Bold & Beautiful: Anya Bacon

Anya Bacon is a force to be reckoned with, both in the world of drag and as an activist advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Her introduction to the art form came unexpectedly

in high school through a conversation with a fellow queer student. This interaction would ignite a passion that led to her becoming one of the boldest and most beloved figures in the Utah drag community.

Anya was no stranger to performance. Having grown up participating in musical theater and advanced art classes, she was already well-versed in the world of creative expression. However, it wasn’t until a conversation with a friend about RuPaul that Anya first encountered the concept of drag. “I didn’t even know what a drag queen was,” she admits. But it was clear that the world of drag spoke to her. A few years later, when the Logan Pride Center put out a call for drag queens, Anya knew she had found her next performance outlet. Despite not having any of the typical drag queen trappings (no name, a wig, heels, a dress, or makeup), that moment marked the beginning of a journey that would blend art, performance and activism in ways she never imagined.

For Anya, the process of transformation is a key part of her artistry. “It takes up to three hours to create the fantasy,” she shares. It’s a labor of love, in which each detail comes together to create a stunning persona. The meticulous preparation and dedication to the craft are an essential part of what makes Anya’s performances so captivating. However, it’s not just the art of drag that drives her. As an activist, she is deeply committed to creating spaces where others can be bold and beautiful, just as she has been.

Anya is involved with two important local organizations: the Matrons of Mayhem and the United Drag Alliance. The Matrons of Mayhem is a drag troupe dedicated to raising money for various charities, blending entertainment with activism. The United Drag Alliance, works to cultivate change through workshops, fundraisers and events. Their mission is clear: to inspire and empower people while fighting for equality and justice for the LGBTQ community. 

One of the more unique aspects of the Matrons of Mayhem is their Drag Queen Bingo events. “It’s all of the artistry of drag mixed with all of the dad jokes and puns that come with bingo,” Anya explains. 

Anya reflects on how the drag community has helped individuals discover their inner strength: “Drag itself has such a rich history in queer activism,” she points out. “The first people consistently to stand up for queer rights have been drag artists and trans folks.”

The courage and resilience of the drag community have emboldened countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves. For Anya, drag is not just about performance; it’s about empowerment, emboldening others to become the better part, the more outspoken version of themselves,” she says.

In her eyes, beauty lies in this journey of self-discovery. Whether through drag or other paths of artistic or social expression.

Anya Bacon’s work as a drag queen and activist is a testament to the power of art to inspire, uplift and create change. Through her performances and activism, she embodies the bold and the beautiful: individuals who are unafraid to speak out, to express themselves, and to make the world a better place for everyone. For Anya, drag is more than just a performance — it’s a movement, one that continues to inspire countless others to find their own inner fierceness and embrace their true beauty.

Catch Anya or another Queen of O!nk every Tuesday at the Green Pig at 8:30 p.m. for O!nk Bingo and follow Anya on IG at @theanyabacon for information on upcoming events and performances.

Read more of Bold & Beautiful here:
Bold & Beautiful: Kolumbia Monroe
Bold & Beautiful: Jose Rojas