Sasha Colby has partnered with Lyft for the 2024 election to make voting easier for voters

Her name is Sasha Colby, but it's pretty much mandatory that you call her mom. After all, your favorite drag queen is your favorite drag queen and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 has been iconic in the queer community for years. That's not just because she turns heads on any runway or commands the stage just by standing on it, but also because she's fought for queer and trans inclusion in the United States throughout her career . And now that she's headlining national tours, hitting red carpets and appearing alongside industry giants, that fight is stronger than ever.

“My journey in life has always been about perseverance and celebrating diversity,” Colby tells her campus exclusively. “Now the platform I have gives me the opportunity to advocate for communities. It makes me even more fulfilled knowing that I am helping to elevate the voices of others.”

Colby broke barriers in 2023 by becoming the first trans woman of color to win the title of America's Next Drag Superstar RuPaul's Drag Race. But even though her coronation in the queer community was historic, the victory is nothing new for the drag legend: She won the 2012 Miss Continental pageant (one of the most prestigious drag pageants in the world), as well as countless beauty pageant titles, choreography awards and accolades from organizations and publications across the country. So, yeah – she's a pretty big deal.

Not only that, Colby has also found himself an inspiration to queer artists – including your favorite artist's favorite artist (which is primarily a reference to Sasha Colby), Chappell Roan. “It’s so cool to have an influence on other artists, especially artists who really use their voice to stand for their authenticity,” says Colby. “That’s what I love about Chappell: her talent matches her passion for speaking for those who have no voice.”

However, the road to mainstream success and recognition was not without hurdles: Colby has been open about her religious upbringing and how it impacted her journey as a transgender woman. Not to mention the hateful and dangerous rhetoric, violence, and legislation that queer people—particularly trans women of color—face in the United States on a daily basis

And while Colby has overcome these challenges with resilience and grace, that doesn't mean she has it all figured out – even if it seems like she has it figured out. “We're all on a constant journey, trying to figure out who we are and what our purpose is – once you think you know who you are and have it all figured out, the universe will offer you something different,” she says. “It's not so much about getting to where you want to be or being the ideal form of yourself, but about enjoying the transition and journey through life. As we are all in transition, hopefully we are all moving towards a better version of ourselves.”

For now, though, it seems pretty clear that Colby's goal — or at least one of it, in addition to her disgusting hair streaks — is to stand up for her community during this intense and divisive election.

“(Community) is especially important for queer people this election cycle because our overall well-being and humanity are being called into question because of political policies,” Colby says. “The only way to truly address this is to come together as a community and form a strong, united front against the people who are trying to take away our voice and our humanity.”

And if there's one thing fans should know about Colby, it's that she doesn't just talk. For the 2024 presidential election, Colby is walking her talk and partnering with Lyft to offer discounted rideshare, bike and scooter rides to the polls on Election Day. “It’s exciting to work with Lyft to motivate people, especially young voters, to vote and help make a difference,” she said. “Our voices matter and now is the time to use them.”

By using the code VOTE24, Lyft users can get 50% (up to $10) off their ride, bike or scooter ride to the polls on November 5th. This partnership was launched alongside Lyft's 2024 Voting Access Program to remove barriers to access to voting and encourage Generation Z to make their voice heard. “It’s never been more important to stand up for the issues that matter,” says Colby. “Knowing that you have the power to make a difference should encourage you to choose confidently. “Be aware of this goal from the moment you book your Lyft to the polls to the moment you cast your vote…period.”