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If anyone knows how to put on a show in Puerto Vallarta’s current nightlife scene, it is Pelayo. A local drag queen and winner of the 2026 season of “LipSync Assassin: The Revenge”—held in February, 2026, at The Top Sky Bar—her performances bring spectacular choreography, glamorous 90s and 2000s-inspired outfits, and the high-octane energy of a lifelong dancer to the stage.
But who is the person behind this talent, someone who adopted their paternal surname as a drag name and wears it as both a badge of pride and a personal statement?
Francisco, the artist behind Pelayo, is a Puerto Vallarta native whose career path led him to spend much of his professional development in Mexico City. Although he never lost touch with his hometown, this current period marks his “second season” residing in the bay—a return deeply intertwined with his work and success as a drag performer.
Pelayo’s youth in Puerto Vallarta was defined by a clear passion for dance and the arts. Professionally trained in jazz at various private academies, he earned a scholarship to study at the prestigious Tecnológico de Monterrey, Santa Fe Campus, in the nation’s capital. There, he graduated with a degree in Communication and Digital Media while continuing to practice dance and cheerleading. This latter discipline took him to international stages, competing in the Dance Worlds (2013, 2016, 2019, and 2023) and the ICU World Cheerleading Championships (2016, 2019, 2023), both held in Florida.
It was also in Mexico City where his drag awakening occurred in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was always interested in this world because I’ve always loved fashion, makeup, and hair, and I followed shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race,” he explains. “During that stage, a group of friends and I started getting into drag just for fun and to pass the time while activities were limited. When we finally went out, the reaction from the public and other queens was so positive that we decided to form my drag house, ‘House of Westwood.’”
When the time came to choose a drag name, he opted for Pelayo. It was his paternal surname and how he was frequently addressed in the dance world. He knew the choice was unconventional, but it felt familiar. Furthermore, he embraced the irony of feminizing a surname that carried the weight of traditional masculinity during his childhood. For Pelayo, who identifies as non-binary and is the only son in his immediate family, the name serves as a definitive statement.
“I have always felt that I fluidly navigate the spectrum, so I don’t have an issue with pronouns as long as they are used with respect. Of course, when I am in drag, I prefer to be addressed as ‘she/her’.”
Pelayo quickly gained popularity among the city’s queens, building connections that led to invitations to ongoing events like Sunday Brunch and nightclubs such as Discoteca, and Disco Fetish.
During visits to Puerto Vallarta, she carved out a space at main LGBTIQ+ venues like The Tryst hotel, where she currently hosts the Sunday brunch. This residency was a deciding factor in his move back to Puerto Vallarta, though he still travels to Mexico City frequently for work.
Alongside her sisters from House of Westwood, Pelayo produces a party in Mexico City titled “Ghillies,” referencing the famous platform shoes of the fashion brand that inspired their house name. The event has been held over ten times in the last year and a half, featuring international talent from RuPaul’s Drag Race. House of Westwood has also successfully toured the party to cities like Monterrey and Zipolite.
When asked to define her drag, Pelayo describes it as a collection of life references.
“I’m inspired by pop culture moments etched in my mind. I was a hyperactive child, so I feel my drag draws from everything I loved back then. I was obsessed with fashion,” she explained. “I remember going to my aunts’ houses and sneaking into the bathroom to read Vogue while they drank coffee. Visually, I lean into 90s and early 2000s fashion. I’ve built this character around the idea of a pop star—a showgirl.”
Her stage energy, precise choreography, and musical curation set her apart, leading to her recent victory in “LipSync Assassin: The Revenge.” This competition brought back former contestants for a second chance at the crown. Pelayo explains that she intended to compete in the inaugural 2023 edition, but a work commitment in Colombia forced her to miss the first date, resulting in an automatic elimination. This year, however, with a fully realized drag identity, she swept the four-week competition.
“I’m so proud to have showcased Pelayo in my very first hometown competition. It felt like a graduation—presenting my final thesis after nearly 5 years in drag. Truly a defining moment in my journey.”
Determined, bold, and restless, Pelayo remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way. Her resume includes local and national campaigns for brands like Adidas, performing as a dancer for Danna Paola’s Calor listening party, and most recently, in March 2026, performing at the Palacio de los Deportes for the listening party of Kenia OS’s new album, K de Karma.
Pelayo is more than just a performer; she is a bridge between the disciplined world of professional dance and the subversive artistry of drag. By returning to her roots in Puerto Vallarta with a title in hand and a clear creative vision, she has solidified her place as a cornerstone of the local scene while maintaining a footprint in the Mexican capital industry.
This article was featured in our Summer 2026 issue. Read the digital copy here.
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