Drag Legend Aundria Sinclair Gives Back to Colorado Pageantry

Miss Aundria Sinclair has been busy over the last two years on the national drag pageant scene. Last time we caught up with her in March 2023, she was the current reigning champion of Miss Gay Colorado and on her way to represent the Rocky Mountain State on the national stage.

Since then, Sinclair competed for Miss Gay United States, placing eighth in the nation, continued her 20-month extended reign as Miss Gay Colorado, bought the pageant, and became the state promoter for Miss Gay Colorado—all in two years. This year, Sinclair is heading to nationals for the third year in a row, not as a competitor but as a promoter.

Despite focusing on her doctorate and recovery, Sinclair is still currently the reigning Gay Colorado. OFM spoke with Sinclair about her shift from performer to promoter, the difference between pageantry and drag, the evolution of drag over the last 30 years, and the true definition of sisterhood and community.

How is the shift going for you, generally, from performer to promoter?

It’s really interesting. The Gay Colorado United States Pageantry System is the largest national prelim in our state. We sent five total girls to Nationals last year—four Colorado girls and one girl from Nebraska—and they all did really well. We are super happy with how our system is taking off in the state of Colorado. We even won promoter of the year. 

Are you still performing?

To an extent. I’m currently working on my doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, so that has taken precedent. I’ve also been on this journey of recovery and sobriety, so I’ve pulled back from local shows. I don’t want to sound negative, but right now our scene in Denver is oversaturated. So right now I just do special engagements, benefit shows, and traveling.

Do you feel like the scene is oversaturated because of how the city has changed so rapidly over the last decade?

In some ways. However, I would attribute the majority of the saturation in the scene to the fact that drag itself has evolved. It’s no longer just drag kings and queens but everything in between. You have monster drag and all these other art forms that are popping up that fit under the umbrella of “drag.” Of course, drag is for everyone. There is space for everyone, but I have just chosen to not be so much a showgirl as I am a pageant girl these days.

What is the difference between a pageant girl and a showgirl? Give us some Pageantry vs. Drag 101.

Sure! Pageantry is a great outlet because it showcases a person on more than one level. Not to throw shade at showgirls because you do have to plan costumes and hair and get bookings and all of that. But in a pageant, you have to be able to interview well. You have to be able to model, do a talent, and answer questions on stage. And you have to be able to reign well.

Pageantry is more than just wearing a crown. A crown is what you get at the end of the competition. Reigning is the work that you do throughout the year, and that is a huge difference. If done correctly, you can watch a pageant queen throughout the year and see the activism. Show girls create a space where people can go and forget their troubles for a few hours, whereas pageantry is more about ongoing community building outside of the nightlife scene.

Is there a learning curve for stepping into more of a leadership position as a pageant promoter?

It’s definitely been a learning curve. I’m learning new things every year. I’ve been able to make great partnerships with Charlie’s Denver, who is our host bar for our pageant every year. They are so wonderful to work with. When I was Miss Gay Colorado, I didn’t have promoters. I did everything on my own. One of the biggest things that I have taken away is that no one queen reigns the same.

As a promoter, I have to play to the strengths of my current reigning queen. My queen this year happens to be really good at fundraising. She has done a ton of activism and raised money for various organizations across Denver. She has taught me that I need to roll with the punches because everybody brings something unique to the table when they reign. The only time I need to step in is when things aren’t being done through a level of excellence that the national office would expect from someone who is representing that title.

Did you grow up in Colorado?

I did not. I grew up in a small, conservative West Texas town, Odessa. I started drag at the age of 19. In 1994, when I started drag, it was very much a nighttime sport. I definitely would not have been in drag in the middle of the day without some intense awareness of my surroundings out of fear for the repercussions. Where we are at today is a testament to how mainstream drag has become and how much people are accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community.

How has the drag scene changed in the last 30 years? Are there things you miss about how it was or things you love about it now?

I definitely miss the sisterhood of drag. I don’t want to come off as negative, but the scene has become very pocketed and cliquey. There isn’t the same cohesion and camaraderie among sisters that we had in the early 90s. I miss the reverence that being a titleholder had in Texas in the 90s. In Colorado, our title holders don’t necessarily get the acknowledgement that I feel they deserve because we are too focused on showgirls. I hope to see that change and shift.

For those who don’t know, what is the difference between Miss Gay Colorado and Gay Colorado United States ICON?

I was recently just crowned Gay Colorado United States ICON, which is a division of the same system that I promote and used to compete in. But this division is for your more seasoned entertainers—40 and over. It’s not just limited to female impersonation, either. It’s open to all art forms of drag and entertainment. We are starting to raise money for nationals, which I compete for in May in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This year we are not playing. We are really hoping to bring home that national title.

What are you most looking forward to about Nationals this year?

Oh my gosh, the family aspect of it. I talk to these people on a daily basis—It’s so family-focused. I’ve formed these strong bonds with people I probably never would have crossed paths with, had I not been a part of this. You know, when you live in a city of a million-plus, it’s really hard to find your family. But when you go to a pageant system, and everyone is there for the same reason, there is a bond that is unbreakable. I can go to these people in my darkest days, and not one of them has ever judged me. It’s been nothing but love, support, checking in on me, and, you know, checking in on each other.

It sounds like the true meaning of community.

Exactly. It’s the true meaning of community and family.