RuPaul’s DragCon LA is Valhalla for a player like me. It’s like death-dropping and going to drag heaven, where color is Queen, wit it is, and I’m finally not the tallest person in the room.

Finally I got my golden ticket – a pass to DragCon, a chance to meet my idols. I’ve seen 100 percent of every episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. I’ve seen most episodes several times. I’m a drag thot.

Day one, slay one. I showed up in my shiniest jacket and flashiest boot. Tryna get noticed, b.

Movi Inc for World of Wonder / Trixie Mattel’s DragCon LA Set

Reigning Queen Trixie Mattel kicked off the day with her beautiful, rootsy melancholy songs. ‘Moving Parts’ is a gut punch for me, a reminder of time’s unstoppable passage.

She was sublime. I love me some Trixie, but I’ve never seen her outside of her hit shows ‘Unhhh’ and ‘Trixya.’ I was moved by her soft, introspective delivery. Like how do you do that with tons of screaming young people around? Talent, bih.

I bee-lined to Eureka Ohara’s runway contest. I once met Eureka at a party, she was nice. That’s my story.

She’s the odds-on favorite to win the current season of Drag Race, and won a challenge on the show hosting a mock DragCon panel. My expectations were high.

The queen delivered, y’all. I don’t know a better host. She’s funny, off the cuff, self-deprecating, gorgeous and encouraging as all get. People of all ages walked that runway and each got roars of applause. I teared up a little – this is the America I want.

Alexis Michelle finished out the first day hosting a lip sync competition, the perfect gig for a Broadway queen with legendary stage chops. She kicked off the show with a crooning, live-sung number that had me swaying and falling in love with imaginary people. I was also almost done with my second wine.

Meet and greets, y’all. I’ve never done em, I get too nervous when it’s my turn. But I dove in anyway, so brave. Pat me on the back. Please, I need this.

Town about Val, Val about town / Season 9 queen Valentina

Valentina was a vision, and ended our quick photo-op with a ‘Gracias, Mi Amor.’ My heart.

I was star struck, gobsmacked. I loved her the moment she walked into the workroom Season 9 – this was a dream.

Valentina was a vision

Monèt X Change was a goddamn hoot, fitting in like three jokes in the 20 seconds we were together. She’s the standout of Season 10 for me, a funny Black queen who knows her references. Hashtag Team Monèt.

You know what was fun? Touring the mock work room they set up. Whoever had this idea, bless you a million times, muah.

This was a perfect recreation. Guests recreated iconic moments from the show, from Laganja writing her standup routine under the table to Alyssa feeling her Annie Oakley fantasy.

I couldn’t stop smiling. I felt like a lil kid, all geeked and stomping around. Plus you could just waltz right in without waiting. Like, what?

Day one was everything I hoped and more. If I had more coins, I’d have stopped and bought merch from the many vendors on site. I’m awed by people’s creativity. Making candelabras out of rocks found in the quarry by the river under the sea.

What a time.

Movi Inc for World of Wonder