RuPaul keeps focus on drag
Famous host says he just wants to have fun, not be a social activist
LOS ANGELES — A deafening, auto-tuned voice screeches, “Gentlemen, start your engines,” while a lipstick, a rear-view mirror and a crown speed by illuminated in pink and blue hues. Suddenly, a blond beauty arrives carrying a racing flag in each hand. The voice now has a face, and the screech turns soothing, aspirational even, “May the best woman win.”
This dazzling intro signals one thing: RuPaul’s Drag Race is on.
The reality TV competition’s colour and energy are hard to ignore and impossible to forget. It’s why Drag Race, in its ninth season, is nominated for seven Emmy Awards, including best reality competition. It’s the most nominations for a show that was once a DIY favourite on a little-known network, but is now competing against heavyweights Top Chef and Project Runway.
RuPaul kicked off the show’s breakthrough year last September, winning his first Emmy in the best reality show host category. He’s up for the award again in a few weeks.
This year’s batch of Emmy nods is the latest success for the show, which follows drag artists with vibrant personalities, heart-wrenching backstories and witty retorts competing to become “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Since March, Drag Race received a highly coveted SNL parody, found a bigger stage on VH1 and garnered its best ratings yet.
The impact is apparent in the LGBTQ community. During the season, gay bars in West Hollywood are packed at 8 p.m. sharp on Fridays for Drag Race viewing parties, often hosted by past contestants. Kelsey Jacobsen is a devoted fan who routinely attends viewings at Micky’s West Hollywood.
“It’s one of the biggest gay, iconic things of our generation,” Jacobsen said. “RuPaul has done so much to move the gay movement forward.”
He’s also become a springboard for drag queens’ careers. Past contestants have hosted their own TV comedy specials, sold out international tours and released albums.
Yet for all the cultural fanfare, RuPaul said in a recent interview that Drag Race has never tried to effect change or impart knowledge.
“Our goal is first and foremost to do a show that celebrates drag,” he said.
Politics and history are inherent to telling drag artists’ stories, often ones of courage and learning how to shine in darkness, he said.
But not everyone is on board with the stories being told. Drag performer Landon Cider doesn’t see her community of drag kings on screen.
RuPaul maintains there’s an important distinction between drag queens and kings.
“Drag is very nuanced in its expression of rebellion against the male-dominated culture,” he said. “For boys to denounce masculinity is a true act of rebellion.”
The show, which airs on Netflix and OUTtv, faced backlash in 2014 for a mini-challenge titled “Female or She-male.”
Model and former contestant Carmen Carrera criticized the segment at the time as transphobic. She competed in the third season as male, subsequently coming out as a transgender woman after taping the season.
She’s happy the show removed the controversial language and began embracing transgender contestants. Season nine runner-up Peppermint is the show’s first openly transgender contestant.
“Drag has always been an open space where anyone within the LGBT community can express their creativity,” Carrera said. “That’s the way it should remain.”
As for RuPaul, he doesn’t want to be the leader, instead suggesting individuals should look to themselves for a hero.
“Our goal solely is to have fun and celebrate drag,” he said. “What happens after that, it ain’t none of my damn business.”