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

Perla: Fashion, Fierceness, and the Power of Community

The Calgary-born queen reflects on life after Canada’s Drag Race, her fashion-forward evolution, and bringing the whiplash to Windsor.

From Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 to the fashion runways, Perla has made a name for herself as a fierce competitor, model, and fashion blogger. Originally from Calgary and now based in Toronto, Perla’s drag combines high fashion with undeniable stage presence. In 2022, she cemented her status as a powerhouse performer by winning the Absolut Empire’s Ball. Now, she’s bringing her signature style and stunning performances to Windsor for an unforgettable Drag Show Extravaganza at The Barbershop Bar. Before she hits the stage, Perla chats with THISisDRAG.com about her Drag Race journey, career highlights, and what fans can expect from her upcoming show.

THISisDrag: You’ve made waves since Canada’s Drag RaceSeason 5. How has life changed for you since being on the show?

Perla: ah! Thank you!! 

Honestly I wish I could say everything has changed and things are completely different, but it's definitely still very much in line with how things were before! Yes I get recognized from time to time and I've had some fun opportunities come my way! But I still get to just vibe out at home, play video games, work on outfits/hair and prepare myself for the next opportunity coming my way! 

Tho I will say I do feel a lot of pressure to keep things rolling! I'm always shooting new content, working on outfits for photoshoots, keeping up with social media and expanding my brand as much as I can! They really weren't kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race. 

TiD: You won the 2022 Absolut Empire’s Ball, a major drag competition. How did that experience shape your career?

P: Honestly winning The Empire’s Ball really brought me so much closer to my sisters. Now I get the joys of having Aurora Matrix and Van Goth by my side every step of the way and cheering on all of our triumphs together! And don't forget about our podcast, The Powder Room available on all podcast streaming platforms and the video components up on YouTube! 

TiD: Your background in fashion is a huge part of your drag. How do you blend your skills as a model and fashion blogger into your performances?

P: Literally fashion controls me at this point hahaha. I learned quickly that posing and performing work hand in hand. I may not be the best dancer, but I know my body and my angles so well that I can utilize those in each performance! 

TiD: You’re bringing your talents to Windsor for The Barbershop Bar’s Drag Show Extravaganza! What can fans expect from your performance?

P: Hopefully y'all are ready to experience the whiplash in person, hahaha

“They really weren’t kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race.”

— Perla

TiD: What’s your favorite part about performing in new cities and meeting different audiences?

P: I love getting to meet people! I get to have conversations with people who got to know me through the show, I get to meet more performers who do what I do! And I get to learn from them as well! I love learning tips and tricks from other performers as much as I love sharing them! 

TiD: You’re known for your polished and fashion-forward drag. How would you describe your style today, and has it evolved since Drag Race?

P: I think after Drag Race, I'm very much holding myself to the standard of what I wore on the show. Performance looks are very different than a runway, but for the moments I can, I want to make sure I'm delivering the same level as the looks I wore on the show. 

I think that's a true testament to your own brand and your aesthetic. I think it's extremely important to go on Drag Race as yourself. You should feel confident in your looks and how they represent you, which I'd say I definitely did. And now I want to continue to hold myself to that standard because I know I can. 

TiD: What’s next for Perla? Any exciting projects or dream gigs on the horizon?

P: What is next for Perla?! Hahaha I wish I knew! I'm definitely taking all opportunities that come my way and riding the wave as long as I can! I'm excited to continue with some super fun photoshoots, with creating more content with my Powderpuff sisters, and who knows, maybe I'm planning a little hop, skip and a jump over to the UK for some fun shows! 

TiD: Is there anything you’d like to add for your fans and readers of THISisDRAG.com?

P: Regardless of the state of the world and the messes happening around us, at the end of the day we are a community. We need to be there for each other, we need to support each other and we need to love each other. Stop focusing on the little things and celebrate the big things. Celebrate ALL community members. Speak up against genocides happening all around us, love your trans friends, support and uplift the people of colour being oppressed. The list goes on. But we can continue to be there for each other and we can continue to fight for each other. Nothing can stop us when we are supporting and uplifting our community as a whole. 

It's scary out there, it's depressing, it's hurtful but we always have our friends, our chosen family etc.

So chainsmoke and listen to the Deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine and keep your head held high! 

Perla
Saturday, May 10, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar in Windsor, Ontario.

Don’t miss Perla LIVE in Windsor! On Saturday, May 10, 2025, The Barbershop Bar will host the Drag Show Extravaganza featuring Perla from Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, alongside Poison, Mae Breast, and hosts Angelina Lepore and Venom Vonsnaps. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show kicking off at 8:15 PM. Grab your tickets now before they sell out! 💃🎟️ Get tickets here.

By Kevin Blondin