With the recent launch of the original US series’ 14th season, the show is snatching lace-fronts yet again; this time, notably as a result of the producers casting Maddy Morphosis, the franchise’s first cisgender, straight male contestant, a distinct divergence from the typical gay man that generally turns to drag as a career and outlet for creative and artistic expression.

Though this decision has been met with some objections, the iconic show has proved yet again that drag is for everyone regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. This however isn’t the first time the show has broken the drag mould.

To celebrate the start of season 14 and the show’s groundbreaking journey, let’s take a look at some of the current and former pioneering contestants who made drag race “herstory”.

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1. Maddy Morphosis

The casting of the franchise’s first cisgender, heterosexual male contestant this season has stirred things up in the fandom. Many have complained that drag has primarily been a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and therefore questioned the introduction of a straight man into the mix.

But regardless of one’s personal views, there’s no denying the art form and definition of drag has been revised, expanded and redefined by the show. And Morphosis’ inclusion acts as the perfect representation of this.

2. Scaredy Kat

Before Maddy, there was Scaredy. Not only was Scaredy Kat the youngest contestant on the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, he also doesn’t identify as gay.

In a relationship with a “bio-queen” – or cisgender female drag queen – named Pussy Kat, Scaredy has stated that he doesn’t really label his sexual identity. He told Pink News: “I wouldn’t call it bi … I just go with anyone I fall in love with really.”

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3. Victoria Scone

Another barrier-breaking UK queen is Victoria Scone. She competed on the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as the franchise’s first cisgender female queen.

Sadly for Scone, her Drag Race dreams were cut short when she was forced to sashay away early from the competition due to an injury incurred during one of the show’s famous lip sync battles.

4. Gottmik

As the show’s first trans male contestant, Gottmik – who, like most drag queens, uses she/her pronouns when dressed up – rose to legendary status not only for her jaw-dropping looks and incredible make-up artistry, but also because of her iconic “Snatch Game” performance as client and friend, Paris Hilton.

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5. Kylie “Sonique” Love

In addition to the standard seasons, fans of the franchise have also come to love the All Stars series. This is when contestants from past seasons return to the show for another chance to snatch the crown and enter the Drag Race Hall of Fame.

In the last season of All Stars, the ultimate winner was Kylie “Sonique” Love. She quickly won over the fandom with her down-to-earth nature and open heartedness. She was ultimately crowned the winner of All Stars 6, making her the first openly trans woman to win the competition.

6. Kerri Colby

Though it’s not the first time that an openly transgender queen has competed on the show, this season viewers are blessed with the inclusion of two trans female competitors. The first is Kerri Colby, a beautiful queen who hails from a distinguished drag dynasty.

Colby is a proud trans activist who entered the workroom adorned in the trans flag colours of pastel blue, pink and white.

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7. Kornbread “The Snack” Jete

Kerri’s Season 14 trans sister is Kornbread “The Snack” Jete.

After snagging the first episode win, could Kornbread be a front runner for the crown and title of America’s Next Drag Superstar? We’ll have to wait and see how the rest of the season plays out …