Yassss, kween!
By Isabelle Orr, Entertainment Editor
Riley Lapointe, 24, announced to press last Thursday that she reportedly “lurves” popular reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“Has anybody here even seen the show?” she said of the Emmy award-winning television series with over 10 seasons. “I’m probably the only person who’s ever seen this very well-known show that’s also on Netflix.”
Like millions of viewers worldwide, Lapointe has fallen in love with the gorgeous and talented queens who battle it out for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.
“I just love how pretty all the men look in makeup,” Lapointe said. “I like Violet Chachki because she’s the prettiest one.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race explores many themes including sexual and gender identity, socioeconomic politics, and what it means to be a marginalized individual in today’s society.
“I like when they walk down the runway in big heels,” Lapointe said. “They’re just like me, a woman!”
Other Press reporters spoke to Alexis Sofia, pop culture analyst, for more insight on the reality show.
“Although RuPaul’s Drag Race helped to present drag to the masses, ultimately what you’re seeing every week is a small facet of what drag really is. Remember, it’s a reality show where contestants are being judged, so only the drag that RuPaul—or World of Wonder, the show’s producers—likes will be presented.”
When presented with this information, Lapointe had only this to say: “Okurr!”
Reporters spoke to other viewers for their personal takes.
“Seeing the queens giving their all every week and honing their craft—it’s so inspirational to me,” said Jesse Edwards, amateur drag performer. “It gives me hope that one day I can reach levels of notoriety.”
“So many contestants found their chosen families through drag, and as someone who is estranged from their own family, it really makes me feel like there’s a community out there,” said Dana McMichaels.
“Lots of queens of colour are represented on the show, and it’s amazing seeing people like me broadcasted worldwide,” Nat Carrera said to reporters. “I hope to one day see a Puerto Rican queen take home the crown.”
“My favourite season is season seven because that’s when all the prettiest queens were on, like Pearl and Miss Fame,” said Lapointe. “I don’t like watching any season before season five because everyone looks so bad. Every week I go out to a bar and watch the latest episode with my one gay friend, who also loves Drag Race and says all the catchphrases with me. In fact, our entire friendship is based around the show and how performative we can be when we’re together in a public space. If he ever got a boyfriend, I don’t know what I would do because at this point, he’s literally a facet of my personality. Werk!”
When asked if she had any plans to attend local drag shows, Lapointe had this to say: “There’s local drag shows?”
