ORLANDO, Fla. — Growing up, Mikey Reichert has fond memories of watching “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the reality TV show that started in 2009 and is now known for bringing drag culture to the mainstream.

As a “closeted high schooler,” watching the competition helped open the door for Reichert to explore his own queerness and later dive deep into the world of drag himself. Now, he’s witnessing a “dream come true” as Myki Meeks, one of 14 queens chosen to compete on the 18th season of the show, which premieres Jan. 2.

“Name another show that is as fun, whimsical, gay, colorful or as fierce as ‘Drag Race.’ It’s every competition show in one because they ask a lot out of us,” Reichert said. “It’s produced stars and legends, and to be on that side of it now is just wild.”

As a graduate of UCF’s musical theatre BFA program, Reichert dove deep into the world of drag during the pandemic, when many conventional theater spaces were shut down.

“I’ve always loved drag. I thought, ‘If I want to do it, now is the time,’ and I started pursuing that. I went in headfirst,” he said. “I did every competition there was in the scene. I made my name by winning Orlando Drag Race Live, Orlando’s version of drag race, as a competitor.”

The Renaissance Theatre, where Reichert has been involved since its opening in 2021, has been a frequent forum for Myki Meeks to perform, including the theatre’s “Off The Record” Wednesdays. He also performs in drag at Southern Nights regularly. Reichert said it’s important to have spaces for queer pride in Florida’s current political climate.

“In these times where Florida has turned into a harsh red state, we can showcase that there is queer excellence within it fighting for the community,” he said. “Seeing all the different generations of queer people creating these safe havens for people, it shows that the community is here and we’re not backing down. We are the people they fear the most. And if they’re scared of a drag queen, girl, that’s on them.”

Donald Rupe, the Ren’s co-founder, echoed that sentiment and said that drag can help individuals embrace their true colors.

“I think drag queens are confident in a way that so many of us aren’t. They are often loving. They are often political. They are often leaders in the community and charitable and loud,” he said. “When they’re on stage, they become this other persona that allows them the freedom to say what they want and what they think. Not every drag queen represents all of us, but drag culture has done a lot to further the LGBTQ+ community, in my opinion.”

The Renaissance Theatre will also serve as a gathering place to watch episode premieres of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” during ticketed parties, as well as a host to other contestants from the show. Of the 14 queens competing on the new season, five hail from Florida.

Rupe said that the Emmy Award-winning show has garnered widespread attention from its behind-the-scenes moments and larger-than-life personalities.

“Drag Race is famous for the backstage shenanigans and getting to know these personalities. In my opinion, that’s why the show is most successful,” he said. “It’s really a stepping stone for these people. A lot of competitors end up on Broadway, on TV or touring performances. It’s really a huge milestone in Mikey’s career.”

Though the competition hasn’t hosted an Orlando-based queen on a regular season since season nine, Central Florida queen Ginger Minj won “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” in Season 10, and Orlando’s Roxxxy Andrews placed in the top spots during two different seasons. Reichert said he hopes to “continue the legacy.”

In the “Meet the Queens” video for Season 18, Myki Meeks introduces herself as a “dynamic theatrical powerhouse” who can do “a little bit of everything.”

“Theater is my upbringing. I call myself a recovering theater girl,” she said. “I love going for old Hollywood glamor mixed with a little bit of party girl. I’m a cross between Ava Gardner and Charli XCX.”

Now that the filming is complete, Reichert will get to see how the show plays out on television to see who ultimately emerges as the winner of Season 18.

“I was looking up to those I was competing with while also comparing myself. It makes a really big mess of your mind when you’re going up against some of the best. There’s a sense of camaraderie, but we’re still drag queens at the end of the day. So the shade is all real,” he said. “It felt like an intense competition. Now, on the other end of it, watching it back, I’m going to see so many storylines that I missed because I was just so focused on myself. I get to fall in love with these cast members all over again in a different aspect. To be a ‘RuGirl’ is a dream come true.”

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Season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres at 8 p.m. ET Jan. 2 on MTV.

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