The winning drag performer will be accompanied on the trip by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK stars Kitty Scott-Claus and Vanity Milan and perform a set at an iconic LGBT+ venue to mark San Francisco Pride Month.
Virgin Atlantic said it was on the hunt for “queens, kings and drag performers from across the rainbow” who “truly champion individuality”.
To be in with a chance of winning, drag acts must record themselves performing Virgin’s cabin crew safety demonstration “with a twist and fresh eyes”, as well as sharing their story about why they deserve to join the San Francisco trip.
The winner will fly Upper Class with Virgin from Heathrow on 9 June, enjoy a three-night stay at the Hilton Union Square, “lively” city tours and experiences and have the chance to create content showcasing their travel journey with Kitty Scott-Claus and Vanity Milan.
They will also take to the stage at LGBT+ nightclub Oasis for a special San Francisco Pride Month performance.
Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “Travel is one of the greatest joys in life, but only if everybody can be themselves. That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to partner with San Francisco Travel Association for San Francisco Pride Month and champion the rich individuality of the UK’s drag scene.
“San Francisco is an incredible city that embraces diversity and matches our ethos that everybody should be able to take on the world, no matter who they are. After two challenging years when life has been on pause, it’s time to see the world differently and what an incredible opportunity to do so.”
Joe D’Alessandro, president and chief executive of the San Francisco Travel Association, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Virgin Atlantic on this competition and highlight why San Francisco has become the LGBTQ+ capital of the world. We’re excited to welcome visitors back to a vibrant city where everyone is welcome and where boldness is rewarded.
"San Francisco is where the rainbow flag, the global symbol of Pride, was born, and the AIDS Memorial Quilt was conceived. There are so many inspiring reasons to visit now.”
To enter, contestants can visit: https://royalwelcomesf.virginatlantic.com/
