As one of the most heralded female illusionists of her generation, Melissa St. John is recognized as the gold standard when it comes to the art of drag. But beyond the footlights, OutSFL’s Queen of Queens is a fierce LGBTQ defender and ordained minister. In many circles, she is heralded as the voice of the people no matter skin color, nationality, orientation or religion.
St. John follows in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, Will Coleman, who was the President of the NAACP and Deacon in his church in Andalusia, Alabama. Coleman proudly marched for civil rights with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. By embracing both Coleman’s and King’s teachings to serve others, St. John has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to LGBTQ activism and volunteerism. She was recently honored by Equality Florida with the organization’s Voice for Equality Award that recognizes those who, with courage and passion, advance the LGBTQ community.
In the 2025 OutSFL Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards contest, St. John swept five Palm Beach County categories including Best Drag Activist, Best Local Entertainer, Best Drag Performer, Best Advocate for the Transgender Community and Best Local Celebrity.
“I am at a loss for words. To be honored by OUTSFL and the publication’s readers in this way is truly humbling,” St. John said.
When asked what makes her special, St. John thought a moment before delivering one of her signature quips: “You mean other than my drag closet? Now, Marsha P. Johnson, she was special. Actually, I take that back, she was extraordinary.”
St. John is referring to one of the leaders of the modern gay rights movement who was on the frontlines of the Stonewall riots in 1969. “I was just fortunate enough to be born into a family that believed in standing up for equality for all people. I was raised to give back to those in need,” St. John said.
St. John has been performing for more than 40 years. She is also the Entertainment Director for H.G. Rooster’s in West Palm Beach as well as being an integral part of the team at the floral art and special events company Austintatious Designs. “At heart, I am an entertainer. As long as I can still put on my eyelashes and remember the words to the songs I perform, I’ll be on stage,” St. John said.
Runner-up for Best Drag Activist: Big Mama
Runner-up for Best Local Entertainer: Ground Zero
Runner-up for Best Advocate for the Transgender Community: Velvet Lenore
Runner-up for Best Local Celebrity: Priince Triila
