After making her television debut on Season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jasmine Kennedie has sashayed back to the competition for Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. The new season premieres May 8 on Paramount+.
The 26-year-old performer first appeared as the self-proclaimed “ditzy doll” from New York. She quickly became something more: a fan favorite, a comedy queen, and RuPaul even dubbed Kennedie a “lip-sync assassin,” thanks to her high-energy performances. Kennedie was also at the center of one of the season’s most defining moments, coming out as a transgender woman on national television.
The drag queen has since moved to Northern Virginia, and she’ll represent the DC area on All Stars. We spoke to Kennedie about the DC drag scene, coming back to the competition, and representing the trans community.
You’ve performed in places like New York—how does the DC scene compare, and what does it mean to be one of the only DMV queens on Drag Race right now?
I really like the community here in DC. The people that come to your show come to a lot of your shows, and you start building a consistent audience here, which I really do appreciate. Everybody in the community seems to have a very enthusiastic attitude when it comes to the drag community and seeing girls thrive.
There may not be as many [drag queens] as there are in New York City, but I will say the girls here really do pack a punch. It’s unfortunate there hasn’t been a DC girly on [RuPaul’s Drag Race] other than Tatiana. There’s really a lot of amazing artists in the DC area that deserve that platform.
What does it mean to be a trans performer and drag queen in this moment, especially here in DC?
It’s very important to still stay visible. I think that this administration is trying to fearmonger us and put us in a place where we have the inability to be focal and be “out” and be protesting. It’s unfortunate that there’s been this fear built into this community where we don’t know what’s going to happen next. It’s like a mini form of protest just to be “out” here in DC.
Being the only out trans contestant on the show this season, it’s very important that my visibility matters, and it’s vocal, and I’m not in fear on my transition and who I am as a trans woman. If I have to be the one waving the flag, I will.
How did it feel to come out of Season 14 as one of the fiercest—and youngest—lip-syncers to grace the main stage?
It honestly was a relief because there’s so many girls nowadays. To solidify yourself in such an oversaturated market is something that is crucial to keep longevity. I was happy that people recognized me for my performance. I realized also that they could see my passion through my performance, which was really great.
One of the moments that still stays with me is when you came out as a trans woman during Season 14. How do you view that moment and its impact?
It feels great that I touch so many people and a lot of people do come up to me anywhere I go. They’re like, “You’re the reason I feel more comfortable,” which I still don’t think I’ve grasped. I’ve gone to the UK, I’ve gone to Europe, I’ve gone to South America, I’ve gone to Canada, and people all around the world are telling me that has helped them with their gender journey. I wear it as a badge of honor, and I’m very prideful with it, but I’m not waving it around. I’m very humble with it at the same time.
You mentioned how much your drag has changed since your first season. How would you describe it now?
I would say timeless beauty. Any time period, I’ll always be beautiful. And effortless as well. I think it’s radiating happiness and energy and confidence. I think I’m so much more confident. It’s fashion, it’s beauty. It’s also funny and goofy—not taking myself too seriously. I honed in on who I was as a person.
Did coming back feel more like a return or a reintroduction on your own terms?
I honestly felt like a phoenix rising from the ashes. I definitely think it was not a reintroduction because I don’t think my personality has changed. My confidence has changed and my looks. So, if anything, it was just a reminder.
When people leave a Jasmine Kennedie show, what do you want them to feel?
I want them to feel seen. I want them to feel as if they could step away from the hardships that they’re going through in life and just have fun, breathe, and relax, and realize that nothing’s too serious.
🔥🔥🔥 Rapid fire questions 🔥🔥🔥
Dream lip sync song?
Oh my god. Lush Life. I’m an OG Zara Larsson girly—I’ve been listening to her since high school. I’m not just a “Midnight Sun” girl, okay?
Dream lip sync opponent?
Laganja Estranja.
Your Drag Race Mount Rushmore?
That’s four people, right? I think it’d be Bianca Del Rio, Jinkx Monsoon, Shea Couleé, and Kennedy Davenport.
Tristan Espinoza joined Washingtonian as an Editorial Fellow in 2026. A proud Osage Native from Dallas, Texas, he is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) at American University. He is a graduate of Columbia University and the London School of Economics. He lives in Mount Pleasant.
