Last night, Pittsburgh drag took center stage as Lydia B. Kollins, the Steel City’s own cinematic queen, made her debut on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17. While the episode brought plenty of drama and talent, one thing stood out above all:
Butthole.
Yes, Lydia’s middle name—an absurd, campy detail that had RuPaul cackling—quickly became the star of the night, sparking a sensation and uniting fans under the name Team Butthole.
A Night to Remember in Pittsburgh
Instagram story by Ava Grace.
Lydia’s debut wasn’t just a television moment; it was a full-blown celebration in Pittsburgh. The city’s queer community rallied for their hometown queen with massive viewing parties at 5801 Video Lounge, Blue Moon, and P Town Bar. The largest gathering at 5801, hosted by Lydia herself alongside Pittsburgh drag legend Indica, was an electrifying scene. Fans packed the venue, cheering and laughing as Lydia stepped into the Werk Room in her Winona Ryder-inspired Beetlejuice drag, firmly establishing herself as the queen of weird, gritty glamour.
Over at Blue Moon and P Town, fans were just as enthusiastic, proving that Lydia’s influence reaches every corner of Pittsburgh’s vibrant drag scene. The night didn’t end there—Lydia and Indica kept the party going with a fierce after-party at P Town, where the community came together to toast this historic moment for the Steel City.
Instagram story by Belair Banks.
From the moment Lydia walked into the Werk Room, she set the tone for her Drag Race journey: unapologetically campy and wonderfully weird. Her Beetlejuice-inspired look, coupled with her sharp wit, made an immediate impression. And when RuPaul found out her middle name was Butthole, it was a match made in absurd heaven. Ru’s delighted reaction turned Lydia’s cheeky moniker into an instant Drag Race legend, and fans quickly followed suit, embracing “Team Butthole”
Lydia brought her unique artistic perspective to the season’s talent show, performing a puppet lip-sync act that embodied her DIY ethos. While the performance started strong, with her handmade puppet showcasing her cinematic inspirations, it didn’t quite stick the landing. The lips didn’t always sync, and the pacing fell flat toward the end. Still, the choice to go for something so offbeat and niche speaks volumes about Lydia’s fearlessness—and hints at big things to come.
For the runway category “Masc 4 Masked Singer,” Lydia delivered an alien-inspired look that flirted with both the bizarre and the glamorous. While it didn’t fully land with the judges, the concept showcased her willingness to take risks and her love for the weird and unconventional. There’s no doubt that Lydia’s future looks will bring the cinematic flair she’s known for.
Pittsburgh & The Power of Team Butthole
The real star of the night wasn’t just Lydia—it was the Pittsburgh drag community itself. From the packed viewing parties to the love online, the city showed up for their queen. Local fans and performers embraced Team Butthole, turning Lydia’s quirky middle name into a rallying cry for weirdos, dreamers, and creators everywhere.
Instagram story by loganspeechless.
At P Town, chants of “Team Butthole!” echoed through the bar, with queens and fans alike raising their glasses, celebrating the first Pittsburgh queen to compete on the main series of Drag Race since Alaska. This outpouring of support is a testament to the strength and camaraderie of Pittsburgh’s queer community—a group that rallies fiercely for their own.
While Lydia’s premiere episode had its highs and lows, one thing is clear: she’s bringing something special to Season 17. Her artistry, humor, and fearless embrace of the absurd set her apart. If you can make Ru laugh, you’re a star baby—and we couldn’t agree more.
With Pittsburgh cheering her on, Lydia B. Kollins is poised to take the competition by storm. Whether she’s crafting handmade masterpieces, making Ru laugh with her middle name, or embracing her grungy, alternative roots, one thing is certain: Butthole has arrived, and the world better take notice.
Steel City, keep those chants coming. Lydia B. Kollins, we’re rooting for you—Team Butthole forever.
