Diego Miyake Mugler has lived many lives: ballroom icon, House Parent, voguer, and now, competitive bodybuilder. Growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, he lived a life that looked typical on the surface, playing sports and dating girls. But deep down, he always knew there was “something special” about him.
That truth came into focus the first time he snuck out with a friend and witnessed Greensboro’s underground ballroom scene. Instantly, he was hooked.
“Ballroom gave me the strength to tell my family that I’m gay, this is what it is, and you guys are gonna accept it or not,” Mugler recalls.
From Greensboro to the New York Ballroom
As a young adult, Mugler moved to New York City the beating heart of ballroom culture. He vogued on the pier, dazzled in competitions, and rose to become a respected House Parent. At the same time, another passion was growing: fitness.
The gym became his second home, and eventually, his training evolved into a full-fledged dive into bodybuilding.
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Bodybuilding: A New Challenge
Mugler admits he was hesitant at first. “Fitness was already a huge part of my life. But bodybuilding is another level,” he says.
The discipline is unrelenting meals weighed out to the gram, grueling early mornings in the gym, and a lifestyle with no shortcuts. When he decided to commit, Mugler cut out every vice “cold turkey.” His dedication quickly paid off: he placed third at his first two competitions last November.
Still, bodybuilding isn’t just physical; it’s deeply mental. “I look in the mirror and think I look small, even when people tell me I look huge,” he explains. “It’s body dysmorphia. But it’s also discipline. Every day you have to show up.”
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The Weight of Parenthood in Ballroom
Beyond bodybuilding, Mugler has long been a House Parent in the ballroom world. That responsibility, he says, comes with both joy and sacrifice.
“Being a parent, it’s not ‘I.’ It’s the kids in the house,” he shares. “You take on financial responsibilities, emotional responsibilities. Sometimes it’s helping someone get to a ball, other times it’s just being there as support. But it’s always about the family.”
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Iconic Performances & Memories
One standout memory for Mugler was the New York Awards Ball, one of the city’s most prestigious events.
“That night was crazy! I was so nervous, but I tapped into it. The crowd went wild. That was one of the greatest moments I’ve had in ballroom.”
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Boots, Skirts & Fantasy Fashion
If there’s one thing Mugler loves just as much as bodybuilding and ballroom, it’s fashion. And for him, nothing beats a good pair of boots.
“I love a thigh boot, I love a knee-high boot. I love a skirt and a boot with a glove. That’s it,” he says. “Ballroom is the fantasy, and you can be whoever you want to be.”
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Love, Balance & the Dream Day
Outside of competitions and performances, Mugler has found joy in his personal life. He’s been with his boyfriend, Caleb, for a year after meeting on Grindr. “He’s a cutie, my little nerd,” Mugler laughs.
As for his perfect day off? It’s much simpler than the lights of the ballroom or the stage of a bodybuilding show. “Resting, playing with my dogs, meal prepping, or bike riding with friends. Honestly, sometimes it’s just about sleep.”
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Walking With His Head High
From ballroom stages to bodybuilding competitions, Diego Miyake Mugler continues to challenge himself and redefine what it means to show up fully both for his community and for himself.
“I’m able to walk with my head high,” he says. “I don’t care what anybody says about me.”
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