Windsor’s Dulce Shines in Season 6 of Canada’s Drag Race

A Windsor-area drag artist is set to make a significant impact on the national stage as Dulce, the drag persona of Pablo Jimenez-Lopez, competes in Season 6 of Canada’s Drag Race. The show premieres on November 20, 2023, exclusively on Crave. Now residing in London, Jimenez-Lopez carries a deep connection to Windsor, where his journey into the world of drag began.

“I’m so excited,” Jimenez-Lopez expressed in an interview with CTV News. “I think any drag queen’s dream is to get on Drag Race. So the fact that I get to live it, and being from such a small town specifically, it feels surreal.” Born in Mexico and later raised in Amherstburg and Windsor, Jimenez-Lopez spent his formative years exploring his identity and honing his creativity within the local drag community.

His first experiences in drag originated in Windsor. “My first show was in Windsor,” he recalled. “The first drag queens I ever met, the first drag show I went to was Windsor. So Windsor definitely holds a really important place in my heart.” He attributes his discovery of drag to the vibrant diversity of the city and his time at Walkerville Collegiate, where he met a variety of people who introduced him to the art form. “It was during my time at Walkerville that I even realized that there were drag queens and that I could even possibly be one.”

Dulce has built a reputation for high-energy, dance-heavy performances that captivate audiences with impressive flips, splits, and a commanding stage presence. Jimenez-Lopez takes pride in showcasing his Mexican heritage through his performances, drawing inspiration from powerful Latin women. “I would say my persona is… I don’t even know if I would call it a persona, it’s just me glammed up,” he said, highlighting the joy of dressing up as an adult and the potential for drag to become a viable career.

After years of auditions, Dulce finally received the life-changing call to join Canada’s Drag Race. “I had been auditioning for so many years,” Jimenez-Lopez noted. “You can’t be discouraged if it’s not your time this year, if it’s not next year, it’ll be after that. I’ve always said I am my biggest fan because you have to love yourself more than anybody else.”

As for what viewers can expect from the upcoming season, Jimenez-Lopez teased, “Super exciting challenges, amazing runways, and a lot of amazing guest judges. It’s not always super nice, it’s not always best friends, but that’s what we’re there for. When you put a bunch of divas in a room, it’s bound to be exciting.”

For Jimenez-Lopez, participating in Canada’s Drag Race represents more than just personal success; it embodies the importance of representation. “I think it’s an honour that I get to be one of the few queens that’s outside of Toronto or that main hub to get on the show,” he stated. “I’m bringing all those cities with me because all those cities shaped me.”

As the excitement builds for the premiere on November 20, Dulce stands as a proud ambassador for Windsor and its diverse community, showcasing the talent and creativity that flourishes beyond major urban centres. With new episodes streaming weekly, viewers can look forward to an exhilarating season filled with unforgettable moments.