In a packed bar in Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, on Friday night, more than 1,000 people gathered to see a group of drag queens battle it out to snatch the crown for best performance while representing several Central American countries. The Mix Imperial Central American Tropical Drag Royale provided a stage for drag performers in a region where LGBT people often face discrimination and economic hardship. “It’s a form of catharsis,” said Alexa Evangelista, a drag queen from El Salvador and one of the night’s performers, who lip-synched and danced for the adoring crowd. A jury of the three finalists from the Royale’s first edition in 2019 crowned the winner, taking in to account the audience’s support.