Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme: The Unexpected Starbucks Origin Story of a Drag Power Duo

In a recent dinner party conversation, acclaimed drag queens Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme revealed the unconventional beginnings of their enduring friendship and professional partnership. The duo, known for their distinct comedic styles and theatrical performances, shared how their paths first crossed through a mutual instructor at Cornish school. BenDeLaCreme recounted, "Jinkx and I—I mean, we met at this point. We've been saying 15 years for some time, so I'm actually not sure, but it's been a minute." He explained that their instructor had mentioned each queen to the other multiple times, but neither took the introductions seriously at first. The turning point came when BenDeLaCreme decided to attend a free 4 PM show by Jinkx Monsoon and her musical partner, Major Scales, at a Starbucks. "And out of the public restroom comes this beautiful, talented creature and began to perform a show that I still think about. It was one of the most incredible performances I had ever seen," BenDeLaCreme stated. He added, "I immediately turned to my friend, and I said, 'This queen is either my friend or my competition.'" Jinkx Monsoon then shared her perspective, noting, "She handed me her paper business card, and I remember thinking, 'This drag queen is so professional. She has business cards.'" This initial encounter blossomed into one of the most celebrated collaborations in contemporary drag, captivating audiences worldwide.