Pandora Nox, winner of Drag Race Germany Season 1, is more than just a drag icon – they’re a dancer, choreographer, contortionist, make-up artist, and DJ, which has earned them the nickname ‘Superwoman’. Pandora follows a plant-based diet and is a passionate animal rights advocate, using their platform to spotlight causes close to their heart, such as veganism.
In this interview, ProVeg’s Emily Styrka chats to Pandora about why they were inspired to go plant-based – and how that choice intersects with their life and artistry as a drag performer.
Emily Styrka : What first inspired you to adopt a plant-based lifestyle?
Pandora Nox: Ever since I was a child, I refused to eat meat. I just felt instinctively that I didn’t want to eat animals – they were my friends, and I loved them deeply. That feeling was spontaneous and incredibly strong from a very young age.
As a teenager, I became more aware of animal rights and naturally transitioned to vegetarianism. The moment I realized that protecting animals was a conscious choice, it felt like the obvious path for me.
Later, when I moved to Vienna, someone introduced me to the documentary Earthlings (2005, Shaun Monson). It uses hidden cameras and previously unseen footage to expose the day-to-day practices of some of the world’s largest industries, all of which profit from animals. I couldn’t even watch 30 seconds of it. That was the turning point – I became vegan on the spot. That was 12 years ago, and I’ve never looked back.
ES: Do you feel your plant-based lifestyle influences your creativity or performance in any way?
PN: Absolutely – my plant-based lifestyle influences my creativity and performance in many ways. It’s not just about what I eat, it’s a core part of who I am. Everything I wear is vegan – no fur, no leather, not even in my make-up or shoes. I love showing that you can look absolutely fabulous and high-fashion without harming animals.
On a physical level, the benefits are real: my cardio has improved so much since switching to a plant-based diet, which means I can dance harder, longer, and feel lighter in my body. It helps me stay in shape, perform at my best, and feel aligned inside and out with the message I want to share.
ES: How amazing that your drag looks are entirely vegan-friendly! What has the experience been like sourcing cruelty-free materials?
PN: So, choosing vegan materials is more than a personal preference – it’s a political and ethical statement. It’s a form of anti-oppression, a way of protecting not just animals, but also human beings, because many industries that exploit animals also exploit people.
I believe that if we have the privilege of choice, we should use it wisely and rethink our morals. That’s why I don’t collaborate with products that use animal-derived materials. If a brand approaches me for a collaboration, I always ask if they have a vegan line, and I’ll only move forward if they do. It’s not just about what I wear; it’s about increasing the demand for ethical alternatives and encouraging brands to shift towards more compassionate practices.
ES: What message do you hope to send to your fans through your advocacy for animals?
PN: I hope to inspire people to open their eyes and truly see what happens behind the closed doors of these industries. There’s so much cruelty that is hidden from the public, and once you’re aware of that reality, it becomes impossible to ignore. I want to show that every choice we make – from what we eat to what we wear – has an impact. My goal is to empower people to make more conscious, compassionate decisions and to realize that change starts with awareness.
ES: Do you think the plant-based movement needs to do more to reflect queer, creative, or marginalized voices?
PN: You can never do enough – not when animals are dying every single day. I try to do and share as much as I possibly can, but the truth is, it’s still not enough. If I could save animals this very second, I would. That’s why I believe the plant-based movement absolutely needs to amplify more queer, creative, and marginalized voices. These perspectives bring urgency, empathy, and innovation to the conversation. We need more visibility and more space for those who live at the intersection of compassion and resistance.
ES: How aware were you of the impact of the food system on the environment when you first went plant-based, and how did this influence your food choices?
PN: At first, I simply knew I didn’t want to be part of a system that caused so much suffering. That instinct led me to dig deeper and research the food industry and its impact on the environment. The more I learned, the more I realized how interconnected it all is – the cruelty towards animals, the environmental destruction, and even the effects on our own bodies. Choosing not to consume products from animals who suffered their whole lives has not only aligned with my values but also improved my overall well-being. It truly transformed how I see food and the power of our everyday choices.
ES: Do you have a go-to vegan comfort meal or pre-show snack?
PN: My go-to comfort treat is definitely a matcha with oat milk, sweetened with a bit of agave or maple syrup – it’s soothing, energizing, and a little moment of joy. And, honestly, I love fries. They’re totally my ultimate go-to snack – delicious, satisfying, and easy to find pretty much anywhere when I’m traveling for shows.
ES: Thank you so much for chatting with us, Pandora!
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Emily Styrka
Content Creator and Writer
