Alexis Michelle, Nina West and More Join Forces in New Book on ‘Transformative Power’ of Drag

Mar. 15, 2025

Alexis Michelle, Nina West and the cover of ‘No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen’.Photo:Courtesy of Alexis Michelle; HarperOne; Jennifer Englert

Courtesy of Alexis Michelle; HarperOne; Jennifer Englert

You better work — on reading an exciting new book about life as a drag queen!

A celebrated lineup of well-known drag queens includingNina West,Alexis Michelleand more, are coming together to publish an important new book.On Feb. 5, HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins, announced the forthcoming publication ofNo Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen. The book, a collection of essays from the starry line-up, will arrive in bookstores this fall.

HarperOne

No Tea, No Shadebrings together the stories and voices of West, Michelle, Kennedy Ann Scott,Lagoona Bloo,Olivia Luxand Julie J. Across 30 essays, the group will share stories about their entertainment careers, as well as their work as activists and educators.

The essays will explore a range of topics, such as navigating relationships and bullying, as well as timely subjects like Drag Story Hour and the challenges of being a part of the LGBTQ+ community today.

Julie J and Olivia Lux.Courtesy of Julie J; Courtesy of Olivia Lux

Courtesy of Julie J; Courtesy of Olivia Lux

The book will be “a rallying cry for change, a celebration of identity and a testament to the transformative power of drag to break down barriers and inspire hearts,” per a statement shared with PEOPLE.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!No Tea, No Shadearrives at a time when anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is rampant around the U.S., and the authors aim to create a book that advocates for inclusion and mutual respect.

Lagoona Bloo and Kennedy Ann Scott.Steven Menendez; Leah Epling

Steven Menendez; Leah Epling

“More than ever in this lifetime, drag continues to be an art form born of and dripping in activism,” Alexis Michelle said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Just existing as a queer and gender-nonconforming individual in today’s world is an act of resistance.”

“But in times of struggle, whether personal or collective, drag is the ultimate expression of authenticity that has the power to heal and transform,” Michelle continued. “Coming together with my sisters; sharing our art and our hearts in these pages feels so essential. I’m excited beyond measure for readers to get this deeper look into the life affirming world of drag.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queenwill be published on Sept. 23, 2025 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.

source: people.com