Nina West Celebrates Columbus Pride with Betty Who

Pride In The Heart Of Ohio

Drag performer and community advocate Nina West brought her signature sparkle to Columbus Pride this past weekend. Posting a handful of candid snapshots on Instagram, West wrote, “I didn’t get a ton of pictures from Saturday but needless to say Columbus Pride was a hit! I love my town and how we do it up! And i got to squeeze @bettywho again which was pretty perfect! Happy Pride!” In one shot, the RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 fan favorite embraces pop star Betty Who against a backdrop of rainbow flags and cheering crowds.

Born Andrew Barksdale, Nina West has made a name for herself as a singer-songwriter, actor, and fervent LGBTQ+ advocate. A stalwart of the Central Ohio arts scene, she used her platform to shine a light on local charities and small businesses ahead of Pride weekend, turning sidewalks into stages for up-and-coming drag talent.

Hometown Highlights

West’s homecoming celebration offered more than just a glamorous photo op. She took fans inside the festival by sharing clips of parade floats, community booths, and vibrant fashion statements—from sequined jumpsuits to glittered sneakers. “Columbus always shows out,” she added. True to form, West didn’t just watch from the sidelines: she joined the march, high-fiving attendees and posing for selfies with festivalgoers decked out in rainbow regalia.

That hometown pride extends beyond the annual parade. In a throwback Instagram post from earlier this month (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK4bWxUuKlD/), West celebrated “Happy Columbus PRIDE and NO KINGS Day!” alongside local drag peers, proving that her commitment to inclusion and community runs year-round.

Past Pride Moments

Over the years, West has used Pride platforms to champion causes close to her heart. In 2019 she released a benefit single whose proceeds funded a scholarship for queer youth. In 2022, she helped launch a summer literacy program for LGBTQ+ teens in partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Past Instagram highlights show her strutting at Milwaukee Pride, CityFest stages, and traveling tours of her one-woman musical, Sugar in the Tank.

Reunion On The Rainbow Route

Fans were especially delighted to see West reunite with pop sensation Betty Who—real name Jessica Betts—after touring together on drag-themed charity events. The pair hugged amid a sea of rainbow confetti, capturing a moment that underscores both artists’ dedication to visibility and support for LGBTQ+ causes.

What’s Next For Nina West

With Pride season in full swing, West has a packed summer ahead. She’ll headline her signature show at Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, before kicking off her Sugary Summer Tour in New York. Beyond the stage, West plans to unveil a new podcast series highlighting queer creators and activists.

Nina West’s Columbus Pride takeover was more than a parade—it was a homecoming for a local hero who continues to uplift her community with every glittered step she takes. Viewers can keep up with her upcoming events and charity initiatives via her Instagram handle @ninawest.

Trivia

Nina West is known for her signature drag persona, which often includes colorful costumes, wigs, and elaborate makeup, embodying a joyful and whimsical character.

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Poulami Nag

 

Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

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