There are very few reality shows that give you full access to the stars you see on screen, outside in the real world. Yes, you can watch someone like Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood win American Idol and then have the chance to see them live in concert. But that’s about where it stops. There may be an occasional meet-and-greet, but it’s not all-access as some fans would dream of experiencing. Certainly, other reality show contestants continue to work in the performance industry following their stint on the talent competition shows, but it’s often on their own. That sense of community and chosen family isn’t there. Not like this show.
There is one reality program that, once you’re part of the family, fans are granted access to the stars in a way that feels like you’re experiencing the reality show yourself. That show is RuPaul’s Drag Race. As one of the most influential reality shows on the planet, Drag Race continues to thrive due to its fandom and the queens’ ability to give back, which helps maintain their spotlight. Though you may not be able to set foot on the infamous set, events like RuPaul’s DragCon, the Werq the World tour, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Live in Las Vegas are show-related extensions. But what makes it even more accessible is how the queens themselves bring their art to share and celebrate with the fans.
Meeting ‘Drag Race’ Stars In the Wild Is a Dream
As a frequent proprietor of anything drag, I have been fortunate to be an extension of the Drag Race community as a guest at DragCon, Drag Race premieres and finales, and shows on giant stages and local venues. Each experience is exhilarating. There’s something especially special about getting to meet the queens briefly during a meet and greet. Whether at DragCon or during that photo op at the gig, it’s that brief moment where you get to connect with your favorite stars that you’ll cherish forever. But when you get to see the queens perform live, that’s when you truly understand why Drag Race cast them.
Because Drag Race’s reach is global, queens from across the planet travel to perform and meet their fans. And in turn, it’s a cultural learning experience for all. Thanks to Drag Race and the international series, I’ve learned more about the world than I did in school! Ok, perhaps an exaggeration, but you get the idea.
When you attend a Drag Race viewing party featuring an alumnus, expect the tea to be spilled. For queens who get to experience Drag Race, it often comes with the ability to meet the fans as they go on cross-country and worldwide tours. So, if you’re lucky enough to be there with a queen in town and a microphone in their hands, they’re going to reveal as many behind-the-scenes secrets as they can. They’ll tell you what was going through their minds at the moment you’re watching on TV.
They’ll tell you what they really think about their fellow players. If you haven’t been lucky enough to attend, I highly suggest finding one. If you can’t, well, luckily for you, Roscoe’s Tavern in Chicago lets you experience theirs on YouTube. Let’s just say, they’re unfiltered there! What makes these events like sporting events people gather for is the camaraderie and excitement that fills the room. Whether you’re at a local club or lucky enough to be at the crowning of Season 17, the energy is unmatched. Like sports, you’re cheering on your favorite queen while wearing their merch. It’s a sight to be seen. And I love every minute of it.
‘Drag Race’ Gives Queens a Once in a Lifetime Chance
Drag Race is a unique reality show because it celebrates an art form, but it has expanded beyond what you might see in the wild. The show tests the queen’s ability to become a reality star, but what happens at the end of each episode truly tests the queens for what they can do. What you see on screen is what you’ll get in the real world. It’s simply a thrill to see the queens perform. Imagine the excitement you get watching the show on TV exploding in front of you on stage. Following her victory on Season 9, Sasha Velour returned home to present her first post-reality TV edition of NightGowns, a curated evening of drag and art she had been producing prior to being on Drag Race.
I remember distinctly standing on the balcony and watching her join the night’s cast in a performance of “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight” by The Beatles. It may not have been a typical “drag” song, but the emotion and power that she brought made sense as to why she was the winner. It remains one of the best drag performances I’ve ever seen live. Thanks to the platform she gained from Drag Race, Sasha has brought her show on a global tour. Like Sasha, many other alumni have been able to cultivate dream projects and introduce them to new audiences.
For years, many RuGirls would come to New York and perform their solo cabarets at the Laurie Beechman Theater. From Jinkx Monsoon to Alaska, I was able to see them take their fame and honor their theatrical pasts through song and story. These shows allowed audiences to learn about their favorite queens in a more intimate setting. In a matter that doesn’t get told on the show. Of course, they knew their audience was desperate for Drag Race tea, so they would dedicate time in their acts to feeding the crowd with secrets. The art of Drag Race cabaret is seldom, but recent flagship and all-stars contestants like Plasma, Tina Burner, and Alexis Michelle are holding down the fort to remind us of the impact of these intimate shows.
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‘Drag Race’ Reminds Fans About Drag Beyond the Show
For every Ru girl you get to go see, remember where they started. Chances are, they were performing at venues to small crowds for tips working for their dreams to come true. No, it’s not everyone’s story, but when you pay those big bucks to see your favorite Drag Race star, remember excellent drag is around the corner every night of the week. Think about that drag artist you see at your local bar and how maybe one day they’ll be the next reality star. Back in the day, as they say, I was producing drag events with future Drag Race stars, like Acacia Forgot, Megami, and Jax. And if my instinct is right, there will be more added to the list in years to come.
And don’t forget, drag is more than Drag Race. Between series like Camp Wannakiki and The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, the desire for all types of drag continues to rise. But even in your local scene, there are brilliant and incredible drag kings who slay the house down boots, too! We’re finally getting a new drag competition series dedicated to the brilliant drag kings of the world! Revy is celebrating Pride with a brand-new show called King of Drag. Hosted by Murray Hill, the series is the first of its kind to feature solely drag kings. It’s another revolutionary series to help remind us of the importance of community.
Whether you are able to consume Drag Race beyond the television show or not, the opportunities are out there. If you can’t get to Vegas to see the production show, thankfully, WOW Presents Plus has the taping of its 1000th show. Follow the queens on their social media because they’ll tell you where they’re going to be popping up, and maybe by accident, break their NDA. Drag Race truly is anomalous. It’s a show so accessible that being able to experience it has made it a worldwide phenomenon.
