Thailand warmly welcomes all people regardless of their background or origin, how they identify, or whom they love. The LGBTQ community can enjoy life in Thailand without worry, whether at LGBTQ events or parties, or by experiencing the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating local experiences.

On June 25th, five spectacular drag queens competed for the crown of Thailand Insider Drag Superstar – an unforgettable event! Host Suzy Wong captivated the audience with her many stunning drag looks, perfectly complementing her radiant personality. The queens dazzled with an entrance look, a talent show, a Thailand-inspired runway look, and a lip-sync battle!

From a breathtaking pole dance performance to a fantastic music video, these drag queens unleashed their creativity and offered their fans an entertaining and unforgettable event. In addition to the performances, the reigning winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Thailand Season 2, Angele Anang, made a special guest appearance and answered questions from her fans!

Suzy was present at the event along with Steve Johnson-Stevenson, Marketing Manager of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (New York), and Uwern Jong, editor of "OutThere" magazine and representative of "Go Thai Be Free." All three judges helped determine the winner of "Thailand Insider's Drag Superstar." Read on to find out who took home the crown!

Thai-style runway looks

The drag queens gave it their all in the Thailand-inspired runway look round, presenting exquisite drag looks that embodied the beautiful country of Thailand.

Glow Job opened the evening with a beautiful, handcrafted look inspired by the mangosteen. Her runway performance began with a plush, lilac velvet skirt that revealed the white fruit beneath. Next, Joella Perry presented a look inspired by gold in Thailand. Her dress shimmered as she showcased her own “pure gold.” Madame Vivien V stunned the audience with her runway look inspired by the white lotus flower. The flower symbolizes resilience, which Madame Vivien V sees embodied in her drag performance. The final two drag queens presented their interpretations of the Thai-inspired runway look, inspired by Thailand’s national flower, the cassia fistula. Megami shone in her magnificent gold gown with draped sleeves reminiscent of the Thai flower. Queen Beverly's interpretation of the Cassia Fistula was her creation of a stunning ball gown with traditional Thai sleeves, inspired by Thai wedding dresses.

The crowned winner

Although all five drag queens rocked the runway, there could only be one winner! After the four rounds, the votes were counted and the winner of the Thailand Insiders Drag Superstar competition was announced: Queen Glow Job! The winner took home the Thailand Insiders Drag Superstar crown and a $2,000 flight voucher for a trip to Thailand in 2022! Congratulations, Glow Job!

From Queens, New York, comes Glow Job – a true multi-talent! This quirky, charming, and frugal drag queen performs all over New York City with a variety of acts, including circus, stunts, mime, clowning, pole dancing, burlesque, go-go dancing, lewk, and drag! Originally from the Philippines, Glow Job grew up in Dubai and eventually moved to New York, where she achieved her dream of stardom. Glow Job loves being herself, and this shines through in all her performances and drag looks. Thailand Insider met with the drag queen in person to learn more about how she got into drag, where she learned her stunts, and much more!

How did you get into drag?

My first real drag performance, where I also experimented with a full look, was at the Women's March in Washington, D.C. I just thought, "Okay, you want to silence us? Then watch me get louder, queerer, and more fabulous!" I wasn't even aware until recently, when someone called me a political drag queen, that this was actually how I started! My first show was in February 2018 with a group of amateur drag queens from the gay dodgeball league I was playing in at the time. The show was called "Homecoming" and was held at Bar 9, organized by Jose Paz/Miss Ogyny. That was my return to the stage—the first time since college, where my first boyfriend, an actor, convinced me that I didn't belong there. I think I've always been looking for a way back. And now, maybe my motivation is for him to take back what he said!

How would you describe your drag persona?

I love drag because I believe there are no rules! That's definitely reflected in my art. I started with a very clownish aesthetic and love exploring the boundaries of gender expression. It's all facets of my true self. Pretty crazy, a bit off the beaten track, a little sexy, athletic, and adventurous. I have boundless energy and love to excite and surprise the audience – that's why I always give it my all!

Where did you learn all your stunts like pole dancing and acrobatics?

I only discovered many of these physical activities later in adulthood. I took gymnastics and dance classes here in New York, but my friends introduced me to acrobatics and pole dancing. During the pandemic, I bought my own pole and only really got into it in January. Now I work at a pole dancing and aerial acrobatics studio called Body & Pole.

Do you make your drag costumes yourself?

I make about 80% of my own clothes. I love creating my own looks and think I have a very individual style, which is further emphasized by the fact that I make everything myself. I hope to be able to hold a fashion show by the end of the year!

What has been your favorite performance so far in your career?

For a James Bond-themed evening, I created a reverse burlesque act: I pantomime an entire fight scene, and after I've "dealt with" the last villain, I take a rope, tie it around myself in Shibari style, and then pull fabric through it to drape a dress around myself live on stage to Madonna's "Die Another Day." It's something you simply have to see!

Which look do you like best?

I have this look that consists entirely of long, pink bangs that look like they're my own hair. I look a bit like Cousin Itt's sister. It's really funny and looks great in photos!

What would you like more people to know about drag?

I wish people knew more about the history of drag. And that drag is a political statement. That drag is often at the forefront of movements and that drag is for everyone!

Describe your performance preparation.

My preparation is pretty uneven. I get inspired by all sorts of things. Usually, I have an idea—for example, a costume concept—or I hear a song I like and then develop a story. I think about what I want to say and if there's anything worth sharing. Then I just start putting the pieces together. I'd say about 90% of it is thinking, and then comes the day when I make all the final decisions and have to somehow bring everything together, haha. On the day of the performance, I usually do some sewing, listen to my song on repeat, and am at home about two hours before it starts, doing my hair and makeup. And then suddenly I'm on stage, hoping everything goes well!

What advice would you give to young drag queens who, like you, want to make it on their own?

Just go for it! Stay true to yourself, explore new things, and experiment. The more involved you are, the sooner you'll find your community. And most importantly: Have fun! Enjoy the creative process, but also the stage and the connection with the audience. They're there for you and want to be on this journey with you! I love chatting with people before and after the show – it's great to get to know the community, and you also get better advice that way!

What was your favorite moment at Thailand Insider's Drag Superstar?

My favorite moment was definitely the announcement of my winner! Haha. But my second favorite moment was seeing the creations of the other drag queens! Each one had a different perspective and really put their heart and soul into it! There were some unforgettable moments!

What do you like best about NYC Pride?

I love NYC Pride now more than ever because I believe we've broken free from the brainwashing of sponsorship and are rediscovering that we're fighting for equality in the streets and preserving our history. Over the past two years, the people behind the movement have become clearly visible, and it's truly being led by Black trans women, drag queens, and the youth of this country.

What is your favorite activity during Pride Month?

Luckily, I get a lot of bookings and I'm incredibly grateful. I simply love performing and entertaining people, especially those who don't usually get to see a drag show in their area. During Pride Month, many tourists come, and you can see how much it means to them, even those who travel from far away. It gives me great joy to positively impact people's lives in this way.

What inspired your Thai runway look?

So, to be clear, I was inspired by the mangosteen. I knew it was the national fruit, and honestly, its shape just looks so cute and almost cartoonish. In reality, it was incredibly difficult to create something so round! But I managed it in the end. My original concept was much bigger and a bit too ambitious, but maybe I can still implement it. The mangosteen was actually meant to be part of a whole fruit basket theme, with dragon fruit, lychee, jackfruit, durian, and rambutan. It's a play on the word "fruit" (a bit funny) and an homage to the many flavors and colors of Thai fruits. Plus, I knew that Chef Arnold/Suzy Wong, as a chef, would be thrilled with it. That's just how strategic I am!

What are you most looking forward to during your visit to Thailand?

I've heard so many good things about Thailand, but most often I've been told how warm and friendly the people are! I don't hide my queerness, and it's always something I think about when I travel. How safe can I feel there as a queer person? That's why I'm so happy to hear that I'm welcome in Thailand and don't have to worry about it. I also haven't been outside the US in almost nine years! I'm so excited to finally get out, explore the world, and I'm sure I'll be incredibly inspired! See you soon, Thailand!

Many thanks to Go Thai Be Free for this fabulous event!

Special thanks go to Go Thai Be Free, an organization that values ​​diversity and made all of this possible. Visit gothaibefree.com for inspiring stories of adventure, romance, and luxury, as well as some of the most enchanting LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations!