What do you think?
Rate this book
No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen
Kennedy Ann Scott was awarded Teacher of the Year in Nashville, Tennessee. Olivia Lux starred in Rent and Kinky Boots. Julie J raised more than $100,000 for trans and LGBTQIA+ organizations. Lagoona Bloo is currently starring on the Off-Broadway hit the Musical and Alex Michaels received a stellar review from The New York Times for their role in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Barrington Stage Company. Nina West received an honorary doctorate in May 2024 and is a well-known entertainer having worked with everyone from Glenn Close to Kermit the Frog.
When these gorgeous queens dress up in their stunning gown with picture perfect makeup, haters label them as inappropriate and unlawful. They are entertainers not predators. Drag is an art of self-expression that, at its core, affirms and uplifts LGBTQIA+ people.
No Tea, No Shade is a collective anthem written by six drag queens who believe in equality, peace, and in a world that loves and respects all people. The defiant legacy of drag will endure fearmongering and hate because their hearts have endured the unthinkable, their courage has been relentlessly tested, and to be blunt, they have the balls to prevail.
No Tea, No Shade? features thirty essays written by six talented queens. They
Social activism, Drag Story Hour, and education.Coming out, gender, and equality.Parenting, relationships, setting goals, and rejection.Celebrating womanhood, family, and image.Despite the pervasive danger of being authentic and real, these drag artists have chosen to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and not give up. They remind us and others who will listen that a person’s identity shouldn’t be marginalized to genitals. Identity categories are not as important as we have been led to believe. The shade casted on drag is just a scapegoat. It is a distraction political figures and trolls use to lure people away from caring about serious issues like gun violence, poverty, and racism.
No Tea, No Shade will shine a light on a community of people who are paving the way for a better world and holding the light for others to step up.
When these gorgeous queens dress up in their stunning gown with picture perfect makeup, haters label them as inappropriate and unlawful. They are entertainers not predators. Drag is an art of self-expression that, at its core, affirms and uplifts LGBTQIA+ people.
No Tea, No Shade is a collective anthem written by six drag queens who believe in equality, peace, and in a world that loves and respects all people. The defiant legacy of drag will endure fearmongering and hate because their hearts have endured the unthinkable, their courage has been relentlessly tested, and to be blunt, they have the balls to prevail.
No Tea, No Shade? features thirty essays written by six talented queens. They
Social activism, Drag Story Hour, and education.Coming out, gender, and equality.Parenting, relationships, setting goals, and rejection.Celebrating womanhood, family, and image.Despite the pervasive danger of being authentic and real, these drag artists have chosen to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and not give up. They remind us and others who will listen that a person’s identity shouldn’t be marginalized to genitals. Identity categories are not as important as we have been led to believe. The shade casted on drag is just a scapegoat. It is a distraction political figures and trolls use to lure people away from caring about serious issues like gun violence, poverty, and racism.
No Tea, No Shade will shine a light on a community of people who are paving the way for a better world and holding the light for others to step up.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
1 pages, Audio CD
Published September 23, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 13, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
It’s no secret. I love drag queens. Ever since I went to my first gay bar at age 18, I was cast under spell watching that first drag queen perform. That being said I knew I was going to love this book. Every chapter for each queen was beautifully written. I loved learning more about them.
It’s no secret. I love drag queens. Ever since I went to my first gay bar at age 18, I was cast under spell watching that first drag queen perform. That being said I knew I was going to love this book. Every chapter for each queen was beautifully written. I loved learning more about them.
September 25, 2025
This is such a wonderful collection of powerful stories from fabulous Queens! I loved reading their stories and how much they support each other. Some stories are definitely heartbreaking and painful. Found family can truly be better than blood. Highly recommended this read to everyone.
September 20, 2025
No Tea, No Shade is written by six drag queens who tell their stories and histories of how they became to be over the course of thirty essays.
Most begin by telling the story of how they came to realize their queerness early in life and how that grew into their drag personas. I enjoyed reading how the parts of the world they wanted to reflect in these identities have grown and flourished- from your name to your activism to your community as a whole.
Reading this felt like a hug from a community you didn't know you needed.
This will be published 23 September 2025 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Most begin by telling the story of how they came to realize their queerness early in life and how that grew into their drag personas. I enjoyed reading how the parts of the world they wanted to reflect in these identities have grown and flourished- from your name to your activism to your community as a whole.
Reading this felt like a hug from a community you didn't know you needed.
This will be published 23 September 2025 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
March 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this collection of short essays from six prominent drag queens including Nashville's own, Kennedy Ann Scott. It was interesting to look into the lives and experiences behind each author's drag persona and see how each unique perspective found a similar strength in their drag expression. I also thought the format was really well done and could be replicated in new editions with different drag queens in perpetuity. If other such editions are ever written, I will definitely check them out.
September 21, 2025
Reading memoir-style essays written by a diverse group of drag queens was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I am a long-time drag aficionado - both of mainstream Rupaul’s Drag Race drag and of local drag - and in each essay I found something new to learn or think about. I appreciated the diversity of queens represented in this book across all types of identity (gender, race, location). If your primary knowledge of drag comes from Drag Race, there will be names you recognize: Alexis Michelle, Olivia Lux, and Nina West, among Kennedy Ann Scott, Lagoona Bloo, and Julie J. If you are new to drag, this is an excellent primer. It discusses the various journeys queens take to their career in drag and the various challenges they face. It explores what drag has mean historically (although there are other books that provide a more in-depth history if that is of particular interest) and the different ways one can make a career in drag - music, dancing, hosting, philanthropy, etc.
I will say, I am not sure who the intended audience is for this book. If it is meant to change minds of those critical of drag - I think it could do that but would someone who is close-minded against drag pick up a book of essays about this art form? If you are already interested in drag, there might not be much that is brand new on these pages. However, if your knowledge of drag is limited to Drag Race, I think this book will expand a reader’s perspective of all that drag can encompass beyond the main stage and give more texture and detail for those queens a Drag Race fan may know but not know as well as some of the biggest names across the 17 seasons of the TV show.
I encourage anyone interested in drag (whether new to the art or a long-time fan) or in LGBTQIA+ history in general to pick up this book. You will enjoy it and learn quite a bit. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperOne for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I will say, I am not sure who the intended audience is for this book. If it is meant to change minds of those critical of drag - I think it could do that but would someone who is close-minded against drag pick up a book of essays about this art form? If you are already interested in drag, there might not be much that is brand new on these pages. However, if your knowledge of drag is limited to Drag Race, I think this book will expand a reader’s perspective of all that drag can encompass beyond the main stage and give more texture and detail for those queens a Drag Race fan may know but not know as well as some of the biggest names across the 17 seasons of the TV show.
I encourage anyone interested in drag (whether new to the art or a long-time fan) or in LGBTQIA+ history in general to pick up this book. You will enjoy it and learn quite a bit. Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperOne for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
It is so hard to give a rating to a book that is based on someone's life, when they are literally speaking their truth. This book tells the stories of six drag queens and the profound effects that they have on society and the effect the social, familial, and political climate has had on them their entire lives. One of the authors, Kennedy Ann Scott, is a dear friend of mine, and she is why I purchased the book, and talking with her about everything I learned from this book has been such a season of growth for me. Diversity is what makes the world a more beautiful, more interesting, more loving place, I don't understand why the human race can't just accept people and let us live our truths. Admittedly, some chapters of this book are written better than others, but that is not the point of this book. The point is to see the beauty in who these authors are, and how they have overcome all the obstacles that were and continue to be stacked against them. We all have trials that hold us back, we need to provide safe spaces for each other; less judgment, more acceptance, more love.
September 20, 2025
I love Drag Race and all things drag-related. This collection of essays gives an insight into the lives of some of our favorite queens - both on the stage and off. Each queen has 5 essays that are short and easy to get through. I especially loved Kennedy Ann Scott's and Nina West's collections! My one complaint is that sometimes the essays were repetitive. For example, one essay may talk about a family member's cancer journey, and the next will reintroduce that journey as if the reader didn't already have that background. Those moments of incohesiveness kind of threw me off. Despite those moments, the essays are beautifully written and powerful. I even got to know two queens I haven't heard of before - Kennedy Ann Scott and Julie J. I'll definitely be looking more into their work! This collection of essays is essential for any fan of drag! They may be quick and easy to read, but they are often heartbreaking. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperOne, and all of the queens for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperOne, and all of the queens for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
November 23, 2025
A great collection of essays from a variety of amazing drag queens. Each tell personal stories of their queerness and experience with drag in their early years through 2025. As a non queer aly for the community who frequents queer establishments regularly, I feel this booked furthered my education about people that I love, who embrace me and keep all of us safe and laughing
November 3, 2025
4.5 rounded up. I love drag queens! I love drag as an art form! I love community!
September 4, 2025
4.5 stars
At a time when drag is gaining both visibility and scrutiny, this collection of biographical essays feels especially vital. Featuring six remarkable drag queens, No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen provides a multifaceted look into the drag world, showing that there is no single path to becoming a queen. Drag is as unique as the individuals who embody it.
What stands out most is the diversity of voices represented. Each queen brings their own story, artistry, and perspective, offering something new to the conversation. My favorite aspect of this collection was how it peeled back the layers between persona and person. The essays don’t just celebrate dazzling stagecraft. They also highlight the human experiences, struggles, and triumphs behind the wigs and makeup. That balance made the book not only entertaining but also deeply moving.
Overall, No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen is inspiring, insightful, and full of heart. It’s a must-read for everyone: longtime fans of drag, newcomers curious about the art form, and anyone interested in the resilience and creativity of queer communities.
At a time when drag is gaining both visibility and scrutiny, this collection of biographical essays feels especially vital. Featuring six remarkable drag queens, No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen provides a multifaceted look into the drag world, showing that there is no single path to becoming a queen. Drag is as unique as the individuals who embody it.
What stands out most is the diversity of voices represented. Each queen brings their own story, artistry, and perspective, offering something new to the conversation. My favorite aspect of this collection was how it peeled back the layers between persona and person. The essays don’t just celebrate dazzling stagecraft. They also highlight the human experiences, struggles, and triumphs behind the wigs and makeup. That balance made the book not only entertaining but also deeply moving.
Overall, No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen is inspiring, insightful, and full of heart. It’s a must-read for everyone: longtime fans of drag, newcomers curious about the art form, and anyone interested in the resilience and creativity of queer communities.
September 23, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
No Tea, No Shade is a collection of essays/recollections/vignettes and general life philosophies from 6 well known drag queens (see cover). Released 23rd Sept by HarperCollins on their HarperOne imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Given the current political climate and questions of health and safety in parts of the world for marginalized people (including LGBTQIA+ folks), this collection is by turns whimsical, humorous (often with heartrending sadness), defiantly unapologetic, and full of strength and inspiration. That comes across very clearly in the authors' own words about their lived experiences and plans. The authors include drag artists of color whose experiences with the added nuances which come from growing up with another skin color/ethnicity often deepened the divide between themselves and "mainstream" American.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 31 minutes and is narrated by the authors themselves.
This is a worthwhile, honest/unvarnished non-fiction selection and would make an excellent gift, public or home library acquisition, or book club read.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
No Tea, No Shade is a collection of essays/recollections/vignettes and general life philosophies from 6 well known drag queens (see cover). Released 23rd Sept by HarperCollins on their HarperOne imprint, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Given the current political climate and questions of health and safety in parts of the world for marginalized people (including LGBTQIA+ folks), this collection is by turns whimsical, humorous (often with heartrending sadness), defiantly unapologetic, and full of strength and inspiration. That comes across very clearly in the authors' own words about their lived experiences and plans. The authors include drag artists of color whose experiences with the added nuances which come from growing up with another skin color/ethnicity often deepened the divide between themselves and "mainstream" American.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 31 minutes and is narrated by the authors themselves.
This is a worthwhile, honest/unvarnished non-fiction selection and would make an excellent gift, public or home library acquisition, or book club read.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 16, 2026
In this moving series of essays by six drag queens, Kennedy Ann Scottt, Lagoona Bloo, Alexis Michelle, Olivia Lux, Julie J, and Nina West share their powerful stories and wield their right to self-expression in incredible ways. Each of the thirty essays offers insights into a variety of issues, emotions, events, and experiences, and all six drag artists’ determination to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights show on every page. A brilliant and emotionally moving book, this new release shows a community working for a better world for others and offers readers the opportunity to see how they too can step up and speak out. The authors’ voices shine through on every single page, and readers will love the vivacity and emotional depth in each essay. Their experiences as drag artists are incredibly diverse and offer incredible insights into the community as well as their own professions, and readers will really appreciate the details, emotions, and advice each author offers in their essays. Brilliantly written, entertaining, and packed with details and emotions, this collection of essays is a must-read, and readers will be pulled in by the wit, emotionality, and complexity of the authors’ stories, experiences, and insights in this brilliant new book.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperOne for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperOne for the advance copy.
January 30, 2026
No Tea, No Shade is a collection of six mini-memoirs from notable drag queens - half who have been on RuPaul's Drag Race and half who have not, which makes for a good mix for people who started learning drag via television and are now branching out further!
The stories are all personal (and very little about the show so don't come in expecting deets there) with each chapter focusing on a subject, rather than a linear life story. Each queen truly has her own story to tell here, but in the end what ties them all together is the beauty of community, and what we do in our communities. In the audiobook, each section is written by the queen who wrote it, which is always lovely.
Thank you to HarperOne for the eARC in exchange for review! Love an ARC for something I'm going to read and yap about anyway, it reminds me to leave actual reviews instead of just talking to people!
The stories are all personal (and very little about the show so don't come in expecting deets there) with each chapter focusing on a subject, rather than a linear life story. Each queen truly has her own story to tell here, but in the end what ties them all together is the beauty of community, and what we do in our communities. In the audiobook, each section is written by the queen who wrote it, which is always lovely.
Thank you to HarperOne for the eARC in exchange for review! Love an ARC for something I'm going to read and yap about anyway, it reminds me to leave actual reviews instead of just talking to people!
October 1, 2025
ARC received from NetGalley
My daughter and I spent the summer bonding and binge-watching Drag Race. I'm late to trends, so the show is still new to me. I am familiar with drag, however, and enjoyed this collection of vignettes.
Some authors I recognized through Drag Race, but all offered up stories that tugged and entertained, according to their purpose.
Drag is art, and expression and community. For some it's a means of enhancing singing and acting talent; for others like Nina West it's a way to draw attention to important causes. Every contributor, however, inspires with their personal histories.
My daughter and I spent the summer bonding and binge-watching Drag Race. I'm late to trends, so the show is still new to me. I am familiar with drag, however, and enjoyed this collection of vignettes.
Some authors I recognized through Drag Race, but all offered up stories that tugged and entertained, according to their purpose.
Drag is art, and expression and community. For some it's a means of enhancing singing and acting talent; for others like Nina West it's a way to draw attention to important causes. Every contributor, however, inspires with their personal histories.
October 2, 2025
There is such a variety of essays by drag queens in this book! They address a range of topics with varying emotions, and I guarantee that if you have any interest in an aspect of drag, you will find at least one piece of writing that captures your attention.
All of the authors speak from their hearts about:
* experiences growing up
* finding identity in doing drag
* detailed descriptions on how they bring drag personas to life
* behind the scenes stories
* creating and cultivating spaces
* harsh realities related to hate and discrimination
* finding joy in the drag community
Thank you to HarperOne and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
All of the authors speak from their hearts about:
* experiences growing up
* finding identity in doing drag
* detailed descriptions on how they bring drag personas to life
* behind the scenes stories
* creating and cultivating spaces
* harsh realities related to hate and discrimination
* finding joy in the drag community
Thank you to HarperOne and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. No Tea, No Shade: Life As A Drag Queen by Kennedy Ann Scott features insights from other drag queens including Lagoona Bloo, Alexis Michelle, Olivia Lux, Julie J, and Nina West. It can be enjoyed by those familiar with the drag entertainers or those being introduced to them for the first time, as well as those who know little about drag queens.
I felt that each queen was open and vulnerable with the story they shared. I appreciated their openness and hearts for their communities and each other.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: Sep 23, 2025
#NoTeaNoShade #NetGalley
I felt that each queen was open and vulnerable with the story they shared. I appreciated their openness and hearts for their communities and each other.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: Sep 23, 2025
#NoTeaNoShade #NetGalley
December 29, 2025
Overall a good read. I suggest the audio version to hear the queens in their own voices.
For me the highlights were Alexis Michelle sharing the meaning of “I Am What I Am” and Nina West extolling the importance of gay bars and gay spaces.
The reason I give it 3 stars rather than 4 is I don’t love the essay format, and some sections were more interesting others. It could more editorial guidance. Nina West is the only contributor that I would say is a captivating writer right now (appreciating that writing books isn’t any of the queens’ main job). I appreciate the sharing and would read another volume.
For me the highlights were Alexis Michelle sharing the meaning of “I Am What I Am” and Nina West extolling the importance of gay bars and gay spaces.
The reason I give it 3 stars rather than 4 is I don’t love the essay format, and some sections were more interesting others. It could more editorial guidance. Nina West is the only contributor that I would say is a captivating writer right now (appreciating that writing books isn’t any of the queens’ main job). I appreciate the sharing and would read another volume.
June 30, 2026
While I fully expected this book to be funny, it turned out to be a deeply moving reflection on growth, identity, and resilience. Growing up is never easy for anyone, but the hardships these queens endured broke my heart. From family rejection and relentless bullying to the struggle of navigating a chaotic world, their journeys are incredibly raw. As a longtime ally, I’ve always tried to stand up for what’s right—but this book was a powerful wake-up call that we all have so much more work to do. At our core, regardless of race, religion, or who we love, we are all human and deserve the same dignity.
January 6, 2026
I picked this up because I went to college with one of the queens, and his part was definitely my favorite. This wasn’t just because of the MSU connection but also because I find his teacher by day/queen by night life to be fascinating. However, if you have limited exposure to drag, I think there’s still a lot to appreciate here regarding loving yourself, writing your own story, and finding people who love all parts of you. I must admit, though, that one of my favorite parts came at the end when Miss Piggy was brought into the conversation and celebrated for the confident woman she is!
September 29, 2025
I am not a Drag Race watcher, but I do love Drag Queens as performers and in culture. This book was beautifully written and bared the hearts of all of these incredible Queens. From childhood to present day dreams, they leave it all on the page. I would challenge someone who doesn't support Drag Queens to read this book and still feel that way. I want to see each of these Queens succeed in their everyday lives and on the stage.
October 30, 2025
Six drag queens share stories and experiences from their lives as they grew to become the queens they are.
This was an interesting read for me. I don't know much about the drag world, so reading this have me a bunch of insights into that life and world.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!
This was an interesting read for me. I don't know much about the drag world, so reading this have me a bunch of insights into that life and world.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!
November 29, 2025
Told with heart and humor, six drag queens give us their personal stories on how they came to be queens and what drag means to them. Parts of this story will make you cry, knowing how horribly humans can treat one another. However, seeing how these six have persevered to become the fabulous queens they are is inspiring. These stories should be read by all, as they show the humanity in those that some wish to villainize, and is further proof that we should protect our queens!
October 18, 2025
You can tell every author put their heart into their essays. I know some of them from Drag Race and NYC queer scene knowledge but I really appreciate getting to know each of them more intimately through their personal stories.
I laughed, I felt feelings, I want to hang out with them all.
Thank you HarperOne and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I laughed, I felt feelings, I want to hang out with them all.
Thank you HarperOne and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 11, 2025
Such an amazing collection of stores and perspectives from six different drag queens. From their coming out to realization that they wanted to performs as queens, these stories had me wanting more after I finished. I'd love a volume two with different queens as I definitely think it could be done.
Thanks Netgalley for this eARC
4/5
Thanks Netgalley for this eARC
4/5
September 15, 2025
fun and impressive set of miniature memoirs by some storied and impressive drag artists. each goes into their own personal story and how they feel they fit into the world as it is today. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
October 24, 2025
I love an essay collection, first of all. I loved how these essays ran the gamut of topics while still centering queer joy, expression, and activism above all else. I found laughter and inspiration in these stories, and damn I’m so happy to be gay
(Listened to audiobook)
(Listened to audiobook)
January 12, 2026
Drag queens exude so much fun, positivity, and empowerment, and I love that for them and me, too. Of course I enjoyed Nina’s section the best as she spoke about her start, her inspirations, and why she loves Columbus, Ohio so much.
February 15, 2026
Some of my favorite queens give us a look into the fabulous, emotional world of drag and the drag community. I loved hearing the journeys and backgrounds of these queens and am so thankful for all the time and effort they pour into our LGBTQ+ community.
December 15, 2025
An amazing uplifting book
December 24, 2025
Wide ranging, thoughtful collection of essays on the good, bad, and practicalities of drag
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews