Nicole Onoscopi Makes an Impact in the Drag Scene—Cosmo Queens Feature
Nicole Onoscopi brings flair, drama, and heartfelt inspiration to the drag stage as featured by Cosmo Queens.
Nicole Onoscopi Makes Her Mark: A Cosmo Queens Spotlight
When Nicole Onoscopi—Oregon’s own Miss Gay Oregon 2021—stepped into the Cosmo Queens spotlight, she delivered a masterclass in drag performance and style, turning heads with her signature flair and over-the-top glam. In the featured segment, Nicole explains that drag is more than just makeup and costumes; it’s about storytelling, nostalgia, and making audiences feel a little bit of magic in their everyday lives.
Based in Portland, Nicole (birth name Cole Cozart) has been performing drag for about four years, steadily building a reputation for her energetic performances, vivid character work, and unapologetically bold fashion choices. She’s become a local favorite and a fixture in Oregon’s LGBTQ+ events, regularly hosting drag brunches, performing at Pride celebrations, and collaborating with other drag luminaries.
Signature Style: Glam, Drama, and a Touch of Nostalgia
Nicole’s drag is instantly recognizable for its vibrant colors, theatrical contours, and playful nods to pop culture. In her standout Cosmo Queens segment, she dazzles in a bright orange wig, lime green zebra print separates, and “beyond glam” gloves—a look that fully embraces high-impact drag aesthetics. Each element is designed to turn heads and keep viewers engaged, never shying away from the dramatic or the unexpected.
Inspiration: Where Drag Meets Childhood
Nicole credits much of her creative inspiration to the pop culture icons and nostalgic moments she loved as a child. Whether she’s dancing to Cotton Eye Joe, belting out Smash Mouth tunes, or channeling Wilma Flintstone, her performances are infused with a sense of joy and familiarity that resonates deeply with audiences. “All of my best drag is inspired by the things that I loved as a child,” Nicole told Cosmo. “I’ve learned that when you do what you love, it resonates with audiences.”
Escaping the Everyday
For Nicole, the ultimate goal of drag is to transport her audience. She invokes the iconic scene from The Wizard of Oz: when Dorothy opens the door to Technicolor Munchkinland for the first time. “I always want my audiences to feel that sensation and to be able to escape the black and white of their day-to-day lives,” she says.
Platforms and Performances
Nicole’s reach extends beyond the stage. She’s active on Instagram and YouTube, sharing her looks, performances, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her drag journey. This digital presence not only showcases her artistry but also helps build a loyal community of fans and fellow performers.
Mainstage Moments
- Miss Gay Oregon 2021: Crowned as the state’s top drag queen, solidifying her status in the regional drag scene.
- Miss’d America 2019: First runner-up and the inaugural Miss’d Popularity, a title decided by audience vote.
- Drag Brunch PDX: Regularly hosts this traveling show, delighting audiences at venues like Moxy Portland Downtown and Stag PDX.
- Special Events: Has performed at Shine Distillery’s Drag Thru series and set records at the Darcelle XV Drag-a-thon, performing hits from Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and more.
What others are reading
Building a Creative Community
Nicole is deeply embedded in Portland’s drag and LGBTQ+ communities. Beyond performing, she volunteers for local Pride clean-up efforts, participates in photo booths at major festivals, and collaborates with organizations like the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Her work underscores the importance of drag as not just entertainment, but as a force for community building and social good.
The Evolution of Nicole Onoscopi
Nicole’s journey from local performer to celebrated pageant winner and media darling is a testament to her talent, resilience, and willingness to take creative risks. She’s known for her comedic timing, her ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds, and her commitment to uplifting others in the drag scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nicole Onoscopi start in drag?
Nicole began performing drag about four years ago, quickly gaining traction in Oregon’s local scene and eventually winning major titles like Miss Gay Oregon.
What inspires Nicole’s drag aesthetic?
Nicole draws heavily on childhood nostalgia, pop culture icons, and a desire to create magical, escapist experiences for her audience.
Where can I see Nicole Onoscopi perform?
She regularly hosts Drag Brunch PDX in Portland and performs at Pride events across Oregon. She also shares content on Instagram and YouTube.
What awards has Nicole won?
She was crowned Miss Gay Oregon 2021, was first runner-up at Miss’d America 2019, and won the inaugural Miss’d Popularity title.
How does Nicole engage with her community?
Beyond performances, she volunteers for local initiatives and collaborates with LGBTQ+ organizations, underscoring the community-focused spirit of her drag.
Conclusion
Nicole Onoscopi is more than a drag queen—she’s a storyteller, a community builder, and a creative force. Her Cosmo Queens feature is just one highlight in a growing career that celebrates self-expression, joy, and the transformative power of drag. Whether she’s dazzling on stage, volunteering at Pride, or inspiring the next generation of performers, Nicole Onoscopi proves that drag is about bringing color, connection, and a little bit of magic to the world.
References
- https://thotyssey.com/2018/05/15/on-point-with-nicole-onoscopi/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a37373668/nicole-onoscopi-at-home-cosmo-queens/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Onoscopi
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4zMDZ1_RsQ
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a37406631/christi-da-vinci-cosmo-queens/
- https://werrrk.com/2018/03/28/going-deep-with-nicole-onoscopi/
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