What I Learnt From The Queens Of Drag Race...

(Disclaimer – I know that Drag Race is not the be all and end all of Drag and Queer culture, but it’s the best way I have to access it at the moment.)

Below are my top five things that I have learnt from the award winning TV show; Rupaul’s Drag Race.

And just in case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Drag Race is a reality competition for Drag Queens. It’s got a series in America, the UK and all over the world.

LET THE LIST COMMENCE!

1. Know your words. While on TV that may refer to knowing the song lyrics when you gotta lip sync for your life, to me it’s just about being prepared. If you want something in your life, you have to put the work in. Don’t stop dreaming, wish upon all the stars you see, but you better work your ass off and know your damn words.

2. History is important. Queens like Sasha Velour and Nina West have taught me more about LGBT+ history in two seasons of Drag Race than I have ever learnt anywhere else. I’ve also learnt more about the experience of other people in my community, people who’ve grown up through times when just “looking gay” was enough for you to get your ass kicked. Knowing your history is important. It reminds you of where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going. History is ugly. History is violent. But it is still our history.

3. That voice in your head? It’s just a voice. A lot of the Queens who have gone through the workroom have struggled with what Rupaul calls their “inner saboteur”. It’s that dumb little voice in your head that tells you all the bad things. You’re not good enough. You’re not smart enough. You’re not pretty enough. I have one of those. Actually, I have several, but that’s a whole different blog post. The point is, is that, that voice? It has as much power as you give it. Don’t get me wrong, I know how hard it is. I still suck at not letting it win. But you gotta try. And keep trying.

4. Confidence is a pair of stilettos and your best wig. Not really but you can’t lie it’s a good subtitle. The actual point is that confidence is important, but it is something that is personal to everyone. I have friends who feel their best when they look like they just stepped off the catwalk in Paris. And I have friends who feel most confident when they are watching quiz shows in their pyjamas getting the answers right before the Chaser does. It’s me. I’m that friend. So confidence is key, but only if it applies to you. Another person’s confidence will never fit as well as your best heels. Or a nice pair of slippers.

5. If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?