Meet Miss Toto: a drag queen, marine conservationist, and probably the only person on Earth hosting a glitter-drenched shark-tagging event in Biscayne Bay, Florida. Because why choose between fabulous and scientific when you can be both?
Every year, Miss Toto teams up with scientists from the Field School Foundation for her annual Drag N’ Tag event. They hop on boats, venture into the bay, and get down to the serious business of tagging sharks for marine research. But here’s the twist: while everyone’s waiting for the main event (i.e., a shark to show up), Miss Toto puts on a full-blown drag show right there on the water.
Because apparently, the only thing better than contributing to marine science is doing it while someone serves looks and lip-syncs. All the money raised from this wonderfully absurd spectacle goes to Pridelines, a Florida community center dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Miss Toto's Instagram post after a recent event highlighted just how crucial this work is, especially in Florida right now.
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Her inspiration for this unique blend of glam and guts? None other than the late, great Steve Irwin. Miss Toto, who holds a Master's degree, grew up wanting to work in marine science, and Drag N’ Tag is how she keeps that passion alive and kicking.
Her ultimate goal is to return to her science career and create her own wildlife show, just like Irwin's. Except, you know, with more sequins and significantly better makeup. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for any unsuspecting marine life. We'd definitely tune in.
