No Tea, No Shade

“No Tea, No Shade actually spills ALL the tea of what it’s really like to be a drag artist: the good, the bad and never the ugly.” — Carson Kressley, Style Superstar ”It’s so rare that we as a community have our voices heard. Even when we do, it is most often the voice of those whom “society” considers non-threatening. Here is a rare collection of essays written by humans speaking the truth about themselves, the world in which we live and how our queer family has evolved. Enlightening, poignant, sometimes sassy, sometimes funny but always entertaining.” — Lea DeLaria, Actor, Activist, Jazz Singer and Lord of the Lesbians 

Kennedy Ann Scott: Kennedy Ann Scott is the stage name of Benjamin Slinkard. Benjamin is a Blue Ribbon Teacher and has been awarded Teacher of the Year for his service as an educator for Metro Public Schools. He has been recognized by the Nashville community as a top performer and claims residency at the Lipstick Lounge. He has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine and the New York Times. Benjamin resides in Nashville, Tennessee, and is an advocate for children and members of the LGBTQIA community.

Alex Michaels: Alex Michaels, also known as Alexis Michelle, is an actor, drag artist, activist, and accomplished cook who stormed the international stage on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 and All Stars Season 8. They have also appeared in Blue Bloods, Dragnificent!, Drag Me Down the Aisle, True Colors, and the PBS series One Voice: Broadway—both with The American Pops Orchestra. In addition to performing their cabarets at Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, and Club Cumming in NYC, they made their Barrington Stage Company debut playing Albin/Zaza to great acclaim from the New York Times. Alex holds a B.F.A. from the University of Michigan in Musical Theatre, where they also enjoyed writing about the LGBTQ experience in literature.

Olivia Lux: Olivia Lux is a drag artist, actor, singer, and musician who placed in the top five on Season 13 of the Emmy-award winning television show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. She has starred in lead roles in productions of RENT, Kinky Boots, and more. She has done television ad campaigns for brands including Starbucks, Burger King, and Paramount. Olivia is also a member of the legendary ballroom house of Miyake Mugler.

Julie J: Julie J is a Brooklyn-based actress, drag artist, and community organizer. Julie stars in the horror comedy film Queens of the Dead. She has been featured in advertising campaigns for Maybelline and the luxury jewelry brand Alexis Bittar. In 2023, she was named Miss Bushwig at the nation’s largest drag festival, and in 2024, she won Entertainer of the Year at the Glam Awards, which recognizes the best NYC nightlife. She is the founder of Stand Up NYC, which has raised more than $100,000 for trans and LGBTQIA+ organizations.

Lagoona Bloo: Lagoona Bloo is a musician, actor and drag artist based in New York City. Since 2021, the self-titled “Mermaid Popstar” has released her debut EP AQUA and debut studio album Underwater Bubble Pop showcase her three-octave range with blissed-out synth anthems that redefine the intersection between pop music and drag. She has been featured on television shows such as America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and Nailed It! In 2024, she originated the role of Tuna Turner in the Off-Broadway hit Drag: the Musical.

Nina West: Nina West (he/him/they/them) Nina West is a veritable “every-queen” – an actor, singer/songwriter, producer, author, host, and activist. Nina appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race, released chart-topping music, been featured as a voice actor in several high profile projects, toured the nation in the 20th anniversary production of Broadway’s Hairspray, and even performed with Kermit the Frog. She has partnered with Nickelodeon, Proctor and Gamble, Paramount, Disney, and the queen of kindess, Dolly Parton. Nina founded The Nina West Foundation and works to amplify and uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, mental health awareness, and equality. She received an honorary doctorate from Columbus College of Art and Design.