Michael Silas and Travis Stancil have played a significant role in turning what once seemed like an ambitious dream into one of the highly anticipated LGBTQ+ reality TV series of the decade. Their project, Pageant Queens, aims to be a transformative evolution of drag pageantry — merging cinematic storytelling, real emotion, and representation that seeks to be groundbreaking. Through their vision, they have crafted something that resonates with a broad audience, aiming to redefine the genre.
The journey began with Queen of Drag, a one-night live competition that brought together ten of the nation’s well-known drag legends to compete for a $50,000 grand prize. The production was notable for its visionary execution, with a scale and polish that resembled a television spectacle. The event’s promotional video captured attention from fans, media, and entertainment insiders nationwide. This wave of attention sparked a simple but compelling question from audiences everywhere: When is this becoming a TV show?
From that moment, Pageant Queens began to take shape. Silas and Stancil combined their strengths — Silas’s expertise in choreography and performance, and Stancil’s knowledge of large-scale production and business strategy — to create something innovative in the reality TV space. Together, they built a format that blends the fierce competition of drag pageantry with the depth and authenticity of documentary storytelling, creating a show that doesn’t just entertain, but also educates and connects.
Rather than waiting for a network deal, they built their own. Silas and Stancil assembled an “Avengers Team” of cinematographers, editors, stylists, and designers who shared their vision. The project was self-funded and self-produced, and relied on an unwavering belief in community-driven creativity. Every frame of the show reflects that independence — polished, intentional, and grounded in real stories. The independence of the project allowed them to stay true to their creative vision, giving it a level of authenticity rarely seen in reality TV.
The transformation from Queen of Drag to Pageant Queens was no coincidence; it was the natural progression of two creators determined to highlight the artistry, vulnerability, and power of the drag and trans communities. As the episodes came together, a larger purpose emerged — not just to entertain, but to humanize, inspire, and connect. The show evolved into a vehicle for storytelling that prioritizes real, lived experiences over spectacle.
Silas and Stancil retained full executive producer ownership throughout development and met with multiple major streaming platforms, all of which expressed significant interest. Their eventual partnership with a leading global network allowed them to maintain full creative control while expanding the show’s reach to international audiences. This partnership provided them with the opportunity to bring their vision to the world stage, ensuring that their unique storytelling approach reached as many viewers as possible.
To build anticipation, they recently unveiled the first official Pageant Queens promotional artwork stamped with “Coming Soon,” igniting a notable resurgence of viral buzz across social media. The official streaming announcement is expected in the coming weeks, marking a potentially significant moment for LGBTQ+ media. The buildup to the release has been marked by a groundswell of excitement, as the community eagerly awaits the show’s debut, further fueling the anticipation surrounding the series.
At its core, Pageant Queens places ten extraordinary individuals under one roof, each with unique experiences, perspectives, and histories. As the story unfolds, competition gives way to connection, revealing the shared humanity behind the crowns and the courage it takes to earn them. The series title, Our Story Behind the Crown, intends to encapsulate this journey — shifting the focus from winning titles to celebrating resilience, authenticity, and community. It’s a celebration of what makes each individual special and the incredible strength it takes to truly be yourself in a world that often demands conformity.
Photo Courtesy: Mike Silas / Travis Stancil
From editing and cinematography to story structure and emotional tone, the series prioritizes honesty over spectacle. It captures life as it unfolds, showcasing both triumphs and vulnerabilities in their rawest form. The creators set out to tell stories that empower and unite — and seemingly succeeded in achieving that goal. Through real-world struggles and triumphs, the show highlights the power of community, offering a sense of solidarity to viewers who see their own experiences reflected on screen.
What began as a dream in the world of live entertainment has now become a potentially groundbreaking franchise that redefines queer television. Built on authenticity, inclusivity, and artistic excellence, Pageant Queens stands as proof that when vision, community, and courage align, even two dancers can become the Godfathers of a movement — and the architects of television history. The show may very well mark the start of a new era in LGBTQ+ television, one where the stories told are real, relatable, and as vibrant as the individuals they represent.
