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

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