Los Angeles Hosts the First DragCon

The first ever drag convention, RuPaul's DragCon will launch May 16-17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The organizers describe it as a “mash up Comic-Con, BeautyCon and Hello Kitty Con,” which depending on your allegiances and/or allergies could the time of your life, or a duct tape– and Nair-scented purgatory. (Hush. What’s a little shade between squirrelfriends?)

This first-ever convention of its kind celebrates “the art of drag, queer culture and self-expression for all” for the thousands of expected exhibitors and attendees. The convention will feature over 100 vendors and exhibitors, panel discussions, screenings, autographs, and photo opportunities. Masterminds RuPaul and World of Wonder created the event to give fans a chance to meet their drag queer heroines, and give aspiring queens (and some brokedown longtimers too) workshops on styling, fashion, and make-up for men and women.

“I am thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind event to Los Angeles,” said RuPaul. “DragCon is not just a showcase for the most talented drag queens in the world. It’s a chance for all lovers of drag culture—young and old, gay and straight—to come together, to inspire each other, and to let their freak flags fly high.”

Tickets are $30/day and there will be appearances by RuPaul, Lady Bunny, Michelle Visage, Peaches Christ, Chi Chi LaRue, Courtney Stodden, and Hot Chocolate, and RuPaul’s Drag Race champs Bianca del Rio, Jinkx Monsoon, Chad Michaels, Sharon Needles, Raja, Tyra Sanchez, and Bebe Zahara Benet. Panels include Miss Coco Peru, Jordin Sparks, Fran DeCaro, Martha Wash, Paul V., Sheryl Lee Ralph and others.

Come! Meet! Air kiss! Just don’t touch the hair, OK?