Meet vegan ‘superwoman’ Pandora Nox—a powerhouse drag artist, dancer, choreographer, contortionist, and DJ from Vienna. In 2023, Pandora won the first season of Drag Race Germany, becoming the only cis woman to win in the franchise’s history. Pandora is a vocal advocate for animal rights, frequently showcasing her talents at vegan venues and festivals throughout Austria.

VegClub sat down with Pandora to chat about drag, pride, and all things vegan!

VegClub (VC): Hi Pandora! What initially drew you to the world of drag?

Pandora Nox (PN): I started doing drag before I knew what drag was, so it was always about passion and self-expression.

VC: What has life been like since winning Drag Race?

PN: Great! I really enjoy being able to travel more, get to know other countries and scenes, and combine it all with my work and passion... and the prize money!

VC: Happy Pride Month! How are you celebrating this year, both personally and as a performer?

PN: Since drag is not only my work but also my passion, it’s definitely both in one! And as much as we celebrate what we have already achieved, let’s not forget what we’re still fighting for!

VC: Can you tell us when you decided to go vegan and what inspired you to make that change?

PN: I refused to eat meat as a child because I was always very empathetic and sensitive. As soon as I moved to Vienna, I became a vegetarian and, a few months later, a vegan. I have now been vegan for over ten years, and it was the best decision I ever made. I know that no animals are harmed because of my lifestyle, allowing me to live in peace with myself.

“All of my costumes are, of course, vegan.” about her costumes

VC: How does being vegan influence your performances and costume choices?

PN: All of my costumes are, of course, vegan and my monthly drag show in Vienna is held in a very charming vegan restaurant. This setting helps bring the vegan lifestyle closer to my audience in a fun way and demonstrates how easy it is to live vegan and enjoy the best food.

Read more The Queen Inn: The world’s first plant-based steakhouse—an exclusive interview

VC: What’s the vegan scene like in Vienna?

Pandora Nox

PN: It has grown so much over the last ten years, and I am very proud of the development of the vegan scene here! When I became vegan, there were maybe two vegan restaurants, and the vegan options were always fries and salad. Now, you can find good vegan options in nearly every restaurant and there are so many vegan restaurants and supermarkets.

VC: What advice would you give to someone that’s thinking about becoming vegan?

PN: Always ask yourself if the two minutes of ‘taste’ are worth more than the life of a sentient being! #eatpussynotmeat

VC: What’s next for Pandora Nox?

PN: Turning the world vegan!

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the top 7 vegan restaurants in Germany for you to try this summer. Perhaps take a look at so young and so vegan: Ryan Spänhoff—’The Junior Chef’ on how he became vegan. Or explore Vienna named world’s most liveable city in 2024, for the third consecutive time.