American drag performer Latrice Royale, best known for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race, is returning to South Africa for the first time in 13 years with her show Terms and Conditions (May Vary).
Royale, who debuted on season 4 of the hit franchise and later competed in All Stars, said she is looking forward to reconnecting with South African audiences. She described her last visit as a memorable experience where she felt embraced by fans who affectionately called her “mother.”
Speaking about the upcoming show, Royale said audiences can expect comedy, shade, transformation, and classic drag performance. She said viewers often describe the production as inspiring and motivating.
Reflecting on the evolution of South Africa’s drag and queer culture, she said she is eager to see how the local scene has grown since her last visit, noting that access to global drag performances has expanded significantly.
Royale also offered advice to performers hoping to enter the newly announced Drag Race South Africa. She encouraged contestants to remain authentic and avoid trying to fit predetermined TV roles, such as being the “villain” or “sweetheart.” She said that being genuine helps performers build long-lasting careers, regardless of competition results.
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Royale said the most important lessons she has learned involve professionalism, humility, and strong people skills. She said longevity in drag comes from being easy to work with and maintaining good intentions.
Royale discussed one of her most famous performances—her Natural Woman lip-sync—saying she felt confident beforehand because the Aretha Franklin song suited her strengths. She said embodying the meaning of a song is central to great drag performance.
Addressing the growth of Black queer representation on television, Royale said she enjoys seeing more diversity in entertainment, from comedians to pop stars.
She also commented on the mainstream adoption of drag and ballroom culture language, saying the queer community is both welcoming and vulnerable to cultural appropriation. However, she believes the community’s creativity ensures it will always produce new expressions and innovations.
Royale concluded with a message to young queer people celebrating Pride, reminding them that pride is not limited to one month but should be lived every day with confidence and self-acceptance.
