Charlotte’s drag courts are more than crowns and sashes. They are institutions of visibility, leadership, and artistry. Rooted in years of Pride celebrations, they continue to evolve with the city’s LGBTQ+ community. This year’s Charlotte Black Pride and Charlotte Pride courts bring together veterans, newcomers and voices across identities who embody the radical joy of drag.
Ivy Chanel-Iman Davidson
For Miss Charlotte Black Pride 2025 Ivy Chanel-Iman Davidson, stepping back into drag was both a personal and community victory. After surviving a devastating car accident, she returned determined to carry a message of unity. “It’s time for our community to stand together as one, not separated,” she said. “I want to stand for the community, not just myself.”
Davidson’s performances are fueled by energy and connection. “I want people to feel welcome, have a good time, and know it’s okay to stand out and be proud of who they are.” That joy was on full display during her favorite pageant moment, a Cowboy Carter-inspired red-carpet look with a sweeping white coat. “For a moment, I felt like Beyoncé,” she laughed.
Her reign is about more than fashion. “Yes, I represent Charlotte Black Pride, but I care for everyone,” she explained. “Pride should unite us as one.” Guided by her mother and mentor, Malayia Chanel Iman, Davidson hopes to inspire others to “stop being afraid, step out and be yourself.”
Justine Symone Lindsay
Justine Symone Lindsay, a professional dancer and the first openly trans woman NFL cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers, stepped into pageantry to embrace a lifelong dream. “I decided to take a chance on myself, embracing my identity with the affirmation: I am here, I am queer, and my voice matters,” she said.
For Lindsay, the pageant was more than a competition. It was a chance to affirm her place in a world that often denies trans women space. On the night she competed, her sister stood by her side, encouraging her to fully embrace her true self. She says that she will never forget that moment of gratitude and happiness when her name was called.
Now serving as Miss Charlotte Black Pride Lady, she views her crown as a responsibility to uplift and inspire. “We represent the curiosity and passion for the arts,” she explained. “Through our roles, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation to embrace their identities and express their creativity.”
Porsche Dupree XL
Miss Charlotte Black Pride FFI Portia Dupree XL describes her drag as “old school style with a new school flair.” Inspired by her drag sister Peaches, she entered the pageant determined to test her artistry. The night was stressful, and after realizing her talent routine wasn’t working, she reworked her entire performance. The risk paid off with the crown.
Dupree is centering her reign on youth empowerment. “I want to uplift young people, give them opportunities, and let them see themselves reflected,” she said. She hopes to create events for queer youth in Charlotte and beyond, ensuring they feel supported in a world that too often tells them otherwise.
She sees her crown as a symbol of resilience, artistry, and a platform to embrace identity while pushing back against attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Looking ahead, she is even excited for her “give-up” moment, when she can return to the stage and show how much she has grown during her reign.
Psych Starr Valentino
For Psych Starr Valentino, winning the title of Mr. Charlotte Black Pride 2025 was the culmination of a long journey. Driving from Atlanta to compete, they carried the weight of personal struggle and self-doubt. “I used those interview questions to share my life story and resilience,” they said. “Winning felt like validation of all the hard work and perseverance.”
Valentino is no stranger to pageantry. A former Mr. Kentucky Black Pride, they see competitions not just as a stage but as opportunities to connect and give back. “I want to be a pillar and a role model in the community, someone who gives back and inspires others,” they said.
Their reign is grounded in visibility and strength. “Wherever I go, I’ll always have Charlotte Black Pride on my side,” they reflected. To them, the crown is not just recognition but a symbol of hope. “I want people to see that no matter what you go through, you can still stand tall and keep moving forward.”
Charleton Alicea Tapp
For Mr. Charlotte Pride 2025 Charleton Alicea Tapp, the crown is both an honor and a responsibility. “What inspired me most is what’s going on in the world around us, and especially right here in our country,” he said. “This was the best opportunity to be visible and to share my voice.”
He carries the crown every day. “I feel like I’m Mr. Charlotte Pride 24/7. It is not just a hat I take off when I do a show. It is who I am in my day-to-day life for the next year.” For Tapp, the title represents visibility, education, and advocacy. “Personally, it means that I can go into our community, speak to others about the issues facing us, and be a better advocate,” he explained.
To young and emerging performers, his advice is simple: “Lean on the people that have come before you. Find a mentor you trust, that can pass on the knowledge they’ve gained. Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to do it. The world will try to censor you and tell you that you can’t, but you need to tell yourself, ‘I can.’”
Malayia Chanel Iman
Few carry the history of Charlotte drag like Malayia Chanel Iman, crowned Miss Charlotte Pride 2025. With 116 titles, she has built a career blending pageantry, performance, and advocacy. Entering this year’s pageant was her way of finally giving back to a community that had given her so much.
Her approach to the title is serious and expansive. “I am not just a show pony,” she explained. Malayia sees herself as an advocate who uses the platform beyond the stage, whether addressing city council, speaking at conventions, or organizing in the community. “Sometimes you have to be that squeaky wheel,” she added.
For Malayia, the heart of drag is mentorship. She works with dozens of drag children, guiding them in performance as well as education, employment, and personal growth. Her advice to young performers is simple: “Always be yourself and never let any individual determine your worth.”
Vicki Vanity
For MX Charlotte Pride 2025 Vicki Vanity, drag is both expression and advocacy. Performing lets them showcase creativity and personality, while the crown provides a platform to entertain, inspire, and speak for those often unheard in Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community.
Vicki’s persona is animated, theatrical and bold. Just a year and a half into drag, they entered pageantry to showcase their artistry on a larger stage. Their heritage and lived experience with homelessness drive their advocacy for housing justice and Latinx representation in Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community.
“My drag is blunt, bold and bearded,” Vicki said with a grin, “but it’s also about compassion and unity.” Beyond competition, they hope to strengthen Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community, showing that drag unites people and fosters resilience.
More Than a Title
The true brilliance of the Charlotte Pride and Charlotte Black Pride crowns are found in the people who wear them. This year’s titleholders show that drag in Charlotte is about art, resistance, devotion and family. Pride is more than a weekend or parade. It is a promise to be visible, lead with love and keep building a community that reflects every color of the rainbow.