Genderqueer Drag Artist, Performer, and Activist

Full Name: Jamin Ruhren
Born: December 10, 1977
Origin: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Pronouns: she/he/they (onstage), he/him (out of drag)
Notable for: Drag artistry, reality television, queer performance art, advocacy in queer visibility

Summary

Acid Betty is a genderqueer drag artist and performance visionary known for combining high-concept fashion with avant-garde spectacle. Rising to prominence through RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8, she captivated audiences with her unorthodox aesthetic, sharp wit, and unapologetic individuality. A staple of Brooklyn’s alternative drag scene, Acid Betty has blurred the boundaries between gender, art, and political commentary, establishing herself as a fearless figure in contemporary queer culture.

Early Life & Influences

Born Jamin Ruhren in Brooklyn, Acid Betty found inspiration in the rich diversity of New York City and its drag subcultures. Early exposure to fashion, club scenes, and queer artistry informed her boundary-pushing style. With a background in visual arts and performance, she cultivated a persona that challenges the mainstream portrayal of drag as purely glamorous or comedic.

Career Highlights

• RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 8, 2016): Acid Betty competed as one of the most talked-about queens of the season, noted for her striking visual presentations and direct critiques. Though eliminated early, she left a lasting impact with her uncompromising artistry.
• Film & Television: Appeared in The Queens of Drag: NYC, Project Runway, and numerous queer-centered documentaries and music videos.
• Live Performance: Known for immersive, often confrontational live shows that fuse costume, sound, and political themes, particularly addressing queer rights, visibility, and gender nonconformity.
• Music & Visuals: Released tracks and videos such as “Fantasy” and “Ruthless,” which highlight her talents in digital art, voice, and fashion.

Identity & Activism

Acid Betty identifies outside the binary and uses her platform to confront gender norms and uplift queer and trans communities. She frequently speaks on the commodification of drag, the importance of underground queer culture, and the need to center trans and nonwhite voices in queer spaces.

Legacy

Acid Betty represents a vital thread in the tapestry of queer history: the radical artist who refuses assimilation. By existing loudly in her queerness, she has empowered generations of nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals to create on their own terms, and she continues to inspire dialogue about authenticity, art, and resistance within queer spaces.