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Editor’s Note: This profile is part of New Times’ People to Watch issue, spotlighting figures we expect to make a big impact in Miami in 2026.
To call Sting Dion’s multifarious lives extraordinary would be among the most unfabulous understatements of all time. Less than a decade ago, the future drag icon, armed with an environmental science degree, was out doing grassroots organizing around climate justice and the impact of environmental policy on marginalized communities. By 2025, she was taking home the Miss Wynwood Pride title and setting her sights on the Miss Continental Newcomer pageant in Chicago this spring, representing Miami in one of the most prestigious competitions in Greater Dragdom.
“Going from environmental science to being a drag queen on stages all over the world was definitely not what I originally expected from life at all,” Dion tells New Times, “but I’m really glad it’s what turned out to be on my Bingo card.”
These callings are not as disparate as they might initially seem: Both involve standing with the underdogs against dominant paradigms. “If you look at the history of queer resistance, there’s always been trans people and drag queens on the frontlines,” Dion says. “This line of work is inherently political — especially here in Florida, where you have the state constantly attacking folks. As drag performers, we have a platform whether we like it or not, and it’s our job to educate as well as entertain. Whether it’s sexuality, gender identity, or anything else, we’re here to inspire and empower everyone to express themselves in the fullest way possible — and to make sure they feel safe doing so.”
Dion first embraced drag in 2018. The vibe? Very fait accompli: She had two friends who had already begun performing — Morphine Love Dion, who would eventually place fifth on Season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and South Florida drag royalty FKA Twink — and a background in competitive cheerleading and theater. She signed up for a talent competition on a whim…and won. She went back the next week and won again. And then, again, the week after that.
“I thought, ‘Okay, so this might be something I’m good at,’” Dion says. “And the more I do it, the more love that I have for it.” That is, in part, because for Dion it is about much more than outside validation. “I have never had any interest in abiding by standard gender roles,” she says. “Growing up, that was always a struggle. So, to have his art form where you’re able to dive deep into yourself and be whoever you are feels really special and affirming…And then also you have people throwing money at you, which feels pretty good, too.”
Of course, a rising tide (of concealer) lifts all boats, and Dion’s entire drag family — the Dion Dynasty — is a small yet mighty armada sailing full-speed ahead towards new horizons and victories. Dion’s drag mom, Athena Dion, and sister, Juicy Love Dion, are both competing on the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the House of Dion overall is in ascendancy. “Oh, it’s definitely insane right now,” says Sting. “I love that so much is happening for all of us. We’re such a close-knit chosen family, and I’m so grateful to have them all in my life. I genuinely don’t know where I would be without them, generally, and Athena, specifically, who has taught me so much and helped shape me into who I am as a person and performer.”
Which brings us back to the Miss Continental pageant, in which Dion aims to embody “the talent, resilience, and excellence that Miami drag represents” — even if levelling up requires stepping out of her comfort zone to prep for traditional pageant categories like evening gown, swimsuit, talent, and question and answer. “It’s exciting,” Dion — who is currently immersed in a regimen of choreography, elocution, and outfit planning worthy of a cinematic training montage — says, “but also stressful.”
Good thing she has a secret weapon in her arsenal: That Magic City magic dust. “As drag performers, you can kind of tell that a performer is from Miami. We’re very high energy. We have all the craziest looks, do all the craziest tricks. Being born and raised in Miami, I carry a lot of pride with me to shows in Orlando, New York, Chicago — wherever — I always let the people know that I’m from Miami. “
“Even before it began, I told myself, ‘2026 is going to be the year I just take this whole wild thing as far as I can,’” she adds. “So far, everything is aligning in a beautiful, magical way. I can’t wait to see where it all ends up.”
