My Introduction to Queer Culture Through RuPaul’s Drag Race
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It was the summer of 2015, before my eighth-grade year when I discovered the world of drag. Season seven of RuPaul’s Drag Race had just aired, and I would soon be introduced to iconic queens of the season like Trixie Mattel, Katya Zamolodchikova, and Violet Chachki.
Every night, I would watch an episode or two (okay, three) into the late hours of the morning, not wanting to put down my iPod and go to sleep. I was obsessed; I needed more Drag Race. Drag revealed to me a whole world of fashion, beauty, and gender expression that I had never seen before. Soon, I would come to love and understand the many references to queer culture throughout the show’s 13-year-long run.
Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
I am a big fan of movies, and RuPaul’s Drag Race has introduced me to iconic queer cinema, with many references to the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning and director John Waters’ work, which features the iconic drag queen, Divine. Ballroom culture was a scene that I was completely unfamiliar with, but have come to love as I’ve gotten older. On Drag Race, fashion balls are often held, during which queens need to showcase three unique looks, whether it be “executive realness,” “canine couture,” or “evening gown extravaganza”. Through the lip-sync segment of the competition, I have come to know iconic songs, artists, and gay icons like Cher, Madonna, and Judy Garland.
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Since its premiere in 2009, the competition to become “America’s Next Drag Superstar” has introduced queer culture to not only me but to the mainstream. RuPaul’s Drag Race has possessed a diverse cast each season from the very beginning, with many past and current contestants ranging in gender and sexuality. Contestants are unafraid to open up about their experiences and obstacles as queer individuals, such as living with HIV or being transgender.
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With its diversity in sexuality, race, and gender, new facets of the queer community are being displayed each season through the show’s casts. RuPaul’s Drag Race has come into its own over 13 years, supplying audiences with various iconic references, quotes, and performances. Although the franchise isn’t perfect, it has opened doors for many queer individuals to express themselves and pursue drag as a full-time career. The exposure and fan responses to queens give them opportunities to break into the mainstream. Just recently, Jennifer Lopez performed at the iHeartRadio Music Awards with 12 drag queens by her side dressed in some of her most iconic fashion looks, with 10 being past or current contestants of the show. Not only does mainstream exposure benefit the queens, but it also benefits queer individuals at home, who now have people to look up to and relate to. With seasons all over the world including Canada, Australia, Thailand, Spain, additional spin-offs, and multiple Emmy awards, RuPaul shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. After having consumed hours of Drag Race content and watching the additional spin-offs, seven years later, I still make sure to watch the current queens of season fourteen compete every Friday.
Strike Out,
Writer: Jayna O
Editor: Roxy Rico
Graphic Designer: Samantha Lawless
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