Nymphia Wind made history as the first Taiwanese American drag queen to win “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” In the show’s 16th season, Wind emerged victorious, defeating fellow finalists Plane Jane and Sapphira Cristál. The win was significant as it broke what Wind referred to as the competition series’ “Asian curse.” With this victory, Wind felt a responsibility to represent the Asian American community and showcase a rich Asian culture through her drag.
Born in Los Angeles as Leo Tsao, Wind spent much of her childhood between Taipei, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In 2022, she left behind a strong following in Taipei to pursue her drag career in Brooklyn, New York. Despite her move to the U.S., Wind never lost touch with her Asian heritage, incorporating elements of traditional Asian culture into her performances on the show. From a traditional Asian sleeve dance to designs celebrating Butoh and Lunar New Year, Wind’s drag reflected her roots.
Throughout her time on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Wind shared personal struggles she faced growing up in Taiwan. She revealed how she felt pressured by Western beauty standards that were commonly associated with white people, leading her to question her own attractiveness due to her Asian heritage. Turning to makeup and drag, Wind found a way to express herself and escape the insecurities she felt about her appearance. Despite these challenges, Wind’s talent and creativity shone on the show, culminating in her well-deserved win.
Wind’s win follows previous victories by other Asian queens on the show, such as Native Hawaiian Sasha Colby and Raja Gemini, who is of Indonesian and Dutch heritage. These wins represent a shift in the diverse representation on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and showcase the talent and creativity of drag artists from various cultural backgrounds. By breaking barriers and stereotypes, Wind and other Asian queens have paved the way for increased visibility and recognition in the drag community.
With a newfound title as the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Wind now has a platform to continue celebrating and elevating the rich Asian culture that inspires her drag. Her victory not only solidifies her place in drag history but also empowers other Asian American drag artists to embrace their heritage and share their unique stories. Through her art and performances, Wind has opened doors for greater representation and diversity in the drag world, leaving a lasting impact on the show and its audience.
As Wind reflects on her journey and the challenges she has overcome, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring drag artists, particularly those from Asian and Asian American communities. Her determination, creativity, and authentic representation have set a new standard in the world of drag, showing that diversity and inclusivity are essential components of the art form. With her crown firmly in place, Wind continues to shine as a trailblazer and role model for drag queens everywhere.
