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Celebrating Latinx Drag Excellence: Stunning Cosmo Queens You Need to Know

A dazzling showcase of Latinx drag queens who brought artistry and joy to Cosmo Queens with iconic, boundary-breaking looks.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

A dazzling showcase of Latinx drag queens who brought artistry and joy to Cosmo Queens with iconic, boundary-breaking looks.

Unveiling the Magic: Latinx Drag Queens Who Defined Cosmo Queens

Latinx drag artists are at the vanguard of artistry, beauty, and resilience in the world of drag. Each performer brings a mosaic of cultural heritage, creative vision, and trailblazing pride to their craft. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, we’re spotlighting five phenomenal Latinx drag queens who left an indelible mark on Cosmo Queens, Cosmopolitan’s beauty transformation series—an inspiring showcase of queer excellence and Latinidad in motion.

This roundup explores the signature looks, inspirations, and careers of Vander Von Odd, Jaymes Mansfield, Kahanna Montrese, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, and Freeda Kulo. Whether embracing gothic florals or paying ode to Latina icons, these queens proved that Latinx drag is a force for self-expression and representation, dazzling fans and inspiring future generations.

Why Latinx Representation in Drag Matters
Vander Von Odd: The Majestic Macabre
Jaymes Mansfield: Channeling Selena’s Legacy
Kahanna Montrese: Fearless Glamour and Transformation
Vanessa Vanjie Mateo: Runway Royalty and Meme-Queen Energy
Freeda Kulo: Día de los Muertos and Cultural Storytelling
Drag, Heritage, and the Power of Visibility
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Latinx Representation in Drag Matters

Drag has long been a site for visibility, rebellion, and artful commentary. For Latinx queens, it is also a chance to honor their roots, showcase their identities, and challenge stereotypes. As vast as the Latinx diaspora is, so too are the stories, aesthetics, and voices these artists reflect on global stages. With millions tuning in to beauty transformations, shows like Cosmo Queens become platforms for amplifying diversity, breaking down barriers, and inspiring audiences to celebrate what makes them unique.

Key Reasons Latinx Drag Representation Is So Vital:

Cultural storytelling: Queens weave Latin American folklore, music, style, and history into their looks.
Visibility for marginalized communities: Uplifting the Latinx queer experience fosters acceptance and pride.
Role models for the next generation: Younger fans see reflections of their heritage, language, and uniqueness in these stars.
Expanding beauty standards: Latinx queens bring texture, color, and new narratives to mainstream beauty, challenging Eurocentric ideals.

Vander Von Odd: The Majestic Macabre

Known for their haunting yet mesmerizing style, Vander Von Odd made jaws drop with a showstopping Cosmo Queens appearance that blended gothic glamour with floral fantasy.

Who is Vander Von Odd?

Origin: Hails from Southern California, of Mexican descent.
Breakout: Winner of Dragula Season 1, the cult Netflix drag horror competition.
Style Signature: Forging the boundary between beauty and darkness—think intricate painted bodices, sharp contours, and otherworldly costuming.

On Cosmo Queens, Vander conjured a look that married vintage elegance with surreal, witchy undertones. The resulting transformation? A spectral beauty crowned in black florals with shimmering, bone-deep detail—call it gothic regalia with Latinx pride.

Expertise highlight: Precise face and body painting that evokes muralist traditions and folk art.
Biggest influence: Mexican Dia de los Muertos iconography, classic Hollywood monsters, and avant-garde fashion.

Jaymes Mansfield: Channeling Selena’s Legacy

Jaymes Mansfield gave the world a tribute to Selena Quintanilla that captured hearts for its artistry and authenticity. In their Cosmo Queens episode, Jaymes honored the Tejano superstar with a meticulous blend of nostalgia, sparkle, and reverence.

Who is Jaymes Mansfield?

Origin: Mexican-American, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Breakout: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 contestant, celebrated YouTuber and wig stylist.
Style Signature: Bubbly, retro-inspired glamour—think big hair, stunning vintage silhouettes, and a dash of camp.

Selena Tribute Highlights:

Recreated Selena’s iconic purple jumpsuit look with shimmering lavender hues and a dazzling lip.
Paid attention to era-accurate beauty touches: bold eyes, defined brows, and that signature Selena smile.
Brought a sense of joy and fun to the process, channeling Selena’s spirit of positivity and grace.

“This transformation wasn’t just about the look—it was about channeling a voice, a spirit, and a legacy in Latinx culture.”

Kahanna Montrese: Fearless Glamour and Transformation

Kahanna Montrese is well-known for unleashing high-octane showgirl glamour, and their Cosmo Queens appearance was a lesson in charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.

Who is Kahanna Montrese?

Origin: Puerto Rican heritage, raised in Las Vegas.
Breakout: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 standout; famed for stunning body-ody-ody and athletic performances on stage.
Style Signature: Vegas showgirl opulence—all about rhinestones, feathers, and dramatic reveals.

Kahanna’s Cosmo Queens Look:

Mixed modern, high-glam makeup techniques with classically feminine silhouettes.
Channeled the tradition of Latinx pageantry, blending bold contouring, sparkling crystal appliqué, and powerful lashes.
The result? A fierce, runway-ready face that radiated both power and elegance.

“Kahanna embodies Latinx excellence through self-reinvention, showing that unapologetic confidence is always in vogue.”

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo: Runway Royalty and Meme-Queen Energy

No list of Latinx drag icons would be complete without Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, the queen whose funny, fearless spirit made her a global meme and beloved LGBTQ+ star.

Who is Vanessa Vanjie Mateo?

Origin: Proudly Puerto Rican, born and raised in Tampa, Florida.
Breakout: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 and 11; creator of the viral “Miss Vanjie” exit moment.
Style Signature: Powerhouse femininity—curves, gloss, and attitude for days. Known for dynamic lips and sharp contour.

Cosmo Queens Transformation:

Pulled off a high-shine, dramatic pink look complete with glitter, elongated eyes, and sculpted peach cheeks.
Leaned into hyper-feminine aesthetics, echoing classic telenovela glam with a twist of modern pop-culture sass.
Gave fans the ultimate “that’s how you do drag” education with wit and warmth.

“Vanessa’s appearances remind us that Latinx drag includes humor, heart, and cultural pride—all in killer heels.”

Freeda Kulo: Día de los Muertos and Cultural Storytelling

Freeda Kulo brought profound cultural artistry to Cosmo Queens with a makeup look inspired by La Catrina, the iconic Day of the Dead symbol.

Who is Freeda Kulo?

Origin: Mexican drag star celebrated locally and online.
Breakout: Featured Cosmo Queens guest and social media favorite.
Style Signature: Blending vivid colors, bold lines, and folkloric themes into drag excellence.

Día de los Muertos Transformation:

Hand-painted skull face inspired by La Catrina, incorporating intricate linework, delicate blooms, and haunting elegance.
Used makeup artistry to tell the story of mortality, resilience, and cultural memory.
Shared educational background about the symbolism: La Catrina reminds us that at the end of the day, we all return to bones, regardless of status.

“Freeda’s work transforms makeup into living tradition, using beauty as a way to teach, honor, and empower.”

Drag, Heritage, and the Power of Visibility

What unites these Latinx queens is not just their dazzling artistry, but their commitment to celebrating heritage, building community, and challenging norms. By embracing their identities—whether through direct cultural homage or joyful subversion—they model queer Latinx pride for fans everywhere.

Accessibility: Free social media makeup tutorials bring diverse beauty traditions to the world.
Innovation: Blending classic Latinx elements (from mariachi hats to Frida Kahlo florals) with futuristic approaches to drag.
Advocacy: Many queens speak out on issues from anti-Blackness to language justice within and beyond the LGBTQ+ scene.

From viral Cosmo Queens videos to global events, Latinx drag queens are reshaping mainstream beauty, reminding everyone that there is no single way to reflect or respect Latinidad onstage. Each queen invites us to embrace authenticity, to see beauty in difference, and to celebrate the powerful intersection of drag artistry and Latinx heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who are some of the major Latinx drag queens featured on Cosmo Queens?

A: Key Latinx drag queens featured include Vander Von Odd, Jaymes Mansfield, Kahanna Montrese, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, and Freeda Kulo. Each brings their own signature style and perspective, from gothic florals to culturally inspired makeup looks.

Q: What role does culture play in these drag queens’ artistry?

A: Culture is central, serving as both inspiration and narrative. Queens often incorporate elements like Día de los Muertos imagery, Latina pop icons, and Latinx color palettes, merging personal heritage with global drag aesthetics.

Q: How can I support Latinx drag artists?

A: Follow their creative work on social media, attend their shows or digital events, buy merchandise, amplify their voices, and be mindful of the importance of representation in entertainment and beauty spaces.

Q: Why is visibility in beauty media important for Latinx LGBTQ+ people?

A: Visibility empowers community, counters harmful stereotypes, and inspires confidence in viewers who see their cultures, bodies, and stories celebrated boldly in prominent media spaces.

Q: Can you share any tips inspired by these queens for achieving bold makeup looks?

A: Absolutely! Try embracing bold colors, dramatic lashes, and statement lips. Don’t shy away from experimenting with cultural motifs—floral crowns, gem embellishments, or traditional colors can elevate any look. Most importantly, lead with confidence and creativity.

Inspiration for Your Own Drag and Beauty Journeys

Inspired by these queens, beauty enthusiasts everywhere can draw on Latinx cultural traditions to craft their own unique makeup or drag personas. Whether you’re performing on stage or trying a new look at home, remember:

Research traditional symbols from your heritage for meaningful inspiration.
Blend bold contemporary styles with folk art motifs—there’s no limit to how you express yourself.
Let each look tell a story—about identity, love, memory, or hope.

Ultimately, Latinx drag queens prove that boundary-breaking beauty is all about authentic representation—so whether you go for gothic eyes, glittery cheeks, or La Catrina skulls, carry your unique story with pride.