Joey Jay

Joey Jadryev, known professionally as Joey Jay, was born in Madison, Wisconsin. Her career in drag began in Milwaukee before she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, with initial intentions of opening a ballroom dancing studio. Prior to her full-time pursuit of drag, Jadryev worked as an account manager in a software company, performing drag as a nighttime endeavor. She steadily built her presence in the drag community, regularly performing at venues like Kobalt Bar in Phoenix.

Joey Jay gained wider recognition after being selected as a contestant for Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She had previously auditioned for the show twice, securing her spot on the third attempt. During her time on the show in 2021, she was eliminated in the fifth episode after a lip-sync performance. Post-Drag Race, Joey Jay continued to actively participate in the drag scene and advocacy. In 2024, she collaborated with fellow drag performers Jiggly Caliente and Brigitte Bandit to lobby for LGBTQ+ rights at the United States Capitol. Her achievements in drag pageantry include being crowned Miss Gay Phoenix America 2025. Joey Jay identifies as openly gay and Jewish, bringing these aspects of her identity to her performances and public persona. She is known for her distinctive drag style, often choosing to perform without wigs, stating that it allows her to see “Joey” in her drag.

Her journey reflects a progression from local performances and corporate work to national television exposure and advocacy. Key milestones include her participation in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 in 2021 and her lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. in 2024. She continues to be a visible figure within the drag community, performing regularly and using her platform to support causes such as Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights.