RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens Who Have Dated (& Where They Stand Today)

RuPaul’s Drag Race has introduced hundreds of lovable, dramatic, and downright entertaining queens, with some remembered for their romantic relationships with one another. Since BeBe Zahara Benet won the inaugural season in 2009, RuPaul’s Drag Race has expanded from a once-small show to a global phenomenon found in a dozen countries. Over the years, plenty of fan favorites and drag queen icons have walked through the werkroom in the hopes of becoming America’s Next Drag Superstar.

Whether familiar co-workers are chosen to compete like Thorgy Thor and Acid Betty, or even family members like identical twins Sugar and Spice, RuPaul’s Drag Race is always more exciting when the queens have some history. This couldn’t be more true for those who have dated on-and-off camera, especially since the drag world is smaller than viewers may think.

Sahara Davenport & Manila Luzon

Sahara Davenport and well-known lipsync assassin Manila Luzon were the first RuPaul’s Drag Race couple and started dating in 2006, years before the series was created. Sahara competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 2 and ultimately landed in the middle of the pack, while Manila, who initially finished as the runner-up of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 3, has established her place as a reality television star. She’s gone on to appear on other popular programs like America’s Next Top Model and The Real Housewives of New York City.

Sadly, Sahara passed away in 2012 due to heart failure; Manila, who frequently pays tribute to Sahara, moved to California shortly after her death. She’s been married to Michael Alvarez since 2017.

Sharon Needles & Alaska

Sharon Needles and Alaska were arguably the most famous duo from the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and were regarded as a power couple. Sharon, who won RuPaul’s Drag Race season 4, and Alaska, who won RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 2, both auditioned for RuPaul’s show in 2011, although only Sharon was selected to compete. Alaska was frequently mentioned by Sharon and even watched her be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar at the finale. Alaska finished as the runner-up of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 5 a year later.

Despite their respective careers and popularity, Sharon and Alaska announced their split in 2013, although they’ve remained good friends over the past decade. As of 2023, Alaska has released four studio albums, while Sharon was engaged to Chad O’Connell from 2015 to 2020.

Derrick Barry & Nebraska

While Nebraska isn’t an official alum of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she did get her start in drag on the show. Years before Derrick Barry was introduced on season 8, Nebraska was a gay veteran who was turned into a drag queen by Alaska for the season 5 makeover challenge. Although Alaska was criticized at the time for how she styled Nebraska, the short-lived RuPaul’s Drag Race star has enjoyed a successful career since.

Derrick, a professional Britney Spears impersonator who later competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 5, has been in a throuple with Nebraska and Nick San Pedro since 2017. The three appear to be happier than ever in 2023, and Derrick is still a busy performer on the Las Vegas strip.

Bob The Drag Queen & Miz Cracker (Allegedly)

While Bob The Drag Queen and Miz Cracker have never confirmed or denied a relationship, multiple queens have alleged that the two RuPaul’s Drag Race alum were, at one point, an item. Bob, who won RuPaul’s Drag Race season 8 in 2016, is actually the drag mother of Miz Cracker, who competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10. During the latter’s Reading Is Fundamental challenge which was re-shared by Kandy’s Alien Judy, Monét X Change referenced Miz Cracker’s past when she called her a “bitter” New York City queen “who had to f*** Bob The Drag Queen to get to the top.“

While the read appeared to come out of left field, former drag queen Trannika Rex later claimed that the two used to date during a RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10 viewing party at Roscoe’s. Although it’s hard to tell what Bob and Miz Cracker were outside of drag, the two are busier than ever in 2023; Miz Cracker has a web series called Laugh It Off, while Bob and fellow alum Laila McQueen star on HBO’s We Are Here.

Brooke Lynn Hytes & Vanessa Vanjie Mateo

Unlike other queens who originally dated off-camera, Brooke Lynn Hytes and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo became the series’ first showmance when they met on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11. Brooke Lynn and Vanjie, who was invited back after her elimination on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10 became a viral sensation, immediately gravitated towards one another in the werkroom and remained thick as thieves throughout the competition.

Viewers at home and the other queens loved Brooke Lynn and Vanjie’s showmance, so naturally one of the worst moments of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 occurred when they had to lipsync against each other. Brooke Lynn and Vanjie dated for a few months after the show but ultimately broke up, although they’re still close friends. In fact, Vanjie recently guest starred on Canada’s Drag Race season 3, which Brooke Lynn has hosted since 2020.

Amethyst & Robin Fierce

Amethyst and Robin Fierce, who starred on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15, briefly revealed that they were former flames during the two-episode premiere. While the Connecticut queens didn’t go into detail at the time, Amethyst and Robin discussed their short-lived relationship more after Irene DuBois’ iconic elimination.

“I will admit it was my decision not to pursue things further,” Amethyst confessed in the clip shared by the RuPaul’s Drag Race YouTube account. “I think we were looking for different things.” As for her competitor, Robin commented, “As for right now, that chapter is closed and will not be opening up anytime soon.” It appears the RuPaul’s Drag Race cast members have shut the door on their relationship.

Sources: Kandy’s Alien Judy/YouTube, Roscoe’s/YouTube, RuPaul’s Drag Race/YouTube