluid drag artist, author, and activist, is marking a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of her acclaimed drag revue, "NightGowns". What began as a local New York City showcase has grown into an internationally recognized platform, redefining the boundaries and cultural significance of drag performance .

Launched in 2015, "NightGowns" was conceived as a space for creative experimentation and radical inclusion. Velour’s vision was simple yet profound: create a stage where diverse drag artists—queens, kings, transgender performers, and nonbinary talent—could present their artistry in an environment free from hierarchy and judgment. Over the past decade, "NightGowns" has become not only a launchpad for emerging acts but also a living archive for the evolving art of drag .

Velour’s journey began before the global fame that followed her historic win on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 in 2017. That victory, capped by her rose-petal-laden lip sync to Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional,” catapulted her into international stardom and brought heightened attention to her work with "NightGowns" .

In interviews reflecting on the show’s anniversary, Velour emphasizes that "NightGowns" was always about more than spectacle. “NightGowns is a space built on respect—for drag, for performers, and for the audience,” she said. “It’s about honoring the full spectrum of drag, from the hilarious and campy to the political and avant-garde” .

Throughout its run, "NightGowns" has featured a rotating cast of performers representing a dizzying array of identities and aesthetics. The revue’s deliberate curation has made it a touchstone for both the drag community and LGBTQ+ culture at large, with alumni going on to headline shows across the globe .

Central to "NightGowns"’ ethos is a commitment to community outreach. Over the years, the revue has raised tens of thousands of dollars for organizations providing food, housing, and healthcare to LGBTQ+ people in New York and beyond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Velour and her collaborators pivoted to digital performances and fundraising efforts to support artists facing economic hardship .

Velour’s activism extends beyond the stage. Her debut book, "The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag", released in 2023, blends memoir with a sweeping history of drag’s roots in resistance and resilience. The book has been widely lauded for spotlighting early drag pioneers and underscoring the art form’s role in LGBTQ+ liberation .

In her own words, Velour describes drag as “a tool for self-expression and a weapon against oppression,” a theme woven through both her performances and her writing .

The 10th anniversary of "NightGowns" arrives at a time of renewed scrutiny for drag performers in the United States and abroad, with anti-drag legislation and protests threatening safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people in several regions . Velour has responded by doubling down on the revue’s mission, using the anniversary as a rallying point for advocacy and visibility.

“It’s never been more important to show the world the beauty and diversity of drag,” Velour told OUT. “NightGowns will continue to be a place where all are welcome, and where drag’s power to inspire, challenge, and heal is front and center” .

To mark the occasion, Velour curated a series of special anniversary shows, inviting back past performers and debuting new works that celebrate drag’s history and future. The shows have been met with sold-out crowds and critical acclaim, a testament to both the enduring appeal of "NightGowns" and the resilience of queer artistry in the face of adversity .

Velour’s impact transcends the stage. As the first drag artist to illustrate a cover for The New Yorker and the creator of the influential magazine Velour, she has shaped cultural narratives around gender, beauty, and protest . Her work as an educator—both in the classroom and through public speaking—has introduced new generations to drag’s radical possibilities .

As NightGowns looks to its next decade, Velour remains resolute in her mission: “Drag is for everyone. Whether you’re on stage or in the crowd, you’re part of a tradition that is ancient, rebellious, and full of hope” .

The anniversary of "NightGowns" stands as a powerful reminder of drag’s potential to unite, uplift, and transform. In a cultural landscape still marked by struggle and triumph, Sasha Velour’s vision continues to light the way for artists and audiences alike.