“If You Can’t Love Yourself How In The Hell Are You Gonna Love Somebody Else?” is a famous RuPaul quote that showcases the aura of America most famous drag queen. Although RuPaul has been around since the mid-90s, with a late-night talk show, and a comedy act that appeased many audiences, he recently has wowed new audiences with his VH1 drag show extravaganza Now in its tenth season, RuPaul Drag Race is a comedic and entertaining reality competition show that awards a grand prize of $100,000 to the best drag queen. Although the show has high acclaim from all audiences, RuPaul’s recent interview regarding the exclusion of transgenders on the show has cast him in a negative light. In discussing with The Guardian, on would he allow transwomen on the show he stated “Probably not. You can identify as a woman and say you’re transitioning, but it changes once you start changing your body.’
I agree with this sentiment, because the title of the show showcases what they are trying to do. It is a DRAG RACE, and although the lines are blurred sometimes regarding gender identity and gender expression, these contestants are men who dress in women’s clothes, but live their lives as men. Even when they do their confessional videos, they are men. Although I understand the trans community feeling of being slighted as their community is constantly under attack for various reasons, being on the show might parody their efforts while transitioning into womanhood. Also, having the two on the show (drag queens and transwomen) could confuse a viewer who is not knowledgeable about the LBGT spectrum and the beauty it possesses. While I will continue to watch and look at the creative ways that drag is done, I will continue to deepen my appreciation of the trans community, as RuPaul said it best, days after his original quote was released “The trans community are heroes of our shared LGBTQ movement. You are my teachers.”
