[PHOTOS] All the celebs who turned up for the ‘Drag Race’ premiere at this NYC hotspot

Where was our invite???

Mark Mark
Dec 14, 2025 - 19:00
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[PHOTOS] All the celebs who turned up for the ‘Drag Race’ premiere at this NYC hotspot
A group of shirtless men in golden shorts, the Pit Crew from

While the rest of the world has to wait until the New Year for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18, some of the luckiest gays in New York City got a sneak peek at the show’s premiere party on Tuesday, December 9.

Attendees also got to witness herstory, because for the first time, 16 past Drag Race winners — including Ginger Minj, Alyssa Edwards, Willow Pillow, and last season’s champion, Onya Nerve — traveled to the Big Apple to celebrate the kickoff alongside hosts Ross Mathews, Ts Madison, and Variety‘s Senior Culture and Events Editor, Marc Malkin.

Now, where was our invite???

The star-studded event took place at Aqua New York, an Italian and Japanese fusion restaurant near the Flatiron District and Union Square, which is quickly becoming a favorite in LGBTQ+ circles for its easy-to-snag reservations, daring cuisine, and, of course, unbeatable bottomless deals.

Last time we were there, it was all about mimosas, but make no mistake: At this glitzy New York premiere, the only thing they were serving were lewks and tea.

Below, check out some of our favorite LGBTQ+ celebs and allies who were in attendance.

1. Law Roach

Law Roach poses in front of an orange door in a black suit at Aqua New York.
Of course, the fashionable rotating Drag Race judge showed up AND turned a lewk.

2. Alyssa Edwards

Alyssa Edwards smiles in a pink dress and blonde wig at Aqua New York.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars winner was all smiles — and hair!

3. Jessica Taylor and Jordan Hurt

Jessica Taylor, in a red crop top and black skirt, smiles standing next to Jordan, who wears a black leather jacket, at Aqua New York.
The Owning Manhattan stars couldn’t say no to a party.

4. Aquaria

Drag queen Aquaria smiles in a tan dress with long painted finger neels at Aqua New York.
It’s always the age of Aquaria.

5. Kylie Sonique Love

Kylie Sonique Love poses in front of a step and repeat in a Marilyn Monroe-esque blonde wig and diamond dress at Aqua New York.
It’s love — Kylie Sonique Love, that is.

6. Jackie Cox

Jackie Cox, pictured out of drag, smiles in a transparent sparkling shirt and high-waisted khakis at Aqua New York.
All Cox & no bull.

7. Ginger Minj

Ginger Minj poses in an orange wig and feathery gown at Aqua New York.
Of course, the most recent All Stars winner had to make an appearance.

8. Jeff Perla

Jeff Perla stands in a tight-fitting black shirt with his hands in his pockets at Aqua New York.
Naturally, the Uncut podcast host and social media influencer snagged an invite.

9. Ross Mathews and Dr. Wellington Garcia-Mathews

Dr. Wellington Garcia-Mathews (left) and Ross Mathews (right) stand smiling in suits at Aqua New York.
The longtime Drag Race judge and his hubby looked especially dapper.

10. Jimbo

Jimbo stands smiling in a tight-fitting black and white dress at Aqua New York.
Category is: busty!

11. Bronwyn Newport

Bronwyn Newport smiles in a floral print dress at Aqua New York.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star basically had the time of her life.

12. Nicky Doll and Rosé

Nicky Doll and Rosé, both appearing out of drag in black hats, stand with their arms around each other smiling at Aqua New York.
Two dudes who look just as good out of drag as they do in it!

13. Sasha Velour

Sasha Velour appears in drag in a royal-looking white gown with a crown around her neck at Aqua New York.
A crown fit for a queen!

14. Nymphia Wind

Nymphia Wind smiles in drag in a yellow banana costume at Aqua New York.
Where there’s Nymphia, there’s a banana.

15. Ts Madison

Ts Madison smiles in a brown dress with blonde hair at Aqua New York.
It’s not a party unless Ts is there!

16. Erik Bottcher

Erik Bottcher smiles in a navy suit jacket and blue button down shirt at Aqua New York.
Bottcher represented for the gays — and New York City Council District 3.

17. Marc Malkin

Marc Malkin smiles in a white button-down shirt and red bowtie at Aqua New York.
The beloved queer Variety editor certainly got all the night’s goss.

18. Willow Pill

Willow Pill smiles in a tight-fitting tan dress and furry white overcoat at Aqua New York.
Willow Pill wore a cute, wittle dwess.

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