‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ blends art and politics in a potent combo that continues to draw viewers
Ever since its humble beginnings on Logo TV in 2009, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has gone from the little engine that could to one of the highest rated shows on TV and scooping up awards and high-profile fans along the way.
Category is: “Political or entertainment?”
Ever since its humble beginnings on Logo TV in 2009, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has gone from the little engine that could to one of the highest rated shows on TV and scooping up awards and high-profile fans along the way. More importantly, during these fractured times, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has provided a safe and happy space for the queer and transgender community.
Yes, there are sickening lewks, backflips and battling lip-syncs, and yes, the show is led by the mother of all drag queens, RuPaul. But as states across the country seek to pass anti-LGBTQ legislation and restrict drag performances, the show has become a place of identity and community. And because RuPaul has always described drag as a political act, the show is very much ingrained in politics without being a political show.
Mainstay judge, producer and host of the upcoming “Drag Race Down Under,” Michelle Visage, says the show never set out to be political but that “for us, drag is political. It’s the statement. It’s the F-U to society.”
Behind the scenes, with more anti-LGBTQ legislation being passed in the country, World of Wonder, the production company behind the franchise, partnered with the ACLU to set up the Drag Defense Fund. The fund allows people to donate to and support the ACLU’s fight for LGBTQ rights. It doesn’t end there; at the end of each episode, the queens remind audiences to register to vote. Guest judges have included now retired house speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent appearance on the “All Stars” finale encouraging viewers to register to vote left everyone gagged. She ended up announcing her presidential candidacy the week that her episode aired. The timing was perfect.
Rating: 5