Queenie Sateen, a performer, musician, and club culture personality, was crowned Mermaid Queen of the 43rd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. The adult star was profiled in The New York Post following the announcement.
Queenie Sateen's Role in the Parade
Queenie Sateen was named Mermaid Queen for the 43rd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade, which took place on Saturday, June 21. She was profiled in The New York Post after the announcement. The parade is considered the local unofficial start to summer.
According to The New York Post, Sateen, a Bedford-Stuyvesant resident, is the first adult actress to lead the parade. Other Mermaid Queens have included Queen Latifah, socialite Carol Razdiwill, and the children of former New York mayor Bill de Blasio. The Post referred to her as "Queenie" in an extensive interview.
Sateen shared her perspective on being the first adult actress to hold the title, stating, "I’m honored to be the first. Obviously, it’s so important to have representation of sex workers. I know that porn stars are the most public of that, but I’m proud to be able to represent the pornstar/sex worker girly community in such an iconic and storied New York institution."
She also commented on the timing of her role, noting, "But I also think it’s really cool that I’m the first at this time now where a lot of our rights are coming under attack. Especially towards the adult community, it’s become such a target of like freedom of expression and speech. So many states now are cracking down on porn."
Queenie Sateen succeeded Whitney Ward, who was Queen of the 42nd Parade in 2024. King Eugene Hütz served alongside Queenie Sateen for the 43rd Parade. The 44th installment of the parade, scheduled for June 20, will feature Jesse Malin as King Neptune and Rickie Lee Jones as Queen Mermaid, succeeding Hütz and Sateen.
Career and Recognition
Queenie Sateen's career includes work as a performer, musician, and club culture personality. The New York Post named Sateen as an AVN Award winner. She received a 2025 AVN Award for Best Foursome/Orgy for her work in Brazzers’ “20 for 20.” Additionally, she shared in the 2025 Best Music award for original songs featured in Dorcel’s film Alive.
Prior to beginning her adult career in 2022, Sateen was a known figure in New York’s club kid scene, as highlighted in The New York Post profile.
History of Mermaid Parade Royalty
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade has a history of esteemed Kings and Queens. The parade is organized by Coney Island USA, a non-profit organization. The event is considered the official start of summer for Coney Island and its enthusiasts.
Past Mermaid Parade Queens include:
- 2024: Whitney Ward
- 2023: Laurie Cumbo
- 2022: Mx Justin Vivian Bond
- 2021: Lynn Nottage
- 2020: Lynn Nottage
- 2019: Nora Guthrie
- 2018: Amanda Palmer
- 2017: Deborah Harry
- 2016: Hailey Clauson
- 2015: Julie Atlas Muz
- 2014: Chiara de Blasio
- 2013: Carole Radziwill
Past Mermaid Parade Kings include:
- 2024: Joe Coleman
- 2022: Dr. Dave A. Chokshi
- 2021: Tony Gerber
- 2020: Jeremy O. Harris
- 2019: Arlo Guthrie
- 2018: Neil Gaiman
- 2017: Chris Stein
- 2016: Carlo A. Scissura
- 2015: Mat Fraser
- 2014: Dante de Blasio
- 2013: Judah Friedlander
The roles of King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are ceremonial. They include being rolled out to the beach in a wicker chariot to signal the official start of swimming season.
The 44th installment of the parade was at risk of cancellation due to financial struggles. Coney Island USA launched a GoFundMe campaign to keep the event afloat. An additional pledge of sustained city funding from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso also contributed to the parade proceeding as planned. Floats for the 44th parade will line up at the corner of West 23rd and Surf Avenue, marching towards the New York City Aquarium.
Key Facts
- Queenie Sateen was crowned Mermaid Queen for the 43rd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
- The parade took place on Saturday, June 21.
- Sateen is the first adult actress to lead the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
- She received a 2025 AVN Award for Best Foursome/Orgy and shared in the 2025 Best Music award.
- Queenie Sateen was profiled in The New York Post following the announcement.
- King Eugene Hütz served alongside Queenie Sateen for the 43rd Parade.
