From R House to "Drag Race": Athena Dion elevates Miami drag
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Athena Dion attends the 2022 National LGBTQ Task Force Gala at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Photo: Jason Koerner/Getty Images
Miami's drag mother, Athena Dion, was eliminated from Season 18 of "RuPaul's Drag Race," but not before making a huge mark on the show.
The big picture: Thanks to two popular Magic City queens, Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion, the Miami drag scene has been a focal point this season.
- Athena is known as the "Greek Goddess" of R House Wynwood, where she has hosted shows and brunches for several years.
Zoom in: Athena is known as a popular emcee, but she's also the "Mother" of the "House of Dion." The drag family had two contestants this year, following in the footsteps of Morphine Love Dion's Top 5 appearance two seasons ago.
Zoom out: While many drag fans across the globe are falling in love with Athena and Juicy, Miami crowds that gather at R House Wynwood aren't surprised.
- "Athena and Juicy have graced the R House stage for years, lifting our community, shaping our culture, and redefining what it means to put on a show," R House said on Instagram when the two were cast on "Drag Race."
- "Now, they're stepping onto the biggest drag stage in the world."
The intrigue: Last week's "Drag Race" episode was one of the more emotional in the show's history, as Juicy Love Dion eliminated her mother, Athena (technically, grandmother), while holding back tears.
Reality check: Even though Athena has been eliminated, the South Florida veteran performer isn't done.
- Her time on the show has electrified her public persona as fans flock to her social media to find out what's next.
The bottom line: If you get a chance to catch Athena perform at R House, take it. It won't be long before the "Greek Goddess" will be headlining touring shows around the world.
What's next: While Athena has been eliminated, Juicy Love Dion continues on"RuPaul's Drag Race." The next episode airs Friday at 7pm on MTV.