DRAG OF THE MONTH - Pasta Parisa

Pasta Parisa is Munich’s dazzling “show noodle,” leaving a trail of sparkling pasta magic everywhere she goes—from local spotlights to international stages. With high-energy dance numbers to pop classics, modern burlesque elements, and witty lipsync acts, she captivates every audience. As the first “Queen of the Night” at the legendary Garry Klein Club, she sets every party and event on fire—and in 2026 she’ll even be heating up the dance floors as a DJ at Winter Pride. Because honestly: who doesn’t love pasta?

We sat down with her for a little chat and asked her a few questions. And trust us: it’s worth reading until the end!

Stage name: What is it, and how did you come up with it?

Pasta: The name actually came about for two reasons: pasta has always been my absolute favorite food, and “Parisa” came up during a road trip with a friend from my acting school days. It was only later that I noticed the wordplay “Passt der Pariser” (a Swabian expression), and as a queen with roots in Swabia, it just felt even more fitting.

How would you describe your drag/artist style in three words?

Pasta: bold. bearded. bitchy.

Who or what inspires you most in your art?

Pasta: I’m heavily inspired by the pop culture of the 2010s—growing up as a young queer person during that time had a huge impact on me. Especially Lady Gaga: without her, there would be no Pasta Parisa, and also no Dennis—not in the form he exists today. The women in my family have also played a major role in shaping me, teaching me to follow my heart, work passionately, and never give up.

Which LGBTQ+ figure do you admire most, and why?

Pasta: All drag artists—whether queens, kings, quings, or in any form—who paved the way for artists like me to do what we do so openly today. From local scene bars to Stonewall—no matter where in the world—shout out to everyone who was loud, and still is!

Is there a motto or guiding principle that drives you personally?

Pasta: It’s all about creating a safe space for my audience, allowing them to feel emotions, and delivering everything with a huge dose of confidence. Life is too short and precious to spend it in a box. If by the end of the day I’ve made even one person laugh, cry, think, or dream, then I’ve done my job right.

When and how did you first come into contact with the LGBTQ+ community?

Pasta: Consciously, it was when I moved from my small village to a bigger city at 17. That’s when I was able to truly experience everything there was to discover—the broader perspective, the feeling of community and chosen family, and so much colorful, creative, individual love.

What does the community mean to you personally?

Pasta: To me, it means home, a safe haven, and—as I said—chosen family. And like any family, it’s not perfect. There’s still far too much hate and discrimination within the community—for example, the rejection of lesbian women by some men, the marginalization of non-binary people, and discrimination against people of color. In these difficult political times, we should strengthen each other through dialogue, understanding, and mutual learning, rather than letting ourselves be further divided. Many are already trying to do just that.

What has been your funniest or quirkiest experience on stage?

Pasta: Standing in the audience as a co-host at Munich’s CSD while the sacred carillon plays, and the police keep asking me to stop—while the main host just carries on—and you’re constantly scared you might get arrested at any moment.

Is there a personal drag/performance secret you’d like to share?

Pasta: I always tell newcomers: “Perform as if you’ve just done it once already—and now do it again, freer, without thinking, better, and with more enjoyment.”

Do you have a routine or ritual before a show?

Pasta: Drink plenty of still water—your mouth must never be dry during a lipsync. An empty bladder, headphones with motivating music to get in the mood, a moment of silence, warm-up exercises, and some encouraging words from colleagues or yourself.

What has been your most unforgettable travel destination so far—and why?

Pasta: Probably the super spontaneous road trip to Paris back then, which later even inspired my stage name. Just me, my then-boyfriend, and my best friend jumping in the car and hitting the gas. A cheap hostel, a wild trip—just young, wild, and spontaneous.

Which travel destination is still on your bucket list, and why?

Pasta: I like to go with the flow and see what happens. But my absolute favorite destination at the moment is Greece.

What message would you like to give to young LGBTQ+ people?

Pasta: Just be yourself! Even though it’s easier said than done. You only live your life once—and only for yourself. Life is too short to hide and not express yourself the way you want. Live your dreams instead of just dreaming your life.

Thank you Pasta!

Photos by: Francesco Giordano, Merlyn Charles Nieto