“São Paulo’s main avenue was filled this month with thousands of people adorned in the yellow and green of the Brazilian flag, all captivated by a commanding figure standing atop a tractor-trailer equipped with speakers. From a bird’s eye view, the scene could have been mistaken for one of the many political rallies held in the same location by former President Jair Bolsonaro, the controversial Brazilian far-right leader known for his anti-LGBTQ+ remarks. However, the presence of an enormous rainbow flag in the crowd would have given away the true nature of the gathering.
In reality, this was one of the world’s largest Pride parades, with the person atop the sound truck being Phabullo Rodrigues da Silva, also known as Pabllo Vittar, a 6-foot-2-inch drag queen and one of Brazil’s biggest pop stars. Pabllo Vittar, the gay son of a working-class single mother from Brazil’s north, urged the crowd to wear Brazil’s national colors to reclaim the flag from right-wing movements. The energy was high as she called out to the revelers, many dressed in fishnet and G-strings, encouraging them to dance.
While RuPaul may still hold the title of queen of queens, Pabllo Vittar has emerged as a global sensation in the world of drag. With multiple studio albums, collaborations with major brands, and billions of streams of her music, she has achieved a level of success that rivals even her childhood idol. Across social media platforms, Pabllo Vittar boasts a combined following of 36 million, three times that of RuPaul.
Despite Brazil’s progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, the country still faces challenges when it comes to violence against gay and transgender individuals. Pabllo Vittar has used her platform to speak out against these issues and to inspire younger generations to embrace their identities without fear.
Pabllo Vittar’s journey from a small town in Brazil to becoming a global drag sensation is a testament to her talent and resilience. She continues to push boundaries and break stereotypes, all while staying true to herself as both Phabullo, the man, and Pabllo, the drag queen. With her vibrant music, electrifying performances, and unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Pabllo Vittar has solidified her place as a trailblazer in the world of drag.”