When their friend is kidnapped and held for ransom, John and Darnell come up with a crazy plan to raise his $20 million ransom by dressing up as women in order to steal an enormous diamond from an African Prince.

Manhattan drag queens Vida Boheme and Noxeema Jackson impress regional judges in competition, securing berths in the Nationals in Los Angeles. When the two meet pathetic drag novice Chi-Chi Rodriguez — one of the losers that evening — the charmed Vida and Noxeema agree to take the hopeless youngster under their joined wing. Soon the three set off on a madcap road trip across America and struggle to make it to Los Angeles in time.