Onya Nurve performing at 2024 HOTTOWEEN. Audience: Ron Barnes Jr. & Corin B. Self
BREAKING: The Haus of Transcendent (HOT) and the Cleveland community are brimming with pride as our very own Onya Nurve, HOT’s inaugural ArtReach Fellow, has officially won RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17—making her the first-ever winner from Cleveland and solidifying her place in drag herstory! HOT established ArtReach because we believe that art is a powerful tool to connect LGBTQI2S+ people to resources that promote health and wellness.
“Three years ago, I don’t think that I would be standing here. I’m just so proud that I decided to bet on myself. I hope that me being here puts those hopes and dreams in other people’s brains. Anything is possible. I know that sounds cliché, but anything is possible,” said Onya Nurve
Onya Nurve at HOTTOWEEN with Ariyah Fuego and Hickey Hun.
Not only did Onya dominate the competition with four Maxi Challenge wins, but she also broke barriers as the first Black competitor to have her father join her on screen for the legendary Makeover Challenge, a moment that left fans in tears and demonstrated the power of unconditional love.
“Nunya Bidness can sit down! This is about Onya Nurve today. I feel like my dad is probably the first Black man on RuPaul’s Drag Race representing their daughter. We’re making herstory here and my dad is leading the pack,” she added.
“As HOT’s first-ever ArtReach Fellow, Onya has long been a trailblazer in Cleveland’s art scene who celebrates Black culture through her drag,” said Jordi Luke, CEO of Haus of Transcendent. “She has inspired many of us throughout her journey from local stages to the Drag Race Hall of Fame, a testament to the transformative power of programs like ArtReach that nurture Queer artistry and amplify underrepresented talent. Onya has always been a force of nature, and seeing her shine on the world stage has been nothing short of magical. Her victory is a reminder that Cleveland’s art scene is a powerhouse of talent, and we couldn’t be prouder of our groundbreaking ArtReach alum!”
HOT is a 501c3 nonprofit based out of Cleveland, Ohio that is focused on preventing homelessness among LGBTQI2S+ people through wrap-around services and affordable housing. We welcome donations to help HOT support Queer artists: HOTCle.org/act
Onya Nurve at HOTTOWEEN with Jordi Luke
HOT is a 501c3 nonprofit based out of Cleveland, Ohio that is focused on preventing homelessness among LGBTQI2S+ people through wrap-around services and affordable housing. We welcome donations to help HOT support Queer artists: HOTCle.org/act
