Plastique Tiara, the most followed drag star on TikTok and a fan favorite on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” had to navigate the complexities of her identity as a first-generation Vietnamese American immigrant before finding fame. Coming from Vietnam to the United States at the age of 11, she had limited exposure to drag queens and found it scary to be gay in her home country. Watching “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for the first time in the U.S., Tiara felt a connection to the show and saw herself represented in it.
Making her dazzling debut on Season 11 of the show, Tiara opened up about her journey as a Vietnamese drag queen and her family’s cultural differences in accepting her identity. One of the standout moments from her time on the show was when she proudly appeared in a traditional Vietnamese ao dai dress during the season finale, making a significant impact in Vietnam and beyond. Tiara’s performances have garnered widespread attention, and she continues to receive comments about the significance of representing her culture in drag.
While drag performances in Vietnam typically occur underground, progress has been made in the country’s acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights. The first official Viet Pride celebration took place in 2012 and has become an annual event in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With Vietnam’s more relaxed internet regulations, queer and transgender individuals have found empowerment and support through online communities, with figures like Tiara playing an important role in fostering connections within these spaces.
Tiara’s mission is to inspire young boys in Vietnam who may not have realized that they too can pursue drag. She believes that there are no boundaries in drag and that it is a magical form of self-expression that allows individuals to see their wildest dreams come true. By being visible and proud of her Vietnamese heritage in her drag performances, Tiara hopes to pave the way for others to embrace their identities and feel empowered to express themselves authentically.
As the most followed drag star on TikTok, Tiara continues to use her platform to bring visibility to the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for acceptance and equality. Her journey from a first-generation immigrant to a drag superstar serves as an inspiration to many, showing that it is possible to overcome cultural barriers and find success while staying true to one’s roots. Through her performances and presence in the drag community, Tiara is breaking down stereotypes and showing the world that there is beauty and power in embracing one’s unique identity.
