Blab Entertainment
Michelle Buteau Surprises NYC Pride Drag Brunch Ahead of Netflix Series Premiere
On Saturday, June 20, comedian and creator Michelle Buteau slipped into Manhattan’s Stella 34 Trattoria for a surprise appearance at the “It’s Giving Brunch,” a drag‑themed event organized by the New York City Pride group. The brunch, a staple of the Pride calendar, was hosted by Buteau’s Netflix co‑star Peppermint and featured a lively walk‑off competition in which Buteau served as judge.
Peppermint, born Miss Peppermint, co‑hosted the brunch alongside drag performer Olivia Lux. The lineup also included Mo’Riah, ShowPonii, and Egypt, all of whom performed on a stage that combined culinary delights with theatrical flair. The event, held in a trendy Manhattan venue, offered attendees a chance to meet performers, watch live acts, and compete for a coveted “walk‑off” trophy.
The brunch was just one of several celebrations that make up the city’s Pride week. On Sunday, June 28, a larger march will wind through the streets, with Peppermint slated to serve as one of the Grand Marshals. She will join Bowen Yang, Dominique Jackson, broadcaster Bernie Wagenblast, and representatives from the advocacy group Gays Against Guns.
Buteau’s appearance came at a strategic moment. Three weeks before the premiere of the third and final season of her Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest,” she was seen engaging with the Pride community. The show, which debuts on July 2, is rooted in her 2020 book of essays and follows Mavis Beaumont—Buteau’s on‑screen alter‑ego—as a Black, plus‑size stylist navigating career ambitions and body‑positive values while surrounded by a chosen family.
Season 3 will feature an impressive guest list, including Garcelle Beauvais, Wanda Sykes, DL Hughley, Ashley Graham, Ronny Chieng, Jenna Lyons, and Ice‑T. Netflix has confirmed that all eight episodes will be released on the day of the premiere.
Buteau’s résumé extends beyond the small screen. She is a stand‑up comedian, television host, producer, and podcast host, and her comedy earned her a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Special in 2021. In 2024, she appeared in the film “Babes,” directed by Pamela Adlon.
Peppermint, a trans woman, drag queen, singer, songwriter, and activist, first gained national attention as the runner‑up on season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2017. She broke ground on Broadway in 2018 as the first out trans woman to originate a lead role in the musical “Head Over Heels.” Peppermint has released two studio albums—“Hardcore Glamour” (2009) and “Black Pepper” (2017)—and several EPs.
The NYC Pride Drag Brunch is one of several events the Pride organization stages to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture. Its format typically includes live performances, a walk‑off competition, and networking opportunities for attendees to meet performers. The brunch’s co‑hosts and guests are often drawn from the local drag and entertainment scenes.
The upcoming Pride March on June 28 will bring together a diverse group of Grand Marshals. Peppermint’s role underscores her status as a prominent LGBTQIA+ advocate and performer, while the other marshals—Bowen Yang, Dominique Jackson, Bernie Wagenblast, and representatives from Gays Against Guns—represent a broad spectrum of activism, comedy, media, and policy work.
“Survival of the Thickest” has been well received by audiences and critics alike. The series holds a 100 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its humor and representation. The third season’s release date and guest list have been confirmed by Netflix and the production team.
In short, Michelle Buteau’s surprise stop at the NYC Pride Drag Brunch serves as a promotional moment ahead of her Netflix series’ final season. Peppermint’s dual role as brunch co‑host and upcoming Grand Marshal highlights her continued influence in the drag and LGBTQIA+ communities. The Pride March on June 28 will unite performers and activists, while the July 2 premiere of “Survival of the Thickest” season 3 will deliver a fresh slate of episodes and guest appearances.
Peppermint, born Miss Peppermint, co‑hosted the brunch alongside drag performer Olivia Lux. The lineup also included Mo’Riah, ShowPonii, and Egypt, all of whom performed on a stage that combined culinary delights with theatrical flair. The event, held in a trendy Manhattan venue, offered attendees a chance to meet performers, watch live acts, and compete for a coveted “walk‑off” trophy.
The brunch was just one of several celebrations that make up the city’s Pride week. On Sunday, June 28, a larger march will wind through the streets, with Peppermint slated to serve as one of the Grand Marshals. She will join Bowen Yang, Dominique Jackson, broadcaster Bernie Wagenblast, and representatives from the advocacy group Gays Against Guns.
Buteau’s appearance came at a strategic moment. Three weeks before the premiere of the third and final season of her Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest,” she was seen engaging with the Pride community. The show, which debuts on July 2, is rooted in her 2020 book of essays and follows Mavis Beaumont—Buteau’s on‑screen alter‑ego—as a Black, plus‑size stylist navigating career ambitions and body‑positive values while surrounded by a chosen family.
Season 3 will feature an impressive guest list, including Garcelle Beauvais, Wanda Sykes, DL Hughley, Ashley Graham, Ronny Chieng, Jenna Lyons, and Ice‑T. Netflix has confirmed that all eight episodes will be released on the day of the premiere.
Buteau’s résumé extends beyond the small screen. She is a stand‑up comedian, television host, producer, and podcast host, and her comedy earned her a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Special in 2021. In 2024, she appeared in the film “Babes,” directed by Pamela Adlon.
Peppermint, a trans woman, drag queen, singer, songwriter, and activist, first gained national attention as the runner‑up on season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2017. She broke ground on Broadway in 2018 as the first out trans woman to originate a lead role in the musical “Head Over Heels.” Peppermint has released two studio albums—“Hardcore Glamour” (2009) and “Black Pepper” (2017)—and several EPs.
The NYC Pride Drag Brunch is one of several events the Pride organization stages to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture. Its format typically includes live performances, a walk‑off competition, and networking opportunities for attendees to meet performers. The brunch’s co‑hosts and guests are often drawn from the local drag and entertainment scenes.
The upcoming Pride March on June 28 will bring together a diverse group of Grand Marshals. Peppermint’s role underscores her status as a prominent LGBTQIA+ advocate and performer, while the other marshals—Bowen Yang, Dominique Jackson, Bernie Wagenblast, and representatives from Gays Against Guns—represent a broad spectrum of activism, comedy, media, and policy work.
“Survival of the Thickest” has been well received by audiences and critics alike. The series holds a 100 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its humor and representation. The third season’s release date and guest list have been confirmed by Netflix and the production team.
In short, Michelle Buteau’s surprise stop at the NYC Pride Drag Brunch serves as a promotional moment ahead of her Netflix series’ final season. Peppermint’s dual role as brunch co‑host and upcoming Grand Marshal highlights her continued influence in the drag and LGBTQIA+ communities. The Pride March on June 28 will unite performers and activists, while the July 2 premiere of “Survival of the Thickest” season 3 will deliver a fresh slate of episodes and guest appearances.
