Really, we have Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey to thank for years of excellence and entertainment from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and no one is prouder of the growing connections between the show, the queens, and the fans than they are. It’s because of this that RuPaul’s DragCon is so important to the duo. However, they’ve also had to make some tough calls along the way.
Regarding why DragCon left its original home in New York City, Barbato told The List, “It was great having DragCon in New York, but New York City is expensive. Their convention center, and I hope someone’s reading this, but that convention center is expensive,” he shared, before adding, “We brought so many amazing, beautiful people to that convention center and to New York, but apparently, we’re just as valuable as a rug company, which was downstairs when we were doing it.”
Still, there’s also a symbolic reason why Barbato and Bailey are more keen on Los Angeles as DragCon’s latest base. “I also feel like it’s important to work in a city and with a convention center that respects what we’re doing and is excited about what we’re doing,” Barbato continued. “We did not feel that in New York City. We feel a lot of love in Los Angeles, right, Fenton?”
As for where DragCon will go next, the pair teased that they not only love Atlanta as a United States option but also have in mind more places across the world. At the time of writing, DragCon is slated to return to the United Kingdom in January 2023, with more prospective European locations teased.
RuPaul’s DragCon will be held in Los Angeles from May 13 to 15. Meanwhile, “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 7 premieres on Paramount+ on May 20.
