Hormona Lisa reveals how she caught RuPaul's eye for season 17
Hormona Lisa, the charismatic queen from RuPaul's Drag Race season 17, humorously admits that RuPaul might need a restraining order against her.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hormona reveals how her dedication to the show — including submitting four audition tapes, attending a DragCon event to ask questions, and following RuPaul on her book tour — eventually paid off. It was at the Atlanta stop of RuPaul’s House of Hidden Meanings book tour where Hormona finally charmed RuPaul into casting her on the spot.
Though Hormona’s journey to Drag Race may seem unconventional, it’s rooted in years of hard work and determination. A prominent trans activist and the president of Chattanooga’s local pride board, Hormona has built a strong reputation in her community. She is also an accomplished designer, with her fashion work showcased in galleries after teaching herself to sew at a young age.
Hormona credits her attention to detail and professionalism during the book tour for catching RuPaul’s eye. From greeting event staff to posing for photographs and managing lighting, Hormona made sure to stand out. She confidently explains, “I don’t have to do the whole thing, you know? I’m a natural-born winner.”
Her influences are unique and diverse. Hormona is inspired by both animated divas (as she’s known as Chattanooga’s Disney Princess) and real-life icons, such as the late JonBenét Ramsey. She finds the world of pageants, particularly the “Toddlers & Tiaras” type, to be campy and fascinating — though she jokingly clarifies that she doesn’t want to meet the same tragic end.
Known for her playful, down-to-earth southern charm, Hormona describes herself as a queen with a mix of sweetness and sass. She’s adept at balancing humor with sharp wit, making her a force to be reckoned with both on and off the Drag Race stage.
Her entrance into RuPaul’s Drag Race was nothing short of iconic. After the book tour, security had to escort her to her car because fans in the theater were eager to meet her. Hormona’s larger-than-life presence and bold personality are expected to leave a lasting impression on Drag Race fans around the world.
RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on MTV. You can watch Hormona’s full interview with Entertainment Weekly in the video above.
