The Top Ten Q & A: RuPaul

RuPaul, The Supermodel of the world is back and BIGGER than ever. RuPaul is a living legend in our community and no matter what anyone says… SHE HAS WORKED IT! Ru is back on the scene with her newest record “Champion” and the hit TV Reality Show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Logo. With all of the DIVA nature “tucked” away she graciously agreed to an interview with me… Check it out.

1. From the beginning of your success with “Supermodel,” you were the first Drag Queen catapulted into the mainstream media. Why do you think it was so widely accepted?
It was timing. Clinton had just gotten into office and gay people had reclaimed the word queer and changed it from a derogatory slur to a positive affirmation. I entered the public consciousness as the pendulum was swinging to the left.

2. This is the White Party Palm Springs 20th Anniversary you headlined the main event last year. How did it feel to perform in front of so many of your fans?
Of all of the sides to my career, performing in front of a live audience is my favorite. The immediacy and the energy is incomparable. I started my career in clubs on stage and it’s still my favorite form of expression. The White Party is so special because there’s so much incredible energy in the room and it’s so massive.

3. You’re an inspiration to so many young gays and drag princesses. Who inspired you? Who taught you how to be the “Ultimate Extravaganza Eleganza Diva?”
My mother really instilled in all of her children the importance of carrying yourself with dignity and esteem. Although there have been times when I have fallen short of that goal it’s something I always aspire to do.

4. Why did you title your newest record “Champion” and at what point in your career did you realize that you were indeed the “Champion?”
Years ago, I read somewhere that a champion isn’t always the one who comes in first but the one who stands the test of time. I was inspired to do this album by my television show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The experience of meeting these young performers who, in the face of obvious adversity still maintain their dream, really moved me. Each song on this album was inspired by them and in each of them I recognized a part of myself. That’s when I realized I am a champion.

5. My favorite track on “Champion” is “Tranny Chaser.” What’s yours?
My favorite track changes from day to day. Today my favorite is “Let’s Turn The Night” which was written during the anti-Prop 8 marches in West Hollywood.

6. You recently found Americas Next Top Superstar Drag Queen, Bebe Zahara Benet on your reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Logo and VH1. What motivated you to create this show?
World of Wonder, who also produced my talk show many years ago on VH1, pitched me this idea in 2003 but I had an aversion to reality television until a year ago when they re-approached me with the show. I had always felt reality TV was too mean-spirited when it came to men who weren’t afraid to use femininity. I knew that World of Wonder would treat the subject matter with respect, love and fun.

7. Out of so many amazing, talented and fierce queens that entered RDR, why do you think Bebe made it to the top?
Each of the girls were chosen because I felt they had what it takes to be the next drag superstar. So in that respect, each of the girls made it to the top. Bebe will represent drag on an international level because she is elegant, eloquent and exquisite.

8. You have paved the way for so many Drag Queens. What you have accomplished will never be replicated, what do you think is left for a Drag Queen to do?
Drag queens are incredibly inventive. Having already thrown out the rules of convention, the sky is the limit.

9. If you had never done drag, what do you think you would be doing today?
I’ve always been creative, even as a kid. I’m sure I would be doing something that involved spray glue and glitter.

10. Will RuPaul ever retire?
My job description is so broad, no pun intended, that I could continue to write and act and produce for the rest of my life. I don’t really believe in the concept of retiring. I may change my mind about what motivates me but I will always lip-sync for my life!