Ella Fonte Gigante

Meet Ella Fontè Gigante

Name

Ella Fontè Gigante

Pronouns (so that we honor and represent you correctly)

He/Him 9am - 5pm | She/Her 9pm - 5am

Where are you from?

West Harlem, NY

What does the theme "Pride Through Protest" mean to you personally?

What the theme “Pride Through Protest” means for me is the importance of walking through the fear when confronted with feelings of diversity even when experiencing levels of marginalization. It is absolutely consequential that I personally “show up” for myself. My presence mirrors the representation of a sober, dark skinned Latino confronting internalized homophobia. Showcasing my pride is my protest, more so protesting against the inner dialogue that I am not enough when drag has shown me that I am EVERYTHING… PERIODT!

Why are you participating in Royalty In Recovery? (Share your why-your story, your motivation, or what this pageant means to you)

I am participating in Royalty In Recovery because Drag has done for me what my male identifying counterpart couldn’t, GIVEN ME COURAGE, ELIMINATED SHAME… “SUCH BRAVERISM”! My first time in drag was when I competed in another sobriety based pageant in March of 2024. Til this day and through all the gifts of life I’ve received in my 21 months sober, that night will forever be the best night of my adult life. Having this persona known as Ella Fontè Gigante literally take over my body was something I’ve never experienced before. Participating in this pageant is taking my drag to the next level while showing every other person, THIS CAN BE YOU TOO… HAPPY, JOYOUS and absolutely FREE and FABULOUS.

How has recovery or sobriety impacted your life or identity?

Recovery has not only impacted my life but that of everyone around me. When we hear the phrase, “a life beyond your wildest dreams”, it sounds so cheesy but it’s also so true. This is exactly the life I’ve asked for. I am now the person I was meant to be and more… A DRAG QUEEN HUNTY!

What is a fun fact about you that people might not expect? (Quirky, silly, impressive - we want to know)

Snapple Fun Fact: I wipe front to back.

What's your favorite talent you've seen in a past pageant? (Tell us what moment left you inspired, gagged, or cheering the loudest)

One man, one jar routine. FLAWLESS!!!

Who inspires you and why? (Could be someone famous, a mentor, or someone from your personal life)

My mother inspires me. Her strength is unmatched. Everything I’ve learn on how to be a human being whether it be kindness, book and street smart, fearless and at the same time ferocious I’ve gotten from her. She is my rock. ALSO, KIM KARDASHIAN, TAYLOR SWIFT and ASHLEY TISDALE AS SHARPAY EVANS!

Anything else you want the audience to know about you? This is your space to speak directly to the folks reading your bio - go off!

Of course like any other contestant, I REALLY WANT THIS!! Why?! It all ties down to dismantling my internalized homophobia but in addition, this time, proving to myself that I have what it takes to be a fierce drag queen. To show what can be done when fear is pushed aside and acceptance is the driving force. See you all June 7th. <3

Donate to Ella!