By Anna Bechtel –
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – On Saturday, September 13, Hartford Pride hosted its annual celebration on Pratt Street in downtown Hartford. Several local drag performers took the stage, including headliners Loosey LaDuca, Robin Fierce, and Amethyst, from RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as Jasmine Rice LaBeija from Britain’s Got Talent.
After the celebration, drag fans flocked to Chez Est in Hartford for the official after party, which featured headliner Cynthia Lee Fontaine from RuPaul’s Drag Race. VIP ticketholders had the opportunity to meet and take a photo with Cynthia before the show. The cast included local drag icons Angel Rivers, Lady Tatiana, and Mx. Chez Est 2025, Harmony The Valkyrie.
Even before the night began, Cynthia took to social media to share an enduring message on her Instagram stories, praising Chez Est for their hospitality and for providing a welcoming work space for performers. “Hey mis amores! Guess what, I’m here at Chez, here in Connecticut. Let me tell you, you think this is the back room area for meet-and-greets, no this is backstage, this is the green room. Look how sickening it is. Learn everybody, this is the way that you treat the dolls. Chez, honey, A+!”
Lady Tatiana kicked off the first act with a performance of “Are You Satisfied” by Victor Calderone. Harmony The Valkyrie followed, showcasing her dance moves to Ally Brooke’s “Higher” and VTSS & Boys Noize’s “Steady Pace.” Then, Angel Rivers energized the crowd with Doja Cat’s new song, “Jealous Type.” Finally, Cynthia Lee Fontaine took the stage.
Cynthia opened her set in a striking black-and-pink ensemble, immediately capturing the audience’s attention. She started with Molly Burch’s “Took a Minute” before seamlessly transitioning into her own original song, “Tonight,” featuring Shannon Sionna. Throughout her performance, Cynthia connected with the crowd, thanking fans for their tips, dancing among them, and even sharing hugs with a lucky few.
After a brief intermission, the second show kicked off with Lady Tatiana opening the night once again, delivering a powerhouse performance of Sia’s “Unstoppable” while proudly waving a transgender pride flag. Harmony followed with a sultry medley of Victoria Monét’s “Go There With You” and “On My Mama,” bringing her signature flair to the stage. Angel Rivers ignited the crowd with a medley of Lady Gaga hits, including “The Dead Dance,” wearing a striking red-and-black outfit as a tribute to Gaga’s iconic live performances. The night concluded with Cynthia commanding the stage, leaving the audience electrified.
For her second performance, Cynthia took the stage in a flowing black gown and matching hairstyle, delivering a stirring rendition of the empowering anthem “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. She poured heartfelt emotion into every note, drawing the audience in as they sang along and as some wiped away tears.
After her performance, Cynthia again addressed the crowd. “We’re celebrating Pride here, because every time we have the opportunity to gather, we’re celebrating Pride, we’re celebrating equality, we’re celebrating solidarity, we’re celebrating love,” she said. “The only thing I have to offer to the rest of the society is love, honey.”
Cynthia also revealed that she is celebrating her 20th year of performing in drag. “Every year that passes by, I’m more proud of who I am, as a queer person, as a part of the LGBTQUI+ community. I’m not afraid to show my true colors, and fuck the haters!” She went on to share an anecdote from a friend about her elimination from season 8 of Drag Race: “Do not give up, even with all the obstacles and inconveniences in your life, try to make your dreams come true, even if you are the only one who believes in yourself.” Cynthia also encouraged the audience to support local bars like Chez Est and local queens, before thanking the crowd once again.
Cynthia Lee Fontaine is one of the few RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants to compete on the show three times. She first appeared on season 8, where she was eliminated in the third episode but was crowned Miss Congeniality by the viewers. The following year, Cynthia returned for season 9 and was eliminated during the Snatch Game challenge.
This year, she competed on All Stars 10 as a member of the purple bracket. Although she did not win a challenge, she advanced to the semifinals thanks to points awarded by her fellow contestants. She also received praise for her verse in the country challenge and her look for the Wicked challenge alongside Alyssa Hunter. Cynthia was eliminated in the first episode of the semifinals, which was, once again, Snatch Game. She is known for her catchphrase “Cucu” and her kind personality.
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