Tragic news has emerged from the world of drag performance, as Misua, a promising star of the upcoming fourth season of ‘Drag Race: Philippines,’ has passed away at the age of 27. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 2, by the production team at World of Wonder, alongside the social media account for the show.
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In a heartfelt Instagram post, the team expressed their sorrow, revealing that Misua, whose real name was Jason Elvie Ty, had died peacefully in her sleep. “We are heartbroken to share that Misua, a talented Queen set to appear on season four of Drag Race: Philippines, passed away in her sleep the morning of April 2,” they wrote, accompanied by a touching photo of the late performer. The post spoke highly of Misua, stating, “She brought light, artistry, and joy to those around her, and she will be deeply missed.”
The loss has prompted the production team to temporarily halt filming, demonstrating their commitment to supporting fellow cast members and crew during this difficult period. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who loved her,” the message continued. It was also noted that Misua’s family has requested privacy while they mourn their tragic loss.
As details surrounding her death remain unclear, reactions from the wider drag community have poured in. Hannah Conda, a competitor from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under,’ voiced her sorrow with a tribute on social media, stating it was “absolutely heartbreaking” and expressing her love for Misua’s Filipino family. Blue Hydrangea, who won ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World,’ echoed these sentiments, calling the news “devastating” and extending her love to everyone affected.
In a poignant tribute, Misua’s family shared their fond remembrance of her on Facebook. They described her not just as a performer, but as their beloved son, brother, friend, and mentor. “Jayson was our dearly loved son, brother, friend, mentor, and most of all, Jayson is a star. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and close friends,” they stated, highlighting the profound impact she had on those who knew her.
Misua, originally hailing from Cagayan de Oro, had built an impressive profile within the drag community. According to her biography, her artistry spanned various dimensions, rooted in fashion, creativity, and self-expression. A trained graphic designer, she had spent approximately eight years performing, and was recognised for crafting every aspect of her drag persona—from costumes to props—showcasing her unique vision and meticulous attention to detail.
The name Misua was derived from a dish that served as a comfort food to her grandfather, bringing a personal touch to her creative identity. With such depth in her artistry, her presence on ‘Drag Race: Philippines’ had generated excitement among fans of the series, following its previous season which featured a competitive field and concluded with Maxie as the winner.
As fans and performers alike process this devastating news, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one individual can have within a community. Misua’s contributions to drag were not only confined to her performances; she also inspired others with her commitment to authenticity and self-expression.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community is coming together to honour Misua’s memory, as they reflect on the joy and inspiration she spread through her art. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate, encouraging others to embrace their individuality and the transformative power of self-expression.
The world of drag has lost a brilliant star, but the light she brought will not be forgotten. With ‘Drag Race: Philippines’ anticipated to air later this year, Misua’s influence is likely to be felt in the series long after her untimely departure.