Sharon Needles for the WIN!

We did a post a while back congratulating Sharon Needles for making it onto season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. We should have called it then, but little did we know that Pittsburgh’s very own queen of drag would make it all the way to #1. The LGBT community of Pittsburgh can now collectively shed a tear of joy, slap an ass or two, give hugs and high fives, and scream at the top of their lungs, because the one and only Sharon Needles, from Pittsburgh – of all places – has won, and not only has she won, she’s set the tone for a new era of drag while serving as a role model for those of us who have been bullied most of our lives for being different.

I will admit, when I first watched the show, I didn’t quite get it. I didn’t quite get drag, either. After watching season 4 and falling in love with many of the characters, my perspective has changed. Each of the queens this season represent an aspect of a collective struggle, one that the LGBT community faces, one that the drag community faces, and one that anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit in with mainstream society faces. I found the over the top aspect of drag to be quite sensational, and have gained a new appreciation for this type of performance art – all thanks to our city’s very own Sharon Needles.

To honor Mz. Needles, we’ve decided to list our top five favorite moments of the season, in no particular order. Let’s reminisce on what made this queen so fierce and worthy of the $100,000 prize.


Episode 1 – RuPocalypse: The first episode of the season featured Sharon in true form – bloodied and zombified. It would have been a travesty for anyone but Sharon to take the win on this one, as the theme clearly caters to her look.


Episode 5 – Snatch Game: Though Sharon didn’t take the win for this challenge, her impersonation of judge Michelle Visage was top notch. Michelle enjoyed it and it certainly took balls to pull off. Though she’s not the first contestant to attempt to impersonate a judge, she certainly pulled it off the best.


Episode 8 – Frenemies: This aptly-titled episode found Sharon going head to head with rival Phi Phi O’Hara as they both lip synched to “It’s Raining Men (The Sequel)” Performed by Martha Wash and RuPaul. In a shocking turn of events, Willam was eliminated for breaking the rules, leaving both queens to drag another day. They both killed it though, and their rivalry continued throughout the season.


Episode 9 – Frock the Vote: Sharon proved she’s got beauty and brains during this episode in which she campaigned her way to the top. She took this challenge seriously, and in turn, her witty sense of humor and over the top personality got to shine. I don’t know about you, but I’d vote for Sharon for President any day under that platform. GO GIRL!

We’d like to congratulate you again, Sharon Needles, and wish you the best of luck on your journey to fame. We know you’ll represent Pittsburgh’s drag community with an edge and authenticity that cannot be duplicated. You deserve this!