Finally, trans performer Sasha Colby’s persistence pays off, with a ‘Drag Race’ win
1 year, 9 months ago

Finally, trans performer Sasha Colby’s persistence pays off, with a ‘Drag Race’ win

LA Times  

Sasha Colby moved to L.A. nine years ago to be on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She finally made it to the show this year and won — the first trans performer to win a regular season. Compared to her 14 predecessors, Sasha Colby has had the longest road to capturing a crown on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The first trans woman champion of a regular season, Colby arrived in Los Angeles nine years ago with hopes of eventually getting on the competition series after spending a good chunk of her 20s in Chicago — a city where in 2012 she made a name for herself winning the most prestigious drag competition besides “Drag Race,” the Miss Continental pageant. I could not see myself doing anything else, and thank God my stubbornness paid off.” “There were moments where I was like, ‘Maybe I’ll just be happy choreographing for my sisters that have been on ‘Drag Race,’ ” Sasha Colby says of nearly giving up her dream of being on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” herself. Although she jokes about the joy of the show’s $200,000 cash prize, she is well aware of the responsibility of not only winning “Drag Race,” but also being the first regular season trans winner.

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History of this topic

Drag Race Down Under stars reveal why 2024 season was the best yet
3 months, 1 week ago

Drag Race Down Under stars reveal why 2024 season was the best yet

Daily Mail  

It's rare for a TV show to lose its biggest star and then make its best series yet - but that's exactly what happened when RuPaul stepped away from Drag Race Down Under in 2024. Lazy Susan has been crowned the next Drag Race Down Under winner, taking home $50,000 in prize money after an intimate viewing party on Sydney's …

Sasha Colby takes us to Drag college : It's Been a Minute
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Sasha Colby takes us to Drag college : It's Been a Minute

NPR  

Sasha Colby takes us to Drag college : It's Been a Minute Sasha Colby is your favorite drag queen's favorite drag queen. That's because she's one of the most decorated and influential drag queens working today - she's Chappell Roan's inspiration, a Miss Continental winner and a RuPaul's Drag Race winner. Sasha Colby joins Brittany following her 'STRIPPED' world tour …

Review: Sasha Velour, winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ tells her own story in ‘Velour: A Drag Spectacular’
7 months, 1 week ago

Review: Sasha Velour, winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ tells her own story in ‘Velour: A Drag Spectacular’

LA Times  

Sasha Velour performs in La Jolla Playhouse’s world premiere of “Velour: A Drag Spectacular,” which was created by Velour and Moisés Kaufman. “Velour: A Drag Spectacular” continues La Jolla Playhouse’s fruitful collaboration with Tectonic Theater Project. Sasha Velour was crowned the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2017. “Drag queens help shape culture but we are erased from it time …

6 ‘Drag Race’ hosts on an Olympic opportunity, a global ‘All Stars’ season and more
8 months, 1 week ago

6 ‘Drag Race’ hosts on an Olympic opportunity, a global ‘All Stars’ season and more

LA Times  

Pangina Heals and Nicky Doll, hosts of the Thai and French editions of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” are among the six hosts who joined The Times to talk about the global expansion of the franchise ahead of DragCon L.A., which kicks off Friday. With “Drag Race” firmly ensconced in American pop culture, Mama Ru — that’s RuPaul Charles to the general …

RuPaul's Drag Race unveils the 14 queens competing on season 16 of the hit show - and SIX hail from New York City
1 year, 3 months ago

RuPaul's Drag Race unveils the 14 queens competing on season 16 of the hit show - and SIX hail from New York City

Daily Mail  

RuPaul's Drag Race unveiled the 14 queens competing for the crown, $200K prize, and the title of America's Next Drag Superstar on season 16, which airs its two-part premiere January 5 on MTV. RuPaul's Drag Race unveiled the 14 queens competing for the crown, $200K prize, and the title of America's Next Drag Superstar on season 16, which airs its …

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ cast push back against hate, threats
2 years, 2 months ago

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ cast push back against hate, threats

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — As the cast of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” celebrated the new season, they credited the show’s creator with popularizing drag and expressed concern about the protests and threats to the performance style at the heart of the long-running series. “RuPaul really brought drag into the mainstream, truly made people aware that it’s an art form more than anything” …

'Drag Race': How RuPaul made 'Snatch Game' its toughest test
3 years ago

'Drag Race': How RuPaul made 'Snatch Game' its toughest test

LA Times  

When it comes to “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” there is no challenge more legendary — or more daunting — than “The Snatch Game.” A staple of the Emmy-winning reality TV competition, now in its 14th season, this “Match Game” riff allows the likes of Beyoncé and Liza Minnelli to share the stage with figures like Melania Trump and Marlene Dietrich as …

RuPaul’s Drag Race casts first straight, cisgender male drag queen on season 14
3 years, 3 months ago

RuPaul’s Drag Race casts first straight, cisgender male drag queen on season 14

The Independent  

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14 has been announced …

RuPaul makes Emmys history as most awarded Black artist of all time
3 years, 6 months ago

RuPaul makes Emmys history as most awarded Black artist of all time

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. On Sunday, the 60-year-old drag queen, actor, and TV …

RuPaul is now the most-awarded Black artist in Emmys herstory
3 years, 6 months ago

RuPaul is now the most-awarded Black artist in Emmys herstory

LA Times  

RuPaul is the host and executive producer of the long-running “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” “Condragulations” are in order for RuPaul, whose legacy now includes making Emmys herstory. VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” was named the top competition program at the 2021 Emmys on Sunday, which means executive producer and host RuPaul Charles is now the most-awarded Black artist in Emmys history with …

Michelle Visage on Drag Race, her love of dance and getting spotted at the gynaecologists’ office
3 years, 6 months ago

Michelle Visage on Drag Race, her love of dance and getting spotted at the gynaecologists’ office

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 3 FIRST LOOK: Meet the 12 queens set to battle for coveted title
3 years, 7 months ago

RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 3 FIRST LOOK: Meet the 12 queens set to battle for coveted title

Daily Mail  

The line-up for the long-awaited third series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK has been unveiled, ahead of the show's return next month. Drag Race will Coming soon: The line-up for the long-awaited third series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK has been unveiled, ahead of the show's return next month Leading this year's lineup is Victoria Scone, 27, from Cardiff, who …

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 to feature first trans man contestant
4 years, 3 months ago

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 to feature first trans man contestant

The Independent  

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 will feature a transmasculine contestant for …

L.A. makeup artist becomes first trans man to compete in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
4 years, 3 months ago

L.A. makeup artist becomes first trans man to compete in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’

LA Times  

Condragulations to all the queens tapped to compete in the forthcoming 13th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” VH1 has officially unveiled next year’s fabulous lineup, which includes Los Angeles makeup artist Gottmik, the first out transgender man ever cast in the Emmy-winning reality series. The highly anticipated 13th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will premiere New Year’s Day at 8 …

RuPaul’s Drag Race needs to slow down, or risk burnout for both its fans and contestants
4 years, 10 months ago

RuPaul’s Drag Race needs to slow down, or risk burnout for both its fans and contestants

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. And it’s not that I’m unexcited about All Stars …

A ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ special edition is coming to Showtime
5 years, 1 month ago

A ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ special edition is coming to Showtime

LA Times  

A special edition of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” is coming to Showtime immediately after the Season 12 finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” wraps on VH1. 🌈🌟 pic.twitter.com/RKrCvFEqRt — RuPaul's Drag Race February 20, 2020 “‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ is a culture-defining show that fits perfectly within the contemporary programming Showtime offers in both scripted and unscripted,” said Jana …

'Drag Race' host RuPaul has 'done everything.' Except Netflix
5 years, 2 months ago

'Drag Race' host RuPaul has 'done everything.' Except Netflix

LA Times  

RuPaul, who is starring in the new Netflix series “AJ and the Queen,” photographed at the Waverly Inn in New York City. Though half a dozen networks originally passed on it, his VH1 reality competition, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has won 13 Emmys in 11 seasons on air and spawned multiple spinoffs. It laid the groundwork for RuPaul’s DragCon — a …

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalists star in glamorous photo shoot by fashion photographer Rankin
5 years, 4 months ago

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalists star in glamorous photo shoot by fashion photographer Rankin

The Independent  

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about …

RuPaul's Drag Race UK review: A triumph that doesn’t f*** it up
5 years, 5 months ago

RuPaul's Drag Race UK review: A triumph that doesn’t f*** it up

The Independent  

Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy “Minging.” “I’m a bit of a chav.” …

Is RuPaul’s Drag Race good for drag?
5 years, 5 months ago

Is RuPaul’s Drag Race good for drag?

BBC  

Is RuPaul’s Drag Race good for drag? More Back in 2009, TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race, in which iconic 1990s queen RuPaul searched for “America’s Next Drag Superstar”, began on the small, LGBTQ+-aimed cable channel Logo. “Some forms of drag have been rejuvenated and revived, new forms are coming on board, and there are developing whole new lines of performance …

RuPaul's white Drag Race crew proves it – you can't have diversity without inclusion
5 years, 6 months ago

RuPaul's white Drag Race crew proves it – you can't have diversity without inclusion

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Fans of the show know what she meant: RuPaul’s Drag Race has …

RuPaul’s Drag Race: How drag pageantry evolved throughout the 20th century
6 years, 1 month ago

RuPaul’s Drag Race: How drag pageantry evolved throughout the 20th century

The Independent  

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about …

Why hasn’t ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ cast a Houston queen?
6 years, 10 months ago

Why hasn’t ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ cast a Houston queen?

Associated Press  

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is a bona fide phenomenon. Violet S’Arbleu was crowned Miss Gay Texas America 2017, frequently sings live and has designed stunning looks for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” favorite Kim Chi. Still, a 2012 YouTube video titled “Violet’s Audition Tape for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5” has more than 54,000 views. And when you’re filming a reality competition and …

How RuPaul's Drag Race Fueled Pop Culture’s Dominant Slang Engine
7 years ago

How RuPaul's Drag Race Fueled Pop Culture’s Dominant Slang Engine

Wired  

In 2016, RuPaul Charles told Nightline that he didn’t think that his work would ever be truly mainstream. At the time, his competitive-reality show RuPaul's Drag Race was airing on LGBTQ-focused cable network Logo, and the world's most famous drag performer still didn't think people took his work—or his show—seriously. Less than a year later, RuPaul's Drag Race had moved …

RuPaul Is Reinforcing The Very Thing His Show Is Supposed To Rebel Against
7 years ago

RuPaul Is Reinforcing The Very Thing His Show Is Supposed To Rebel Against

Huff Post  

Andrew Kelly / Reuters Caught once again in a firestorm of controversy over transphobic remarks, it seems RuPaul and his reality TV empire continue to miss the point: Drag is not the performance, gender is. In a recent profile in The Guardian, RuPaul tells journalist Decca Aitkenhead that he would not allow trans women to compete in “RuPaul’s Drag Race” …

RuPaul: Drag Race host apologises for controversial remarks about transgender contestants
7 years ago

RuPaul: Drag Race host apologises for controversial remarks about transgender contestants

The Independent  

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Drag Race host faced backlash over the weekend when he answered a question about …

Can women do "drag"? RuPaul gets a lesson in trans acceptance
7 years ago

Can women do "drag"? RuPaul gets a lesson in trans acceptance

Salon  

"Each of us are in drag," said RuPaul in a 2017 Salon Talks interview. He also spoke, hesitantly and with less of his trademark grace, about the "dichotomy of the trans movement versus the drag movement" and of biological females who embrace the hyper-feminine trappings of drag. "Drag loses its sense of danger and its sense of irony once it’s …

'Flats Are For Quitters': RuPaul Talks Drag, 'All Stars' And Identity Politics
7 years, 2 months ago

'Flats Are For Quitters': RuPaul Talks Drag, 'All Stars' And Identity Politics

NPR  

'Flats Are For Quitters': RuPaul Talks Drag, 'All Stars' And Identity Politics Enlarge this image toggle caption Joseph Longo/AP Joseph Longo/AP Gay bars and living rooms across the country were stocked Thursday night with gaggles of expectant fans milling about, waiting for Mama Ru to come home. "It's always interesting to see what they've learned from their first experience and …

RuPaul wins big at 2017 Emmys
7 years, 6 months ago

RuPaul wins big at 2017 Emmys

Salon  

RuPaul's hit reality show "RuPaul’s Drag Race” won three Emmys last weekend. Ahead of the ninth season's premiere with special guest Lady Gaga, RuPaul sat down with Salon to discuss the deeper meaning of drag, beyond all of the fabulous fashion ensembles. That’s why it ruffles so many feathers, because a shape shifter — drag queen — is telling you …

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ keeps focus on art, not its impact
7 years, 7 months ago

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ keeps focus on art, not its impact

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — A deafening, auto-tuned voice screeches “Gentlemen, start your engines,” while a lipstick, a rearview mirror and a crown speed by illuminated in pink and blue hues. The voice now has a face, and the screech turns soothing, aspirational even, “May the best woman win.” This dazzling intro signals just one thing: “RuPaul’s Drag Race " is on. …

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Winner Sasha Velour Cut From A Different Fabric
7 years, 9 months ago

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Winner Sasha Velour Cut From A Different Fabric

NPR  

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Winner Sasha Velour Cut From A Different Fabric Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of VH1 Courtesy of VH1 On Friday night, a new American monarch rose to power beneath a cascade of rose petals, a cracked mask and the ballads of Whitney Houston. Sponsor Message She also considers herself an "amateur drag historian," acknowledging there have …

Shante, He Stays: RuPaul Reflects On Decades Of Drag — And 2 Emmy Nominations
8 years, 7 months ago

Shante, He Stays: RuPaul Reflects On Decades Of Drag — And 2 Emmy Nominations

NPR  

Shante, He Stays: RuPaul Reflects On Decades Of Drag — And 2 Emmy Nominations Enlarge this image toggle caption Logo TV Logo TV America's most famous drag queen, RuPaul, is finally mainstream, with two Emmy nominations for his reality show, RuPaul's Drag Race. RuPaul has a saying — "You're born naked, and the rest is drag." Drag saves lives, RuPaul …

Last Words: Naysha Lopez Reflects On Her Time On 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
9 years ago

Last Words: Naysha Lopez Reflects On Her Time On 'RuPaul's Drag Race'

Huff Post  

Throughout the eighth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Huffington Post Queer Voices will interview each departing queen on the Tuesday following the air date of their elimination episode. On the March 7 premiere of the highly anticipated return of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Puerto Rican queen Naysha Lopez became the first competitor to pack her bags and sashay away. And to …

RuPaul interview: The drag star on being inspired by Bowie, never fitting in, and saying the first thing that comes into your head
9 years, 7 months ago

RuPaul interview: The drag star on being inspired by Bowie, never fitting in, and saying the first thing that comes into your head

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy You had a prolific career …

Drag Is Raw: Wrestlers, Queens And Gender As Performance Art
10 years, 11 months ago

Drag Is Raw: Wrestlers, Queens And Gender As Performance Art

NPR  

Drag Is Raw: Wrestlers, Queens And Gender As Performance Art Enlarge this image toggle caption Mathu Anderson/Logo Mathu Anderson/Logo Every Monday night, TV gives itself over to a mass of preening, posturing men, indulging in petty backbiting. To compare WWE's Monday Night Raw to RuPaul's Drag Race may seem like an easy punch line to those who dismiss both as …

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Producers Respond To Claims Of Transphobia
10 years, 11 months ago

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Producers Respond To Claims Of Transphobia

Huff Post  

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: TV personality RuPaul rings the closing bell at NASDAQ MarketSite on February 24, 2014 in New York City. Earlier this month, popular reality show "RuPaul's Drag Race" came under fire for the use of what some transgender individuals and activists claimed to be a transphobic slur. During a mini-challenge titled "Female or She-male," contestants …

RuPaul sashays into the mainstream
12 years, 2 months ago

RuPaul sashays into the mainstream

Salon  

The question of whether or not Michelle Obama was "throwing shade" at John Boehner after last week's inauguration likely hadn't been asked of a first lady before; the term, which originated in the drag world, has officially entered the language. "RuPaul's Drag Race," the show that helped to bring drag culture into the mainstream, returns for a fifth season tonight, …

RuPaul: Famous, Fierce And Fashion Forward
13 years, 1 month ago

RuPaul: Famous, Fierce And Fashion Forward

NPR  

RuPaul: Famous, Fierce And Fashion Forward toggle caption Mathu Andersen Legendary entertainer RuPaul has been famous for 20 years for his drag persona — sky-high wigs, even higher heels and glamorous dresses. But even though he's known for his over-the-top outfits, RuPaul says that everyone is performing in drag, one way or another. Born RuPaul Andre Charles, his parents are …

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