spotlight
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE THESEASON 9 QUEENS TAKE MANHATTAN
by joel martens “We’re born naked, and the rest is drag.” That’s the indelible trademark
quote from the creator and reigning queen of Logo’s remarkableRuPaul’s Drag Race. Indeed, the drag phenome has been working her magic on America’s consciousness since she came to the forefront in the early ‘90s with his first album and its title track, “Supermodel of the World.” I so remember those early days, do you? Born RuPaul Andre Charles on November 17, 1960, here in SoCal’s sunny
San Diego, the master/mistress of illusion, actor, dancer, mentor and now sage, was destined to change the world. As his mother once said, “His name is RuPaul Andre Charles and he’s gonna be a star! Cause ain’t another mother f**ker alive with a name like that!” He and the 100-plusDrag Race stars who have graced the show, have indel-
ibly challenged the roles we play in our society, shaking to the core what we define as male and female. As he once said in an early interview withThe Rage Monthly, “For people to understand and accept what we are doing…They themselves would have to accept that they are doing a form of drag, as well. Even if they have an inkling of what we’re actually doing, the de-constructing of what we understand as male and female and ‘realness’ in our culture— even if they have a sense that it is absolutely right on the money—most people don’t possess the courage to question it in their own lives. That’s why our show is so compelling. It’s because of these kids, our contestants, who against all odds, take that major leap out of what they know. It’s a courageous step in a lifetime and that’s why they are so compelling to watch.” Quoting from RuPaul’s book,Workin’ It! Rupaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and
the Pursuit of Style, more sage advice, “You are not your religion. You are not your skin color. You are not your gender, your politics, your career, or your marital status. You are none of the superficial things that this world deems important. The real you, is the energy force that created the entire universe!” I don’t think I could add another thing to explain the phenomenon that
is RuPaul and the unending fascination we all have withRuPaul’s Drag Race. Season 9 is here. And, the only way to explain the artistry of drag and who the queens are in this joyous, mad and delightful romp? To offer insights from behind the make up, answered directly from the show’s delightfuldoyennes.
So here you are folks, all of them, in their own words, answering questions forThe Rage Monthly. (Lordy, I really am quite tired… )
AJA
Who or what were the biggest influences for you growing up? My biggest influence growing up was my mom, definitely. She’s such a leader and a strong, powerful person, but at the same time sweet and cute. My mom doesn’t take crap from anyone, but at the same time, she would take the shirt off her back to give to even the worst of her enemies. First time you put on a dress? The first time I put on a dress I was at my cousin’s house. It was the smallest, white dress I’ve ever seen in my life. She handed me this little
bob wig that we used to call “The Becky.” Becky soon became my in-house persona and we would record videos of me prank calling people, dressed up in that little white dress. Where were the adults we needed?! How about the first time you did drag professionally? I think the real moment where everything kind of took off was when I was participating in local competitions and started winning them! That eventually led to me having the opportunity to host my own weekly events. Did you have a drag mother? If so, please describe your experience. I’ve never had a drag mom. Not even YouTube could teach me! A lot of my drag was trial and error, that led to me looking crazy at times and then good others... The miracle of drag! Favorite song to lip sync to? My favorite song to perform is “Look At Me Now” by Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne. Best or funniest “I fucked it up” moment? I have “I fucked it up” moments all the time! But, the best goes to this time I was doing a dance number and this guy came to tip me and I accidentally kicked his drink out of his hand! What or who inspires you? I love periodic fashion: ‘60s, ‘70s, etc. I also love European grunge, fashion like Vivienne Westwood and other more modern designers. I love anime and video games, as well and I’m a big fan of pretty colors! What does drag mean to you, really? Drag for me is an escape! When I’m in drag, I can take a break from being serious Jay. Aja doesn’t take herself too seriously at all and that allows me to have so much fun. Drag for me is also an outlet to be able to speak up on very political subjects, such as gender issues! Most common misconceptions people have about drag artists? A lot of people, don’t think drag art- ists can make a living off drag. Even some drag artists don’t think they can do it. Truth is, if you’re invested enough, anything is possible! Like most things in life, a career requires many sacrifices, but they’re all minimal and worth it. What do you hope people get from your performances? I hope when people watch my performances, they have fun and remember that having fun is one of the best therapies in life. I hope I can bring joy to other people’s hearts by doing something I love!
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RAGE monthly | MARCH 2017
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