Nebby Nick headed to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater for the launch of Lydia Lydia Lydia: A Collection of Photographs. From the moment the lobby opened, the energy was clear: buffoonery, stupidity, and pure chaos, in all the best ways. Between the VIP meet-and-greet and a drag show featuring Lydia’s daughters, Gwendolyn Kollins and Zelda Kollins, alongside Indigo Sparks and Joey Young, the night felt less like a book launch and more like a family reunion with better wigs.
Fresh off her rise from Pittsburgh bedroom queen to RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 and All Stars 10 standout, Lydia B Kollins returned home to celebrate the book she created with photographer Ava Grace. The project documents her journey in all its DIY glory. “It was very important to document this specific kind of art because it was rougher around the edges — homemade and horrible,” Lydia said. Rather than re-editing early photos, the pair chose to preserve them as they were, allowing readers to see their growth as artists.
The fandom showed up hard. One attendee flew eight hours from Ireland just to attend. Others were still processing their meet-and-greet moments in real time. “I’m still blacking out currently,” one fan laughed. “They smell good. They’re amazing. They’re tall.” They do smell good. Confirmed.
More than anything, the night was about Pittsburgh showing up for one of its own. From doll parts stitched into jackets to emotional book signings and a stage full of drag lineage, Lydia Lydia Lydia was a love letter to queer growth, grit, and community.
Photos by Maya Lovro.
