7 reasons we love RuPaul’s Drag Race

Optus writer Komi S. takes us through some of the ways RuPaul has helped bring her family closer together.

The jury’s still out on whether RuPaul’s Drag Race (RPDR) is appropriate viewing with a toddler, but since lockdown I've sashayed away many parenting aspirations.

In my home, there aren’t many non-Bluey related programs my toddler is transfixed by, except when it comes to Miss RuPaul herself. She claps and screams “RuPaul” whenever the glamazon glides down the runway. Ok... WE clap and scream.

It’s our favourite show, our quality mummy and daughter time. Here’s why (aka how I justify it):

Lesson 1: Inclusivity

As a woman of colour, it is rare (even today) to find entertainment that is genuinely inclusive.

RPDR is not capitalising on a trend, the art of drag has been around for aeons. It doesn’t demonise or instruct, it just is. It’s a great example of “show, don’t tell”. This was a review of the show by a 16-year-old:

“This show is full of great role models… There's a strong message of family, as many contestants have revealed their problems with their families and RuPaul makes sure to let them know that everyone on the show is a big family…  It opens up wonderful conversations about the LGBT community and society's perception of beauty.” (commonsensemedia.org)

Lesson 2: Art

I could do finger painting with my toddler or she could watch the queens beat their face to perfection. Not literally, beating one’s face, according to the RuPaul Dictionary means:

To apply the perfect amount of makeup on the face, resulting in a flawless look. i.e. "Her face is beat for the gods."

The artistry behind the transformation of your boy-next-door to supermodel is mind-boggling. Play School, eat your heart out, my toddler is flourishing at the RPDR school of fashion and special effects. 

Lesson 3: Storytelling

The most moving part of the show is when the queens share their stories whilst getting ready. Stories of trauma, shame and guilt, stories of abandonment, poverty, gay bashing, bullying, body shaming, suicidal ideation and the list goes on.

This is where RPDR really shines. It is a lesson in embracing all that you are. Through their stories, the queens are no longer just surviving, they are thriving. I can’t think of a better way to learn about the power of diversity and acceptance.

Lesson 4: Music

Do you know how much music classes for kids cost? Too much. In comes RPDR. Every week, we sing and dance with the queens as they lip sync for their lives, yes it’s a thing.

You learn about Cher, Barbara Streisand, Judy Garland, Madonna, Diana Ross, Liza Minelli... you see where I'm going with this.

One very exciting week, my little girl saw the queens lip sync to the toddler anthem “Let It Go” from Frozen and I feel like my job here as a mother is done.

Lesson 5: Language

The catch phrases, quick wit and puns, oh the puns! They come at you fast and furious, and they are so bad, they are good. Can you really say, “Impersonating Beyoncé is not your destiny, child” with a straight face?

And then there’s the Reading Challenge, because “reading is fundamental”. Reading in drag is the art of insult. The way these queens read is a lesson in wit and wordplay. It is quick, clever and deliciously scathing.

Lesson 6: Herstory

Is my daughter going to learn herstory in school? No, she’s learning the struggles and the evolution of the LGBTQ+ community through drag race, and so am I really.

Herstory lessons are dotted throughout episodes which is a reminder that drag is not all camp and colour, blood, sweat and tears have gone into this joyous artform. If you’d like a deep dive, I highly recommend the documentary “Paris is Burning”, which is also referenced in RPDR. 

Who knows? This may be the catalyst to bigger conversations between myself and my daughter in the future. As mama Ru says, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” 

Lesson 7: Love

At the end of the day, love is the main takeaway from RPDR. As my little girl and I snuggle in bed and cheer the queens on, we are learning to love ourselves and everyone around us.

Every week, Ru ends the episode with:

“If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen?”

To which, my toddler replies: “Amen, mummy.”

Love streaming? Explore Optus SubHub including Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch (2021) Rated M on Amazon Prime

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