Bold & Beautiful: Kolumbia Monroe

Kolumbia Monroe stands at the heart of Salt Lake City’s drag and burlesque scene, a magnetic performer whose presence on stage radiates warmth, confidence and unapologetic self-love. Every weekend at Why KiKi, Monroe commands the stage, delivering dazzling performances that are equal parts art and empowerment. But for Monroe, drag isn’t just about sequins and spotlights — it’s about creating a space where people feel seen and celebrated.

A seasoned performer and mother of the Haus of Monroe, Kolumbia has built more than just a name for herself — she’s built a community. “When I step on stage, I want people to feel something,” she says. “Whether it’s joy, empowerment or even just the freedom to be themselves, I want to spark something in them.” Monroe’s performances are layered with intention, often featuring no fewer than six reveals in a single show. “I’m like one of those Russian dolls,” she jokes. “There’s always another layer.”

“I’ve had so many things push against me that would have broken me completely,” she says. “But here I am.”

Her impact extends far beyond the stage. Through Haus of Monroe, Kolumbia has cultivated one of the most inclusive drag and burlesque troupes in the city. “I’ve got a lot of POC performers in my cast, and one of my burlesque daughters is trans,” she explains. “It’s important to me that everyone feels represented and valued.” The inclusivity she fosters has made Haus of Monroe a safe haven for performers of all backgrounds, a place where self-expression thrives.

Monroe’s path to the spotlight wasn’t straightforward. Raised Mormon, she broke away from her religious upbringing and faced more than her share of challenges along the way. “I’ve had so many things push against me that would have broken me completely,” she says. “But here I am.” Her resilience is woven into her performances, where strength and vulnerability coexist.

“Keep going. Confidence is the difference between a good performance and a great one.”

Outside of her weekend performances, Monroe extends her message of confidence and self-love through body positivity and burlesque classes. “I teach people to embrace their bodies and find strength in movement,” she says. “It’s not about perfection — it’s about feeling comfortable and powerful in your skin.” Her classes are less about technique and more about self-acceptance. “You don’t have to look a certain way to own a stage. It’s about how you carry yourself.”

Monroe also sees her work as a quiet form of activism. In Utah’s tightly regulated burlesque scene, she’s had to push boundaries just to claim space. “We have blue laws here,” she explains. “As a burlesque performer, I can’t collect tips directly from the audience because of the alcohol laws. Drag queens can, but not us.” Despite the barriers, Monroe continues to bring burlesque further into the mainstream and create more opportunities for performers.

“I tell my performers all the time — if you think you’ve messed up, the audience doesn’t know,” she says. “Keep going. Confidence is the difference between a good performance and a great one.” Monroe’s ability to lift others up is one of her defining traits. Whether through a perfectly timed reveal on stage or a word of encouragement backstage, she’s building a legacy of strength and belonging.

Kolumbia Monroe is more than a performer; she’s a force and a mother, in every sense of the word. Beyond nurturing her drag children in Haus of Monroe, Kolumbia is also a mom to her children at home, balancing the chaos of family life with the demands of performing and teaching. The title of “Mother” isn’t just honorary — it’s a role she embodies with warmth, strength and fierce protection, both on and off the stage. Monroe is reshaping the local drag and burlesque landscape — one confident step at a time.

Monroe can be seen performing on weekends or teaching her body positivity classes throughout the week, both at Why KiKi. To sign up for one of her classes, or just to keep up on all things Kolumbia Monroe, find her on Instagram at @kolumbiamonroe. 

Read more Bold & Beautiful features here:
Bold & Beautiful: Jose Rojas
Bold & Beautiful: Lorem Ipsum