Onya Nurve is an American drag performer and one of the standout contestants on the seventeenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. A comedic actress and talented singer, Onya’s journey into drag began after she earned a BFA in Painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art. Onya has quickly became a rising star in the drag scene, winning the title of Mx. Zephyr in the inaugural Zephyr Drag Takeover competition in 2022. Known for her bold humor and powerful stage presence, Onya has earned a reputation as an in-demand drag artist who is ready to shake up the competition.
In addition to her achievements in drag, Onya has made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. In 2024, she was honored as the inaugural ArtReach Fellow for Haus of Transcendent, a Cleveland-based LGBTQ nonprofit. Onya is also a proud mother to two drag children, Ariyah Fuego and Bia Jewel. Her drag name, a playful nod to both her mother’s name and the phrase “on your nerve,” was given to her by her brother. Throughout Drag Race Season 17, Onya has showcased her versatility, winning two Maxi Challenges and a Mini Challenge, with memorable moments that have made her a fan favorite. With her fiery Gemini sun, Leo moon, and Leo rising, Onya is proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of drag.
