Sabin: Detroit’s Drag Royalty

Known as Detroit's "Bald Headed Bitch," Sabin reflects on drag, belonging, and why Windsor continues to hold a special place in her heart.

Every performer has a city that feels like home—even if it's across an international border.

For Detroit drag icon Sabin, Windsor has become exactly that.

Known as the self-proclaimed "Bald Headed Bitch of Detroit," Sabin has spent years entertaining audiences throughout Michigan and Southwestern Ontario with a style that blends gothic glamour, razor-sharp wit, and heartfelt authenticity. While her persona may sound intimidating, the performer behind the makeup is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen.

This August, Sabin returns to Windsor-Essex Pride Fest as the official host of Pride Day, taking the stage alongside co-host Mel Lucier for one of the festival's largest celebrations. Before welcoming thousands of attendees to Lanspeary Park, THISisDRAG.com caught up with Sabin to discuss her drag journey, her connection to Windsor, and why Pride continues to inspire her year after year.

Finding Beauty in Goth and Glam

There are drag performers who rely on spectacle, and then there are performers who leave audiences feeling like they've met a genuine person behind the lashes.

Sabin has always embraced both.

When asked how she would introduce herself to readers discovering her for the first time, her answer perfectly summed up the balance she's spent years cultivating.

"I've always described Sabin as a mixture of both goth and glam. Taking classical elements of drag and turning them on their head."

It's an aesthetic that has become instantly recognizable throughout Detroit's drag scene and beyond, pairing dramatic visuals with a personality that is surprisingly warm and welcoming.

That combination also explains why the nickname "The Bald Headed Bitch of Detroit" has remained with her for years.

While the title sounds fierce, Sabin laughs at the irony behind it.

"While I can be bitchy, I think I'm far from a bitch. I have a very sharp sense of humor, but behind the makeup and eyebrows is actually someone who believes in making people feel seen and heard, and welcome in any space I share with them."

That philosophy has become the foundation of her career, helping audiences connect with the performer long after the music stops.

A Moment Her Mother Will Never Forget

Every drag artist has performances that stay with them forever.

For Sabin, one memory rises above the rest.

While performing at Motor City Pride alongside Landon Cider and Jax, something unexpected happened before she even stepped onto the stage.

Jax began hyping up the crowd, who responded by chanting Sabin's name.

Following her performance, the audience rewarded her with a standing ovation.

But what made the moment unforgettable wasn't the applause.

It was who was watching.

"They didn't realize that my mom was in attendance and got the opportunity to not only hear them chant my name, but see them stand in appreciation of my performance. It was the first time I was able to feel like I made my mom really proud."

For many performers, career milestones are measured by titles or television appearances.

For Sabin, it was hearing an audience celebrate her while her mother witnessed every second.

“I leave every Pride empowered and proud of who I’ve grown into as an adult and as a performer.”

— Sabin

A Second Home Across the River

Although Detroit will always be home, Windsor has become something special.

Having performed throughout the city for years at venues including the Wellington and Legends of 2012, Sabin says returning to Windsor never feels like another booking.

Instead, it feels like coming home.

"For some reason, Windsor has always treated me like one of their own, even though a body of water and a world of political differences separate our countries."

She credits that feeling to the friendships she's built over the years and the unwavering support she's received from local audiences.

Those relationships make this year's invitation especially meaningful, as she returns not only as a performer but as the official host of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest's Pride Day celebration.

Why Pride Still Matters

As conversations around LGBTQ+ rights continue to evolve, Pride remains more than a celebration for Sabin.

It's a reminder of the strength found in community.

"Pride celebrations are always my favorite events of the year because we are able to get together and celebrate who and what we are together, and authentically."

She acknowledges that protests and negativity can still exist around Pride events, but believes they only reinforce why these celebrations remain so important.

"The community and its supporters come together... showing a united front. I leave every year empowered and proud of who I have grown into as an adult and as a performer."

Perhaps her most heartfelt message was reserved for the Windsor-Essex community itself.

"Thank you for always including me, and making me truly feel like one of your own."

At a time when political conversations can often divide people, Sabin says Pride reminds her that community always has the power to bring people back together.

Pride Day! - Presented by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest
Sunday, August 9, 2026

Sabin's return to Windsor-Essex Pride Fest is more than another performance—it's another chapter in a relationship that's been built through years of friendship, unforgettable performances, and genuine community.

Join Sabin and co-host Mel Lucier for Pride Day on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lanspeary Park following the annual Pride Parade.

This free community celebration features live music by Big Louis and the Band, Kate Channer Band, Casual Cries for Help, and Porcelain, alongside drag performances from Sevynn, Hudson Bae, Airress, Kristie Kreme, Kristen Mingle, and B. Martini. Festivalgoers can also explore more than 70 merchant, community, and food vendors throughout the park.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Sabin for the first time, Pride Day promises an afternoon filled with entertainment, connection, and celebration as Windsor-Essex comes together to celebrate love, diversity, and community.

By Kevin Blondin

Zoe: Miss Kitty 2024

We are thrilled to introduce Zoe, the newly crowned Miss Kitty 2024! Zoe, known for her captivating performances and vibrant energy, recently won the coveted title at the Catfight for the Crown event. Competing alongside her Haus of Morefill partner, Bermuda Banks, Zoe showcased her exceptional talent and charisma, securing her place in the drag spotlight. Join us as we delve into her journey, experiences, and what this title means for her future in drag.

DRAG MAG: Zoe, congratulations on being crowned Miss Kitty 2024! How does it feel to have won the title?

Zoe: Thank you! It feels really amazing! This past month has been really surreal.

DM: What were your initial thoughts and emotions when you were announced as the winner?

Z: Well…I thought Bella (Belladonna Marz) was going to win, so when they announced her as runner up I was gagged! When they announced me though, I felt crazy! So much relief & so much pride. I really wanted to win!

You competed in Catfight for the Crown with your Haus of Morefill partner, Bermuda Banks. How did you support each other during the competition?

You see, my friendship with Bermuda is really one of my most special friendships but I hadn’t seen her in a while before the pageant so I think just her presence and being able to bounce back & forth energies was very fulfilling. Specifically pertaining to the pageant though, Bermuda was like the vocal director for our talent presentation, and I took on a lot of styling elements for the night.

Can you share a memorable moment you both had during the event, audition or rehearsals?

Haha, well the first thing that comes to mind is Bermuda looking at me before we went on for the end, and she said “What are you gonna do when you’re Miss Kitty?”. And I was like, “I don’t think I’m gonna win.” 

Can you tell us more about the Haus of Morefill?

Absolutely. The name kinda stemmed from where I work, The Fillmore. I want to be like a famous singer, so my friends and I joke that I’m going to go on a Morefill tour of the nation’s Fillmore venues. It just kinda made sense to adapt the name for this.

What does being a part of this Haus mean to you, and how does it influence your drag?

Bermuda and I’s entrance into this world of fabulousness stemmed from us in college just doing what felt right. So I think that’s a very important aspect of our Haus. Bravery and acceptance. Being in this Haus means that you’re gonna have people there who are honest, and accepting, and continue to inspire with their creativity, and be there to just love on you sometimes. Everyone needs that.

The competition had various categories, including face, swimsuit, Haus talent, evening wear, and interview. Which category was your favorite to compete in, and why?

My favorite for sure was the swimsuit category. I knew it was going to be a moment, and I thought I was going to look so pretty.

Were there any particular challenges you faced in any of the categories?

Well, my top actually broke for swimsuit minutes before I had to go on. Bermuda and I were messing around with it in the back, but I just ultimately had to make the call...the call being to be even more naked on stage. 

You also work at the Fillmore, the venue that hosts Catfight for the Crown. How was your experience different this year as a competitor compared to attending as staff in the past?

Oh my god! I had so much FOMO watching last year’s show. I wanted to be up there so bad, so this year definitely felt correct. I was also just so proud to be representing and performing for all my work friends.

Did your familiarity with the venue give you any unique advantages?

Not at all! I don’t think there is a single place I stepped the night of the pageant that I had previously been in at work. My job is sooo not backstage.

The event is a fundraiser in support of the Ruth Ellis Center. How important is it for you to be involved in events that support the LGBTQ+ community?

Well I love the Ruth Ellis Center. They were really special to me when I first moved to the city. Community is how we’re going to keep us alive, and keep our history alive. We need each other.

What message would you like to share about the importance of such initiatives?

Pride is 24/7…not just June, that’s pride month. Search for things that give you joy all year round. Like I said, it’s so important to connect and feel seen by others, and there’s a lot of people who don’t want to see us happy or together so we have to support the community to make way for the community in the future.

How would you describe your relationship with your Haus sister Bermuda Banks?

It’s so interesting. I influenced Bermuda in her trans journey as I had like come out as nonbinary and whatnot. But then the picture kinda spun when she was talking to me about hormones and influenced my journey starting HRT. She also put me into drag for the first time so it’s kinda complex, but it has bonded us together forever. 

What are some of the ways you inspire and uplift each other in your drag journeys?

We love each other so much and are so accepting of each other. We are not there to yuck yums. So much of art is about being brave, and taking risks, and cultivating a vision. It’s important to have a community that can swipe up and show their support.

What does winning the title of Miss Kitty 2024 mean for your future in drag?

Ahhh! Great question! I had actually planned on quitting drag for a year until the next pageant. I hadn’t really done drag in over a year before the pageant but now there’s so many opportunities so much passion in the air, so I really don’t know what to do.

Are there any specific goals or projects you’re excited to pursue as Miss Kitty?

I’ve thought a lot about my music career outside of drag, but as for Miss Kitty… I just want to do a couple gigs, low stakes, and see how I’m feeling after summer. 

Can you share a bit about your drag persona and what inspires your performances?

My drag comes out of a love for the women I grew up with in person and on the tv. Latinx women. Black women. Strong women. Sexy women. I wanted to be like them. Beyoncé. Shakira. Ciara. Nowadays I’m inspired by like Hunter Schafer, and Sasha Colby, and Gigi & Symone. They’re awesome.

What do you hope audiences take away from your shows?

Hmm…entertainment…and comedy - oop, I mean confidence! I don’t think I’m that funny. (laughs)

And finally, do you have anything that you would like to add?

Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported me through the pageant! To everyone who will read this, to you…it’s been so magical to feel all this love, and that’s all I want to share - love! Thank you so much! I love you!

Stay fabulous and keep supporting our incredible drag artists!

By Kevin Blondin