How a Kenyan-Born Performer Became the First Muslim on US Drag Race

Kenyan-born drag artist Mercedes Iman Diamond made history in 2019 as the first Muslim contestant to compete on the US franchise of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Born in Mombasa and raised in the United States after migrating there as a child, Mercedes lives in Minneapolis and uses he/him pronouns in everyday life. Mercedes Iman Diamond is her drag persona, which she presents through costume, performance and visual artistry. She does not identify as a transgender woman but as a drag artist.

Her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 marked an important moment in her career and representation. She became the first Muslim contestant on the US franchise and used the platform to showcase her East African heritage. One of her most notable runway appearances featured an outfit inspired by the Kenyan flag, bringing Kenyan identity to an international television audience.

Mercedes has also spoken openly about the challenges she experienced in the United States. She said she spent years on government watch lists because of her Muslim name, an experience she associated with the profiling of Muslims and immigrants following the September 11 attacks.

Her story reflects several aspects of identity, including her Kenyan and African heritage, Muslim background and life as a queer person. Through her public career, she has spoken about experiences that can affect people navigating different cultural, religious and social identities.

Her career has also included serious health challenges. She has experienced health scares, including strokes that she linked to the demands of frequent travel. Despite those difficulties, she recovered and continued performing.