RuPaul's Drag Race

By: Leah Champion

Posted: 2/25/09

What do you get when you cross "Project Runway" with "America's Next Top Model" and make all the contestants drag queens? "RuPaul's Drag Race," the new ferociously flamboyant show on cable channels MTV and Logo, MTV's channel aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender audience.

The legendary RuPaul hosts this brand new competition show where the quest to find the next international drag queen star begins with nine hopefuls. The official sponsor of homosexuality, Absolut, has offered $20,000 in prize money in addition to representing drag queens touring the country for gay pride. Also, PAPER, the magazine that gave RuPaul his first cover, is also giving the winner a photo spread.

The show does a good job at showcasing these individuals as both men, and drag superstars. The confessionals are used to see the men behind the make-up and of course, even the fabulous RuPaul is out of drag as he gives out assignments; in full on drag during elimination ceremonies. And believe me, these nine drag divas are all fierce and each of them have their own distinctive style, sometimes even including ass-less chaps!

What is shocking about these contestants however, is not their outlandish fashion sense, it is their lack of attitude towards each other. All the men seem friendly and supportive of each other, but as they go through the competition, unlike "Top Model" or "Project Runway" where the competitors are catty and constantly fighting, but you have to wonder whether these are backhanded compliments or not.

The show also features it's very own catchphrases: "Don't f*** it up," "Shante, you stay" and "Sashay away." When they get their assignments, RuPaul tells them "Don't f*** it up!" which is pretty laughable every time you hear it. The other phrases used come after the "Lip-sync for your life" competition before the elimination is made. Those who stay hear "Shante" and those who are asked to leave hear "Sashay." (Similar to "The girl still in the running to be America's Next Top Model is…" or "You still have a shot at love…" and etc.)

One thing about this show that differs from the rest of the fashion-like competition shows is the underlying exploitative nature. On a channel like MTV that is constantly exploiting the stupidity of men and women (through "Tool Academy", "A Double Shot at Love", and "The Girls of Hedsor Hall") it is hard to believe that a show like this doesn't have malicious intent.

That being said, I think this competition is a good start at spreading awareness about the LGBT community. Of course with all things in life, there are always going to be haters. This show will hopefully showcase the pride that these men have for what they are doing and what they represent.

One thing that we know for sure, is that these queens have some fierce competition ahead of them, and the only way to make it through and prove they have what it takes to be the next international drag superstar is simple: In the words of RuPaul himself, "You Better Work!"