Shangela Leads No Kings Day Rally in West Hollywood

Drag icon spreads love, denounces hate at a Los Angeles gathering, inspiring unity, now!!!

By Ratika Pai

Shangela Takes To The Streets

Drag performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Shangela (@itsshangela) turned West Hollywood into a sea of color this weekend as she joined the No Kings Day demonstration. Her Instagram caption—“Outside for THE PEOPLE!!! Spreading LOVE, denouncing hate. ❤️🌈🇺🇸🇲🇽✊🏽”—summed up the message of solidarity and inclusion that fueled the gathering. (See the full post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DK5VUHdhonA/)

Pride And Protest Blend

No Kings Day, tagged with #nokingsday, drew hundreds of activists to the streets of Los Angeles, where participants waved rainbow flags alongside U.S. and Mexican banners. The event was billed as a celebration of queer joy and a stand against discrimination—an ethos Shangela embraced by leading chants, dancing to house anthems, and rallying chants for immigration rights and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Photos shared on Shangela’s feed capture her in statement accessories—oversized sunnies, a rainbow cape, and glittering makeup—reflecting both carnival flair and protest spirit. One shot shows Shangela raising her fist next to marchers draped in pride regalia, underscoring the diverse coalition that showed up to demand respect and safety for marginalized communities.

Shangela Leads No Kings Day Rally in West Hollywood pinit button
Image: Instagram

“Love always wins,” Shangela wrote, repurposing the centuries-old slogan for modern struggles. Her presence lent star power and reminded fans that drag artists often bridge nightlife exuberance with frontline activism.

Shangela Leads No Kings Day Rally in West Hollywood pinit button
Image: Instagram

Voices From The Crowd

“I’ve followed Shangela since Drag Race; seeing her here is powerful,” said Alex Martinez, a local organizer. “She’s not just performing—she’s using her platform to uplift voices that too often go unheard.”

Onlookers cheered as Shangela handed out friendship pins and hugged long-time supporters. The hashtag #nokingsday trended locally, with participants posting selfies alongside the performer-turned-activist.

Shangela Leads No Kings Day Rally in West Hollywood pinit button
Image: Instagram

A Continued Legacy Of Activism

Shangela’s engagement in social causes is nothing new. Earlier this month, she attended the Los Angeles Urban League’s annual gala to honor actress and activist Jenifer Lewis. In an Instagram post, she praised Lewis’s “visionary work” and spoke out against inhumane attacks on immigrants in the city. That event further cemented Shangela’s role as an advocate for multiple communities beyond drag culture.

According to her Wikipedia profile, Shangela Laquifa Wadley has used her platform for years to support LGBTQ+ rights, civil justice, and representation in media. From her breakout on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2 to roles in A Star Is Born and the FX series What We Do in the Shadows, she remains committed to pushing boundaries on and off the stage.

Shangela Leads No Kings Day Rally in West Hollywood pinit button
Image: Instagram

Looking Ahead

As No Kings Day closed with a finale of confetti cannons and communal singing, Shangela encouraged followers to stay engaged. “This is just the beginning,” she posted. “Keep the love alive, keep denouncing hate, and always show up for each other.”

Her rallying cry resonated long after the event, sparking conversations about the intersection of art, identity, and protest. For Shangela, the message is simple: drag is not just entertainment—it’s a form of resistance and community building.

Shangela’s appearance at the West Hollywood demonstration reminds fans and critics alike that performance and politics often go hand in hand. By bringing drag to the streets, she ensures that No Kings Day isn’t just a slogan but a movement for joy, justice, and collective action.

protip_icon Trivia
Shangela Laquifa Wadley is known for her catchphrase 'Halleloo!', which has become popular among fans and is often associated with her performances.
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Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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