Some have won the throne on their first attempt, but others have competed as many as three times before achieving victory–among them, the late Queen Bagonda.

Ever glamorous as a SLUG Queen and arguably Eugene’s most famous drag queen, Queen Bagonda was asked what she would endorse if she became SLUG Queen. “I would endorse glamour — of course — because I’m the most glamorous thing I know,” she said. She won the crown for the glamour she oozed right out of her fierce duct tape dress.

Queen Bagonda recalled one unexpected show of admiration for her fabulous frock: During the celebration, a mom thrust her infant up for a better look and said, “He just loves Drag Queens. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything is his favorite movie!”

Her advice for wannabe queens? “Pull out all the stops. Go over the top. If you think something is too outrageous, then you should probably do it for the competition,” he said. “The glory never ends when you are a SLUG Queen.”

Queen Bagonda was truly beloved and is dearly missed.