Guy Anabella: The Legacy Begins

Guy Anabella Reflects on Her Historic Win and the Power of Pretty Girls Who Are Strong

When Vision Drag Artists and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre announced their first-ever Pride Legacy Pageant, it promised a new tradition rooted in excellence, creativity, and community. On stage, eight talented performers brought drag, drama, and daring to life—but only one would walk away with the crown. Enter Guy Anabella, the powerhouse performer, professor, and poet who stunned the judges with her vibrant butterfly fantasy and original song, “Pretty Girls Are Strong.”

In this exclusive interview, Guy breaks down her history-making win, her inspirations, and the artistry behind her drag—one that fuses Caribbean celebration, gender-defying strength, and unapologetic beauty. As the first-ever Pride Legacy winner, she’s not just wearing the crown. She’s redefining what it means to earn one.

THISisDRAG.com: Guy, congratulations on being crowned at the first-ever Pride Legacy Pageant! How does it feel to have won the title?

Guy Anabella: It feels correct! Honestly, I’m deeply honoured. I don’t take the title lightly. This is the first-ever Pride Legacy crown, and I want to set the tone for what it means. I hope this pageant becomes a new tradition every Pride, and I can’t wait to cheer on next year’s winner from the front row.

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

GA: I try not to expect anything, but in that moment? Pure gratitude and pride. I had worked so hard in the month leading up to the pageant. So to hear my name being called and realizing that all my effort paid off? It was emotional. Still feels a bit surreal.

What were your thoughts when you first learned that you would be competing in this pageant?

Not gonna lie, I was nervous! I’ve never done a pageant before so I didn’t know what to expect. But once the nerves subsided, I decided it was time to lock in and give it my all.

What were your thoughts about the rest of the contestants?

I thought it was an incredibly strong cast, with each of them bringing a very unique and different perspective to drag. It was a celebration of how diverse, creative, and powerful drag can be. I knew I had to push myself to stand out because of this iconic lineup.

TiD: Who did you expect to be the biggest threat?

GA: Every single one of them was a threat in their own way. Here’s the tea:

• Sucka brings camp and comedy, which I love. I’ve performed with her before and knew she’d give something very Willow Pill-coded and gobble the stage.

• Sevynn—I didn’t know her beforehand, but the minute she hit that pole? I knew she was one to watch. Fierce, sweet, and strong.

• Sahira is absolutely stunning. Like me, she weaves her culture into her drag, and I’m obsessed with artists who have a message.

• Midas—I’ve seen her perform in Toronto. A stunts and fashion girlie. I knew she was one to watch—and rightfully so, as she was in the Top 2!

• Masisi has international credits, hunni! Drag Race Holland and Queen of the Universe. I was nervous. Her runway and live vocals had me shook. Such a radiant, regal energy.

• Betty Baker had me gagged when I saw her do “Turn the Beat Around” at Drag Brunch Saved My Life. That performance is easily one of my top 3 drag performances ever. Camp, kicks, comedy—I was living!

• Molly Kewl is an education queen like me! Her aesthetic is giving “Bill Nye meets Decora,” and it’s so smart, so fresh. I knew she was going to do something shocking.

What can you tell us about your Legendary Moment runway look?

I knew I wanted to serve something Caribana-inspired. That’s my aesthetic through and through: vibrant, cultural, over-the-top. This was a pageant, so I wanted to go bigger. I told myself: it has to be impactful. I want people to gasp.

When I saw Anna-Lisa Ragu’s design, I was shook. The colour palette was dreamy, and the giant bouncing butterflies… I was in awe. That was the biggest backpack I’ve ever worn—and trust, it felt like it too—but it was so worth it. Covered in rhinestones, layered with delicate butterfly details… it was so pretty.

The hair was styled by the fabulous Zsa Zsa and matched the look perfectly—rhinestoned to the gods. Fun fact? It was actually a drawstring ponytail that she turned into a hair topper. Out of drag, I’ve got long hair, so I tucked it into a bun and pinned it on to make it look real.

The butterfly is such a powerful symbol for me. It’s all about transformation. Rebirth. Becoming. It feels so queer to me…the way we evolve, challenge norms, and reveal our true selves in colour and light. That’s exactly what I wanted to channel on that runway.

TiD: What can you tell us about your talent number?

GA: When I started thinking about my talent number, I knew I wanted to do something creative… something that would shock people.

I’m a powerlifter and a professor, and people are always shocked when I tell them that. So I thought: what if I leaned all the way in? My early concepts were a motivational lecture in full drag or a live weightlifting stunt onstage. Because we see muscle queens, yes… but can they lift, mama?

I also wanted to challenge myself to make an original song. In a past life, I was a world-renowned rapper. I wrote and performed the original song called “Pretty Girls Are Strong.” I worked with my producer Gavin Whehelan and choreographer Brianne Katz-Griffin to bring it to life—all in a month! But I learned so much about what goes into making a song and performing it. I want to make more music!

The song is about smashing gender expectations, especially the ones placed on women. Society tells you to be dainty, smooth, soft… but what if you’re strong, hairy, sweaty, and pretty? What if you’re all of those things at once?

That’s what my drag is about. I blur gender lines. I honour femininity and strength. The talent number was a love letter to all the people who’ve ever felt like they had to choose between masculinity and femininity... Spoiler: you don’t.

TiD: What does winning this title mean for your future in drag?

GA: It feels like a green light. This title has affirmed that I’m on the right path and that my version of drag belongs in the spotlight. It’s opened doors, but more importantly, it’s opened my own eyes to what I’m capable of. It’s incredibly validating and affirming. I do believe that I was born to do this. And I am not done!

What’s next for Guy Anabella?

So much! I want to get into garment design. I have the vision but I just need to level up the execution. I also want to keep making music! “Pretty Girls Are Strong” is just the beginning. And of course, continuing to blend my professor life with my performer life. Guy Anabella’s just getting started. I’m planning to create some queer creativity courses in 2025! I want to make sure this reign is a successful one.

Do you have anything else that you would like to add?

Your biggest competition is yourself. Sometimes, the hardest part is getting out of your own way. It’s okay to be critical of yourself because that’s how we grow—but it’s even more important to celebrate yourself. You deserve to take up space, to shine, and to be proud of how far you’ve come.
And remember that PRETTY GIRLS ARE STRONG!

From runway wings to lyrical fire, Guy Anabella proved she’s more than a pageant queen—she’s a force for transformation. With a reign ahead and new creative projects in the works, Guy’s legacy is just beginning to unfold. And if this first chapter is any sign, the future of drag—and of Pride Legacy—is in very powerful, very pretty hands.

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By Kevin Blondin

Sevynn the Moment

Unfiltered, unafraid, and unforgettable — Windsor’s drag royalty talks evolution, advocacy, and Pride.

Sevynn is a name Windsor knows well — but get ready, because she's entering a bold new era. With charisma, couture, and a calling for advocacy, Sevynn is turning heads and turning up the volume on what it means to be a drag queen with purpose. Known for her sharp wit, high-energy performances, and her unwavering commitment to HIV awareness and queer health equity, Sevynn doesn’t just perform — she ignites.

Now, the Windsor drag powerhouse is getting ready to take center stage at not one, not two, but three major events as part of Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2025: the much-anticipated Spritz Boat Cruise, the glitter-filled Pride Drag Lunch, and the even more glitter-filled GLITTERBALL. Ahead of these appearances, Sevynn sat down with THISisDRAG.com to talk about her evolution as an artist, her vision for advocacy in drag, and what fans can expect from her upcoming performances.

THISisDRAG.com: Let’s start with the name — Sevynn. For those who are new to you, how would you describe the essence of your drag persona?
Sevynn: For those who don’t know: Sevynn is a remodel of my original drag persona, Benz Menova. I’m still the same lustful and sparkling diva I was before, but with a more open mind. I’ve become bolder and more mysterious — once you think you’ve figured me out, I’ll turn it on its head and keep you guessing.

TiD: You have this beautiful way of blending glamour with grit — how has your style or message evolved since you first started performing?
7: My style changes through experience and reflection. I’ve moved from dance-heavy numbers to more intimate moments where each audience member feels seen. I want people to crave those moments and come back for more. Visually, I’ve become more androgynous and edgy — blending the “pretty girl” look with alternative aesthetics.

Your advocacy work, especially around HIV awareness and queer health equity, is a huge part of your brand. Why are these causes so close to your heart?
I’ve experienced hate and misinformation due to fear and ignorance about my HIV status. After my diagnosis, my doctor actually told me it was best to keep it to myself — why? When I speak openly about it, it gives others space to ask questions safely. Being HIV undetectable is part of me, not something to feel ashamed of. It was like another coming out. I’m not yet where I want to be with advocacy, but I’m working to build partnerships with local and national foundations.

What’s one message or feeling you hope people walk away with after seeing a Sevynn performance?
I hope people come in hoping they’ll get their own moment of my attention — and leave either grateful they did, or craving more. That’s how I keep them coming back.

You’ve always stood for something — whether it’s body positivity, healthcare justice, or identity visibility. What advice would you give to young queer performers who want to use their platform for change?
You won’t be respected unless you’re willing to listen. Passion is important, but so is conversation. You can’t change people, but you can understand them — ask questions, be curious. Hostility rarely helps, so pick your battles and know when to stand firm and when to connect.

“My platform is a stage, and my message is clear: everybody deserves to shine, no matter their status.”

— Sevynn

Spritz Boat Cruise - Presented by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest
Sunday, July 27, 2025
TICKETS

TiD: We are so excited to see you on the water for the Spritz Boat Cruise! What can you tease about your performance for that event?
7: I’ll be pulling out some brand-new material for the cruise — new music and flirty summer vibes. Fun fact: I’ll be performing a song by an artist I went to high school with!

This event blends drag with a summer day party on the river. What’s your vibe going into it — and what makes performing on a boat so iconic?
I’m refreshed and ready — it’s the kickoff to my Pride season and a chance to showcase the new me. The most iconic part? The breeze keeping my face from melting! I’m also just excited to see familiar faces and make new memories.

Pride Drag Lunch - Presented by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest
Sunday, August 3, 2025
TICKETS

TiD: Next up, you’re performing at the Pride Drag Lunch at The G.O.A.T. in Walkerville. What makes this kind of intimate brunch-style show special for you as a performer?
7: These shows are a chance for me to step away from the “Top 40” playlists and perform songs that really vibe with me. They're creatively freeing — they let people see a more personal side of Sevynn and help shape my style.

You’re performing alongside Venom Vonsnaps and hosted by Jonny Parks and Dan MacDonald — what kind of energy are you bringing to the table for this one?
I’m bringing high-energy performance that’s appropriate for all ages. As a performer, it’s important to read the room — you’ll see a more modest Sevynn here, but still unmistakably me.

GLITTERBALL - Presented by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest
Saturday, August 9, 2025
TICKETS

TiD: You're also slated to perform at GLITTERBALL on August 9 — a late-night celebration full of sparkle, music, and aerial performances. What excites you most about being part of this glitter-drenched queer nightlife moment?
7: In all my years of performing for Windsor Pride, this is my first time performing at GLITTERBALL, so that’s exciting! I’d say what excites me most about this night in particular is my partner from North Carolina will be visiting and has never seen me perform before. This will be his introduction to Sevynn and Canada drag altogether, so you bet I’ll be putting on one hell of a show!

With DJ Kevin Bailey spinning and fellow performers like Rosie, Elixia, and Kai on the bill, GLITTERBALL feels like a true fusion of drag, dance, and spectacle. How are you preparing to bring your own kind of magic to the mix?
The magic I’ll bring to GLITTERBALL is energy and sex appeal. My mindset prepping for GLITTERBALL is serving the foreplay you didn’t know you needed. Only one person will be bringing me home that night, and every single person will wish it was them.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans, followers, or those attending Windsor-Essex Pride Fest this year?
I’m excited for everyone to experience Sevynn! I’ve been working on new costumes and can’t wait to debut them. Also — a little teaser: I’m partnering with Windsor-Essex Pride Fest for some future events. So, keep your eyes peeled!

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Catch Sevynn live and in full force this Pride season! She’ll be serving high-octane looks and purpose-driven performances on:

• Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the Spritz Boat Cruise — a floating celebration with music, drag, and views for days. 🎟 Get tickets here.

• Sunday, August 3, 2025 at the Pride Drag Lunch — an afternoon of fierce eats and even fiercer queens at The G.O.A.T. Walkerville. 🎟 Reserve your seat here.

• Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the GLITTERBALL - a world of glitter and sparkly surprises. 🎟 Get tickets here.

Don’t miss your chance to witness one of Windsor’s most magnetic voices in drag as she turns Pride into power — one spotlight at a time.

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By Kevin Blondin