From Philadelphia to New York City, Venus Mystique had made her name known on the drag scene. Recently crowned Miss Paradise, Mystique is well aware of the importance of a trans woman holding this title at this point in our country. As she prepares for what is sure to be a wildly successful reign, Venus Mystique chatted with PGN about how she began drag in Philadelphia, the influence of Crystal Envy and Luxx Noir London on her career, and why she is more than prepared to be a part of the Miss Paradise legacy.
So let’s start at the beginning; tell me about your early start in drag in Philadelphia, PA. Where are you from and is that where you entered into the world of drag?
I started doing drag in Philadelphia back in 2021 at the age of 19, which of course had its struggles. I was at a place where I knew that I wanted to be a part of the world of drag, but had no real idea of how to begin or where to go. So I became a part of that community and remained there for about two-and-a-half years. Almost a year into my career, I competed in Janelle No. 5’s “Are You The Ultimate Diva” pageant in New York City, which changed everything for me. I found myself traveling back and forth working between the two cities, started producing in Philadelphia, and was beginning to make a name for myself. My life had finally found its path.
As for my early years, I was born and raised in Danielsville, Pennsylvania. I was mostly secluded from any type of city environment until my teen years, yet always shining bright and standing out. I had always craved the ever-evolving lifestyle of city living, so I made that a very early goal of mine.
You were crowned Miss Paradise a couple of weeks ago, which as we know, is now a much sought-after title nationally. What made you want to take a crack at this crown with such heavy competition?
I had an early “pageant run,” as I like to call it, in late 2022. Earning a top-three placement in the “Are You The Ultimate Diva” pageant and placing second in the “Miss’d America” pageant in Atlantic City. This was so inspiring to me because I was only 20 years old at that time, and I knew I had more to offer. After coming close to winning back then, I decided to take a two-year break from pageants, and ensure that I would come back ready to win the next time around.
At the end of 2024 I challenged myself by doing three pageants in five months, which looking back, was hectic! I placed second at the Miss’d America 2025 pageant and ended up winning “Are You The Ultimate Diva: All Stars,” which really gave me the confidence to throw my hat in the ring for Miss Paradise 2025. I give a lot of credit to my good friend Crystal Envy for being my biggest supporter and one of the reasons I continue to push through the challenges of pageantry.
You have a full year ahead of you as Miss Paradise; what are a couple of the goals that you have now that you have been crowned Miss Paradise?
I want to make an impact with my reign as Miss Paradise, and turn my history into a legacy. It’s important to continue the great work that has been done by winners in the past, and that’s something I will be doing. One of my goals is to work with Garden State Equality, as well as the staff at Paradise, to further the work in terms of supporting the trans community. I can’t give away too much on what I plan to do, but know that I will be focusing my efforts into maintaining and growing our safe space in Asbury Park.
What did the Miss Paradise pageant experience teach you as opposed to other pageants you have entered and won or not won?
Paradise is something special. I found myself feeling so at home and part of this great community, even just by being a contestant. It was of course a tough battle for the crown, but I left with more than just that. I left with a new sense of community and true family.
What are some of your NYC residences right now? Who are some of your favorite NYC performers to work with and why?
You can see me every single Thursday for the hit show “BBL: Beauty. Body. Legs” at Playhouse Bar NYC [with Essa Noche & Mo’Riah], as well as “The Pregame” every Saturday at Boxers Hells Kitchen (with Elle L.C.), as well as different venues all across Manhattan and Brooklyn!
I always love meeting & working with the majority of entertainers that I do, but my favorite queen is my drag sister [from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 17 and former “BBL” cast member] Lana Ja’Rae. We have such a special connection on stage, and I credit her a lot with helping me enter the New York nightlife scene by always offering a place to stay while I traveled. Although she departed our show, “BBL,” it is always amazing to get to work with her when the opportunity arises.
You are the drag daughter of “Drag Race” and “Drag: The Musical” superstar Luxx Noir London and have long-standing relationships with queens like “Drag Race” standout and former Miss Paradise Crystal Envy. What have both of these queens taught you about the world of drag as well as about yourself?
I’ve known Crystal since I started drag. She was judging a competition I did, and we instantly connected. She has taught me so much about classic glamour and has been with me for every pageant I’ve done so far, so she is definitely my pageant mother in that sense. I consider her to be one of my best friends and someone I look up to greatly, as she’s one of the kindest and most selfless humans I know.
Luxx on the other hand was someone who really instilled unshakable confidence in me, right at the perfect time. We connected through my blossoming friendship with my sister Lana, and the three of us began to build a beautiful trio. Luxx and I understand each other on an intellectual level. She’s an extremely bright individual and someone who has taught me how to learn on the fly, to stay on my toes, and adapt in any scenario — teaching me not only about how to be versatile with my drag, but how to apply my life’s work into it, all while not letting what others say infiltrate my psyche. I look up to them both, and I feel so beyond blessed to have those two rooting for me in life. I love them so much.
As a trans woman, you are now representing Paradise but in turn, you have the entire Asbury Park community in your corner as well. What kind of feeling of pride does this fill you with at this particular moment?
As we all know, we have just entered a new political era, which has put the queer community, and specifically the trans community, at risk. These are really scary times and I will use my reign to show that we won’t be erased and we won’t be silenced. As the first Miss Paradise of this era, I hope that I will be able to set the pace of what this time will look like by promoting and protecting all of our interests in the community, and continue to remind people that Paradise is a safe space.
It feels really great to win the pageant of course, but it more so feels promising that the current Miss Paradise is a trans woman. Drag is political by nature, and I hope that by being the representative of Paradise, I can light more hope into the trans community. We are not going anywhere. Period.
What was it like being chosen to perform as part of Sasha Colby’s “Stripped” tour? Did you learn anything from this legendary diva?
It was surreal. I had looked up to Sasha Colby from the beginning of my career, so it was such an incredible opportunity to represent on that stage. After my performance, she yelled “trans excellence” on the mic, and it was one of those moments that will stick with me forever. To hear one of your icons, someone you look up to so fiercely, affirm you and your talents on such a big stage is the coolest thing. It was one of those moments that I’ll never forget.
What is the absolutely best advice that you have ever received and who gave it to you?
My mother, who I call JenniWren, always taught me to root myself in gratitude. In any scenario — good or bad — she always says “find something to be grateful for.” I live by that, and try to carry the message on as best as I can!
Follow Venus Mystique on Instagram @venusmystique.