In a competition as fierce and fabulous as Drag Royale at Gipsy Nightclub, it takes more than a padded hip and a snatched brow to stand out—it takes heart, humor, and a whole lot of hustle. LaWhatever Vanity brought all three and more to the stage, reminding us that drag isn’t just about illusion—it’s about evolution.
“I’m feeling great,” LaWhatever shared when asked about her experience in the competition. “This pushed me to do things I normally wouldn’t do in regular shows. It helped me explore new aspects of my drag—and I learned what I can do better next time.”
A 13-year veteran of the art form, LaWhatever got her start in 2013, racking up five crowns across Nevada, including Miss Orgullo Latino. She also served on the Pride Commission, hosting charity events and engaging with the community—proof that her drag isn’t just for show, it’s for service.
What inspired her to compete in Drag Royale? “I had retired from drag for a bit during the pandemic. This was the perfect opportunity to build up my catalog again, create new looks, and challenge myself.” And challenge herself she did—earning fan-favorite wins and praise from audiences and peers alike.
Her drag name, “LaWhatever Vanity,” is a tale as accidental as it is iconic. “At my first gig, I couldn’t go by Roberto. I listed off some names—Maria, Roxana, Natasha—and said ‘whatever’ to let the host choose. She took it literally.” And the rest, darling, is drag herstory. “The name stuck, and it helped me not take things too seriously in the beginning. It gave me space to grow.”
Among her favorite moments in Drag Royale? As top-three in the girl group challenge, sisterhood reigned supreme. “What people don’t see is the backstage magic. We support each other—whether it’s mascara, blush, or a safety pin. And if we don’t read you backstage? That probably means we don’t like you,” she added with a wink.
Stepping onto Gipsy’s legendary stage was a full-circle moment. “One of my first shows I saw in Vegas was at Gipsy with Shannel. To perform where the greats have stood—it’s such an honor.”
What’s next? LaWhatever is keeping busy. She’s a regular in La Vecindad’s Latin drag dinner show on Sundays and performs at Piranha Nightclub with Paloma Makary. And yes, she’s setting her sights on something even bigger: “Drag Race. This competition gave me the confidence to finally audition.”
To baby queens and future contestants, her advice is simple: “Keep an open mind. Ask questions. Explore your drag without fear. The audience might not always love it, but if you’re having fun and connecting to the music, that’s what matters.”
And to the fans? “Thank you. Truly. Your support meant everything—and even after my elimination, I felt so much love. Keep supporting local drag. Celebrate whoever wins—but celebrate all of us who dared to step onto that stage.”