Washington, D.C. — In the latest episode of Them’s YouTube series, “Becoming,” the Drag Race season 15 winner reflected on drag as her initial form of “therapy.” She described how, as a queer and flamboyantly feminine individual, school was akin to a minefield. Colby discovered solace and companionship, typical of queer kids, playing with friends who allowed her to express herself authentically. High school became the turning point where she embraced her trans identity, inspired by her drag mom and trans friends who showcased healthy relationships and successful lives, challenging societal stereotypes.
It was those women that I got to see have healthy relationships with their families and with significant others. And they had a career, and they were functioning people in society, which is not what the media or the government likes to paint for us. So when I realized that there was a really safe space and you could still be successful, I was like, ‘sign me up!'”
Entering the drag scene as a young adult, Colby swiftly made waves. Competing for the first time at 21, she soared to the national Miss Continental pageant, clinching an impressive fifth place. Her journey continued with numerous pageant titles, culminating in the crown of Miss Continental in 2012.
By the time Sasha Colby graced the Drag Race werk room, she was already a certified legend, although she humorously quipped, “When they call me legendary, that’s just nice for old.” Beyond her drag prowess, Colby earned legendary status for representing Native Hawaiian culture on a global platform. Discussing her entrance look, a bedazzled nude bodysuit adorned with tattoos, she explained the cultural significance.
In Hawaiian culture, we have a lot of body tattoos and it usually marks a big point in your life. And the big thing with Kānaka Maoli, with Hawaiians, is that we mark those things as a transition, and knowing that we’re always all in transition for our entire life. And I thought that was really powerful for me as a trans person to put that out there.”
As the first Native Hawaiian to conquer Drag Race, Sasha Colby continues to inspire and break barriers, leaving an indelible mark on the world of drag and beyond. Her journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and the celebration of diverse identities in the LGBTQIA community.
Colby is gearing up for her inaugural solo headlining tour across North America, presented by Live Nation and aptly named the “Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour.” Kicking off in February 2024, the tour will span 22 dates covering the U.S. and Canada. In preparation for the road, Colby has booked local drag artists to open for her on each stop. Giving them a massive stage in their own hometown to perform while spotlighting the importance of supporting local queer talent and validating drag outside of a competition setting. In collaboration with Live Nation, the partnership promises an exceptional live music experience, showcasing new dimensions of Colby’s talent and creativity. This tour is particularly significant as it marks one of Live Nation’s first shows produced in collaboration with a former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, marking a monumental moment for both Colby and Live Nation. The “Stripped” tour dates can be found below and tickets for the tour are available on her website here.
I could not be more thrilled than to set out on this tour with Live Nation! The fans have been incredibly supportive through my journey over the past year, and many of them have been supporting me for decades, so I am extremely grateful and excited to have the opportunity to see them, connect with them, and perform for them across North America in 2024.”
- SASHA COLBY: STRIPPED TOUR DATES -
- FEBRUARY 29, 2024 – CALGARY, AB – BELLA CONCERT HALL
- MARCH 1, 2024 – VANCOUVER, BC – COMMODORE BALLROOM
- MARCH 7, 2024 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA – PALACE OF FINE ARTS
- MARCH 8, 2024 – PHOENIX, AZ – THE VAN BUREN
- MARCH 9, 2024 – LOS ANGELES, CA – PALACE THEATRE
- MARCH 14, 2024 – HOUSTON, TX – HOUSE OF BLUES
- MARCH 16, 2024 – DALLAS, TX – HOUSE OF BLUES
- MARCH 17, 2024 – AUSTIN, TX – EMO’S
- MARCH 20, 2024 – BOSTON, MA – WILBUR*
- MARCH 21, 2024 – PHILADELPHIA, PA – FILLMORE
- MARCH 22, 2024 – NASHVILLE, TN – MARATHON MUSIC WORKS
- MARCH 23, 2024 – ATLANTA, GA – BUCKHEAD THEATRE
- MARCH 27, 2024 – WASHINGTON DC – HOWARD THEATRE
- MARCH 28, 2024 – NEW YORK, NY – TOWN HALL
- MARCH 29, 2024 – MONTREAL, QC – THEATRE BEANFIELD
- MARCH 30, 2024 – TORONTO, ON – DANFORTH MUSIC HALL
- APRIL 4, 2024 – DETROIT, MI – SAINT ANDREWS HALL
- APRIL 6, 2024 – CHICAGO, IL – THALIA HALL*
- APRIL 7, 2024 – MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FILLMORE
- APRIL 12, 2024 – PORTLAND, OR – REVOLUTION HALL
- APRIL 13, 2024 – SEATTLE, WA – NEPTUNE THEATRE
- APRIL 19, 2024 – HONOLULU, HI – HAWAII THEATRE
