Saltina Shaker: Cyberpunk Witch, Online Queen, and Pride Powerhouse

Seductive, strange, and proudly disabled — Saltina is everything at once.

From viral skits and makeup transformations to unapologetic conversations around disability and body image, Saltina Shaker has become one of Canada’s most magnetic drag creators — and she’s not slowing down. With nearly 3 million followers and counting, Saltina continues to blur the lines between beauty, absurdity, and advocacy.

Now, the Ottawa-based queen is returning to Windsor for Queens & Kings of Pride, presented by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest and Lavender Promotions. This all-ages event will feature Saltina alongside a powerhouse lineup including Beth, Bombae, Cyril Cinder, Van Goth, Sunshine Glitterchild, Remedy, Airress, and Hudson Bae.

Before the big event, we caught up with Saltina to talk about her journey, her art, and what she's bringing back to the Windsor stage this summer.

THISisDRAG.com: For those discovering you through this event — how would you describe Saltina Shaker as a drag persona?
Saltina Shaker: Saltina Shaker is what happens when a Victoria’s Secret model gets possessed by a cyberpunk witch and moonlights as a rock star. She’s seductive and strange, avant-garde and absurd — scary, sexy, and stupid in all the right proportions. My drag is how I process reality — and sometimes how I shatter it.

TiD: You’ve built an incredible online platform, reaching millions with your drag, comedy, and makeup. What drives your creativity when it comes to content creation?
SS: Honestly, I create from this deep place of contradiction. I’m drawn to beauty and chaos at the same time. If something makes people laugh, feel, or pause and say, “Wait… what did I just watch?” — that’s when I know it’s working. I see my content not just as entertainment but as a form of spiritual resonance, albeit absurdly.

You’ve been so open about your experiences with disability and body image. Why is advocacy such an essential part of your brand?
I live with an invisible disability, and for a long time, I thought that meant I had to prove I was strong by hiding my pain. But drag taught me the opposite: my softness is my strength. Being open about my body, my limitations, my scars — it’s about simply existing without pressure. Resilience isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet.

You were working on your Master’s degree — how do you balance drag with academia?
I actually recently chose to pursue drag and content creation full time as an entrepreneur! I'm no longer planning to finish my Master’s, and it feels really good to be a queer business owner.

“My softness is my strength. Resilience isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s quiet.”

— Saltina Shaker

TiD: What’s something people don’t always realize about the work that goes into drag at this level?
SS: Logistics. Plan your stuff accordingly. Your future self won’t just thank you — they’ll rely on it to elevate to the level you want to be.

You’re returning to Windsor for Queens & Kings of Pride! What are you most excited to bring to this year’s event?
Probably a lot of fart jokes.

This is a major all-ages celebration featuring performers from across Canada. What does it mean to you to be part of a Pride event that’s inclusive, accessible, and family-friendly?
It means everything! Thanks for having me. I’m so excited for people who connect with me online to be able to see me live.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with fans, followers, or those attending Queens & Kings of Pride this year?
Heck yea! I know the world may seem like it’s falling apart right now, but I’m really proud of everyone still being able to keep carrying on. I know it’s hard to wake up sometimes and feel motivated, but I hope you see the good in what you can do. ❤️

Queens & Kings of Pride - Presented by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest
Saturday, August 9, 2025
TICKETS

From TikTok to the stage, Saltina Shaker continues to redefine drag with humor, vulnerability, and wild creativity. Catch her live at Queens & Kings of Pride on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lanspeary Park in Windsor. This all-ages Pride event promises unforgettable performances, over 70 vendors, and fierce vibes all day long.

🎟️ Grab your tickets now: Queens & Kings of Pride – Tickets

By Kevin Blondin

Bombae: The Joy Is the Point

From perfectionism to pure fun, Bombae opens up about drag, Pride, and what she’s bringing to Windsor’s stage.

Bombae made a splash with her unforgettable run on Season 3 of Canada’s Drag Race, serving runway looks, razor-sharp wit, and club-kid chaos with a touch of Mumbai flair. Now based in Toronto, this Indian-Canadian powerhouse has quickly become a staple in Canada’s drag scene, bringing cultural richness and comedy to every stage she graces.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Bombae is coming to Windsor for “Queens & Kings of Pride,” one of the marquee events of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest. The celebration will feature an all-star lineup including fellow Drag Race alum Beth (Season 2), Saltina Shaker, and an ensemble of drag royalty from across Ontario. With over 70 vendors, food, a cash bar, and all-ages access (viewer discretion advised), it promises to be a night to remember.

Before the big event, we caught up with Bombae to chat about her post-Drag Race journey, the importance of Pride events, and what fans can expect from her performance under the lights at Lanspeary Park.

THISisDRAG.com: It’s been a couple of years since Season 3 of Canada’s Drag Race aired. How has your drag and creative process evolved since then?
Bombae: Oh my god, after going through Drag Race I feel unstoppable. It’s so weird. Before Drag Race, I was focused on being perfect. Now I’ve shifted to striving for happiness and fun instead of perfection. That change has impacted my process and my drag because now, when I perform and create, I’m trying to get the most joy out of it.

TiD: You’ve built a fanbase that extends far beyond the show. How do you stay connected with your audience now that the cameras have stopped rolling?
B: Thank you! I think the best way to do that is by being consistent with having a presence—online or within your community. Just being out there and talking about what’s going on in the world connects you to people. That way you’re not just someone who was on Drag Race—you’re also a human being who’s navigating the same world as the fans.

Your drag often blends fashion, comedy, and cultural storytelling. How has that signature style grown or shifted since your time on Drag Race?
Good question! I’ve only dug deeper into those aspects of my drag since the show. I can’t separate them from who I am, and they’ll be with me forever. I don’t ever want to be unfunny or out of style—or disappoint my culture.

What’s something about being on Drag Race that surprised you—and still stays with you to this day?
Okay, there are two things. First, it’s wild how Drag Race is made. There are entire teams in charge of everything, and even though the show is messy and queer and fun, behind the scenes it’s an extremely professional environment. Drag queens are never on time, but the crew managed to wrangle us so well.
Second, when you’re shooting on set, you’re hyper aware of being on TV and thinking about the audience and what they might think. In truth, the audience is a lot more forgiving. I thought people wouldn’t like my drag or my aesthetic, but I was welcomed by the fans—and that truly surprised me. It really uplifted my spirits and the way I look at drag now.

From gigs across Canada to podcast appearances and Pride performances, you’ve been busy! What have been some highlights from the past year?
OH GOD. Of all the things I’ve done in the past year, my highlight was watching a drag queen in New York fall from the first floor of the bar onto the dance floor. She passed out. She’s fine now—I think. She changed my life that night. Drag is indestructible.

“Before Drag Race I was striving for perfection. Now I strive for joy.”

— Bombae

TiD: You’re coming to Windsor for Queens & Kings of Pride. What can fans expect from your set at this event? Any surprises in store?
B: YES! I’m bringing something new to the stage. It’s something that can only be done outdoors (for legal reasons, of course). So get ready, Windsor—and bring a friend too.

This show brings together a fabulous mix of drag kings and queens from across the country. What does it mean to you to share a stage with such a diverse lineup?
I love this cast. Yes, the show is going to be amazing, but the shenanigans backstage are going to be next level. The best part of a diverse ensemble cast is that before and after the show we get to hang out, party, dance, and be queer. The show may end after our numbers, but the night is just getting started.

With over 70 vendors, food, music, and community programming, this is more than a show—it’s a Pride celebration. What role do Pride events like this play in our current cultural moment?
It’s about being seen. It’s not about seeking approval—it’s about acceptance. Pride is basically telling the world: We’re here, we’re queer, and we have pizza. You don’t have to like us—and that’s okay. We don’t need your approval, because we have each other (and pizza).

You’ve been part of Pride celebrations across Canada. What makes a Pride event feel powerful or meaningful to you personally?
It’s still WILD that Canada celebrates Pride in such a big way. I used to go to Pride parades in India, and the spirit is the same—but the scale is so different. If there’s one country you should be gay in, let it be Canada. There is so much love and support throughout the whole year. Y’all have it so good here. For the past eight years I’ve felt that love, and I do my best to give it right back.

Is there anything you’d like to share with your fans, the Windsor audience, or the readers of THISisDRAG.com?
Be nice to each other! Divas, it’s hard being queer right now—the least you can do is be kind to your queer family. Help each other out, be nice online, and buy each other pizza.

Queens & Kings of Pride - Presented by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest
Saturday, August 9, 2025
TICKETS

Don’t miss Bombae live at Windsor-Essex Pride Fest’s “Queens & Kings of Pride” on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Lanspeary Park. Hosted by AM800’s Dan MacDonald, the event features performances by Beth, Saltina Shaker, and drag stars from Windsor, Ottawa, and Toronto. With food, vendors, a marketplace, and VIP perks, this is a must-see celebration of queerness, artistry, and community.

🎟️ Tickets: General Admission $20 | VIP $40
🎫 Get yours now: TICKET LINK

By Kevin Blondin