Salina EsTitties, a standout performer from season 15 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has spoken openly about the struggles many alumni face in finding work after their time on the show.
According to the Los Angeles-based queen, the sheer volume of contestants produced by the franchise has led to a competitive landscape with fewer opportunities for queens who aren’t part of the latest seasons.
“I don’t know if any girls are willing to admit it, but the RuGirls are struggling out in these streets,” Salina shared in an interview with PRIDE. “There’s an oversurge of queens and not enough gigs at the moment. It’s really hard for the girls to stay above water.”
Salina also addressed the contrast between the glossy image many queens present on social media and the reality of the challenges they face. Despite these difficulties, she urged the drag and queer communities to persevere in the face of adversity. “I just urge that we keep on going out there regardless. They want us to shut down and not exist. That’s not the case!” she stated passionately. “Drag queens have never been the ones to be kept in a closet, honey. We have to come out!”
The growing numbers highlight the issue. Since RuPaul’s Drag Race began, 210 queens have graced the main series, with the 17th season in 2025 set to increase that tally to 224. This doesn’t include participants from international versions of the show, such as those from Canada, the UK, or Australia, as well as additional spin-offs in countries like France, Thailand, and Mexico.
Season seven champion Violet Chachki previously remarked on the influx of queens, commenting that there might now be “too many” in the drag world—a sentiment echoed by Salina’s concerns about oversaturation.
