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Mercedes Iman Diamond

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Mercedes Iman Diamond is a Kenyan-American drag queen, performer and one of the Season 11 contestants of RuPaul's Drag Race, placing her at 12th. She is the first openly Muslim queen to compete on RuPaul's Drag Race.

This self-proclaimed "African Princess" moved from Kenya to the USA when she was 11, but Mercedes only was born 10 years later at the world famous Gay 90's club in downtown Minneapolis. All about a gorgeous body, Diamond owns any stage she sets foot on, dazzling the crowd with her graceful presence and the expensive bling she's named after. Being the first Muslim Queen on the show, Mercedes hopes to be a voice for others who are too scared to speak for themselves.

Quick Answers

What inspired Mercedes Iman Diamond to become a drag queen? toggle section
Mercedes Iman Diamond's inspiration to become a drag queen emerged after relocating from Kenya to the USA at age 11. Her drag persona debuted at the Gay 90s club in Minneapolis. As the first openly Muslim contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race, she seeks to represent those who are hesitant to express themselves.
Provided by: Fandom
How did Mercedes Iman Diamond get her start at the Gay 90s club? toggle section
Mercedes Iman Diamond started her drag career at the Gay 90s club in Minneapolis. Renowned for her striking performances, she became a prominent figure in the local drag scene. As the first openly Muslim queen on RuPaul's Drag Race, she aims to empower others who feel voiceless.
Provided by: Fandom
What makes Mercedes Iman Diamond unique in RuPaul's Drag Race history? toggle section
Mercedes Iman Diamond stands out in RuPaul's Drag Race history as the first openly Muslim contestant. A Kenyan-American drag queen, she competed in Season 11 and placed 12th. Born in Mombasa, Kenya, she moved to the USA at age 11 and developed her drag persona at the Gay 90s club in Minneapolis. Mercedes is part of the 'Haus of Diamond' and is known for her stage presence.
Provided by: Fandom
How did Mercedes Iman Diamond's Kenyan roots influence her drag style? toggle section
Mercedes Iman Diamond's Kenyan roots shape her drag style as she embraces the title "African Princess." Born in Mombasa, Kenya, her cultural heritage is a key part of her identity and is expressed in her performances, blending Kenyan influences with her American experiences.
Provided by: Fandom
What challenges did Mercedes Iman Diamond face as the first Muslim queen on Drag Race? toggle section
Mercedes Iman Diamond, the first openly Muslim queen on RuPaul's Drag Race, faced the challenge of representing her faith and culture in a predominantly non-Muslim space. As a Kenyan-American drag queen, she aimed to inspire others who felt marginalized. Competing in Season 11, she placed 12th and did not secure any challenge wins, but her presence highlighted the importance of diversity in the drag community.
Provided by: Fandom

Name Origin[]

"Mercedes" comes from the Mercedes Benz she owned around the time she started her career. "Iman" comes from her same-named sister. "Diamond" comes from her drag mother, Prada Diamond (which makes her part of the "Haus of Diamond").

Track Records[]

Statistics USA Season 11
Ranking: 12th Place
Maxi Challenges Won: 0
Mini Challenges Won: 0
Times as Team Captain: 0
Times in Bottom: 2 (Eps. 2, 4)
Episode Eliminated: Episode 4

Style[]

Mercedes does it all. She does pageants, loves to entertain and is always having a good time. Her style is expensive, like her name, as well as sexy. Since she is only 5'3 she doesn't like to wear a lot of clothes and tends to show off her legs. Inspired by 90's Nickelodeon and Bratz dolls, Mercedes' drag is colorful, outgoing, and energized.

Entrance Quote[]

"Ululululululululululululululay!"

Memorable Quotes[]

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11[]

  • ”’Upalence!' You, own, everything!"
  • ''Yes.''
  • "I'm checking if she's wearing panties."
  • "C'mon waist!"
  • "You know where I'm from we didn't have Rachel Maddow, but we did have a goat."
  • "I am ready to show the world, Muslim is not a terrorist."
  • "Ululululululululululululululay!" (Exit quote)
  • "Lemme get my translushent powder."
  • "Opulence! You earn everyth- you own everything!" (laughs, at the reunion of Season 11)
  • "I am the GOAT: Greatest of all time."

Trivia[]

  • Mercedes Iman Diamond moved to USA from Mombasa, Kenya in 1998, when she was 11.[citation needed]
  • During her time on the show, she discussed being placed on the no-flight list for a wide portion of her life, due to her name sounding Muslim. Eventually, she had to go to court and change her name in order to be removed from the list.
    • Because of this, she had to drive everywhere, which caused her to suffer from two strokes. One temporarily paralyzed her body.
  • She won a few pageant titles, including "Miss Gay 90s", "Miss City of the Lakes", "Miss Queen of Hearts" and "Miss South Dakota Gay United States 2015."[citation needed]
  • She is the first Muslim "RuPaul's Drag Race US" contestant.[citation needed]
  • She is the first contestant originally from Kenya, and overall, the second to come originally from Africa, after BeBe Zahara Benet.
  • She is one of three Season 11 contestants to feature a brand in her name, the other two being A'keria Chanel Davenport and Ariel Versace.
  • Her favorite past-contestant is Shangela.
  • She was paired with Delta Work for Episode 1's mini challenge, a photoshoot.
  • She is the second queen of Islamic faith to compete in a Drag Race franchise, following Vanda Miss Joaquim from the second season of Drag Race Thailand. She was followed by Halal Bae from the third season of Canada's Drag Race.
  • On April 10, 2025, Mercedes announced that she had adopted her first child.[1]

Gallery[]

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11[]

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11 Looks[]

External Links[]

References[]

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