Profiles in Pride

How Le Cocó Made Drag Race History

This June, Profiles in Pride honors the icons, originals and trailblazers who shape queer culture—and move it forward.

Madrid’s nightlife doesn’t just have a pulse—it has a mouth, and it belongs to Le Cocó. Equal parts high fashion and hard truth, she’s the “bitch of the season” who turned the club scene into a catwalk and made Drag Race España history by winning the Season 4 crown with a red wig and unapologetic grit.

Raised on the films of Almodóvar, the power poses of ‘90s supermodels and the beat of the dance floor, Le Cocó isn’t just a drag queen; she’s a cultural force shaped by the streets of Madrid and sharpened by survival.

Le Cocó opens up about the legacy of her city, the fight behind the fantasy, and why Pride, for her, is more than a celebration; it’s a call to remain loud, visible and gloriously defiant.

"Madrid is street, and Le Cocó is very Madrid." You’ve described yourself as the "lips of Madrid's nightlife" and "the bitch of the season." How do these identities shape your drag persona and your approach to self-expression?

Madrid is the street. Le Cocó comes from the street, from the clubs, from the dressing rooms and from the nightlife in general. I'm a real beast, the street made me this way, but the edge of the Madrid nightlife is from years of my career working nonstop in so many clubs. I've defined myself as I feel and how I want to be seen.

Your drag is deeply influenced by '90s supermodels, Madonna and Almodóvar's films. How do these references manifest in your performances and aesthetic choices?

Of the top models, I've always taken that attitude, which would be confident and a little cold! Madonna shaped my adolescence and will always be my greatest role model, and Almodóvar is my personality, my life and above all, his films are some of the best in this country.

Winning Drag Race España Season 4 was a historic moment. What does this victory mean for you personally, and how do you see it impacting the Spanish drag scene?

It was a dream, a reward for my career, and above all, a door for the world to see me. I've always felt the love and respect of the Spanish drag scene; I already felt it before entering Drag Race, and I feel it now, too. I won for all my fellow contestants, for those who didn't make it on the show and for those who don't want to.

You’ve mentioned that your grandmother advises you to 'stop being a slut on stage and go to Pasapalabra.' How do you navigate the balance between honoring family expectations and staying true to your bold drag identity?

I've never felt like I have to honor my family. The part of my family that wants to be with me IS, and the part that doesn't, I don't care. I follow my path no matter what

Your wigs are a signature part of your look. Can you share the significance behind your iconic redhead style and how it contributes to your drag narrative?

Out of drag, I'm a redhead, and I always knew I was going to be one in drag too. It's what unites me offstage, and above all, my hallmark.

As a Madrid-based queen, you embody the city's vibrant energy. How does Madrid's cultural landscape influence your drag artistry and performances?

Madrid is my home and always will be. I love Madrid, its people and its vitality, although Madrid is also very intense! But I'm happy to represent Madrid and be the first Spanish winner to be from Madrid.

Reflecting on your journey, what challenges have you faced as a drag performer in Spain, and how have you overcome them to reach this point in your career?

I've done everything, and all of this has made me who I am. There's a lot of effort behind it, investment, training and above all, attitude. I've always believed in myself, in who I am and what I'm capable of.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of drag in Spain, and how do you plan to contribute to its evolution?

I want to continue growing, tour outside of Spain, release my play and bring drag to other spaces.

The Standard, Ibiza is known for its bold energy, inclusive spirit and celebration of queer culture. If Le Cocó were to curate a night at The Standard, Ibiza, what would the theme be—and what kind of fantasy would you bring to the White Isle?

Without a doubt, a Cabaret theme. I owe a lot to Ibiza; there I found what I wanted, and above all, I haven't felt the magic of Ibiza anywhere else. I love Ibiza, and it will always be my magical island.

Pride is a celebration of identity and freedom. What does Pride mean to you personally, and how do you embody its spirit through your drag?

It's a celebration of freedom, but it's still a struggle. Unfortunately, we can't let our guard down regarding our rights. It's very difficult to achieve what we have, but it's very easy for it to be taken away from us.


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