Drag Race Thailand champion Angele Anang has announced she is stepping away from drag, seven years after making history as the first out transgender woman to win any season of the global Drag Race franchise.
The 31-year-old model and actress confirmed the news via Instagram on 25 February, sharing a carousel of photos that included images of her smiling in farmland, holding a mug and surrounded by nature.
“Read my bio,” she wrote in the caption. Her updated Instagram profile now states: “Yes, I quit drag,” followed by a smiling emoji.
A Shift in Focus
While Angele has long been an active presence on social media, her recent posts have leaned heavily towards pastoral scenes — farm animals, open skies and quiet moments in nature — signalling a clear lifestyle shift.
Though she has not elaborated publicly on her reasons, the announcement marks a significant turning point for one of the franchise’s most groundbreaking winners.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Angele made Drag Race herstory in 2019 during season two of Drag Race Thailand. Alongside becoming the first out trans woman to win across any Drag Race franchise worldwide, she also set a competition record by winning six challenges in a single season.
She remains the only contestant across the global franchise to achieve six challenge wins in one season.
Two years later, Kylie Sonique Love became the first out trans contestant to win a US-based edition of the franchise, taking the crown on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021.
Beyond the Werkroom
Following Angele’s victory, Drag Race Thailand went on hiatus for five years before returning for a third season in 2024, where she made a special guest appearance.
Her career extended beyond drag competitions. In 2022, she appeared as a model on Project Runway Thailand, and in 2023, she featured in the Bangkok-shot music video for Troye Sivan’s single Got Me Started.
Angele now joins a list of Drag Race alumni who have stepped back from drag at various points. Performers such as Tamisha Iman, Ongina and LaLa Ri have all previously announced hiatuses — with some later returning to the stage.
Whether Angele’s departure proves permanent remains to be seen. For now, however, one of Drag Race’s most trailblazing winners appears ready to begin a new chapter.
