RuPaul, musician, performer, and host of "RuPaul's Drag Race", talks about success and performance, the power of improvisation and unconventional upbringings, astrology and compatibility, embracing both femininity and masculinity, maintaining balance in life, finding your tribe and breaking the fourth wall, embracing identity and inner power, excitement and collaboration with Elton John, controversial comments and staying rooted in love, and embracing the golden age of drag.
Drag challenges societal norms, allowing individuals to embrace their true selves and explore their identities.
Embracing vulnerability and kindness is powerful in creating a positive and accepting world.
Drag is a movement that empowers individuals to be their true selves and break free from societal expectations, celebrating uniqueness and embracing diversity.
Deep dives
The Power of Drag: Embracing Identity and Breaking Boundaries
The podcast episode explores the transformative power of drag and its cultural significance. RuPaul discusses how drag challenges societal norms and allows individuals to embrace their true selves. Drag is not just about entertainment; it is a way for people to express themselves and explore their identities. By breaking the fourth wall and embracing the artificial, drag offers a unique perspective that can inspire others to be authentic and true to themselves.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Kindness
RuPaul emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and kindness. He talks about the need to focus on a person's innocence rather than their guilt, and the power of kindness in creating a positive and accepting world. He shares personal stories and highlights the resilience and tenacity needed to stay true to oneself despite societal pressures. RuPaul also discusses the importance of finding one's tribe, the people who understand and support us, and the impact they have on our lives.
Celebrating Individuality in the Golden Age of Drag
RuPaul discusses the current golden age of drag and its cultural impact. He emphasizes that drag will never become mainstream because it breaks the fourth wall and challenges societal norms. However, the acceptance and popularity of drag show the progress society has made in embracing diversity and individuality. RuPaul encourages people to seize the moment, celebrate their uniqueness, and create their own dreams. Drag is not just a form of entertainment; it is a movement that empowers individuals to be their true selves and break free from societal expectations.
The Power of Projection and Fantasy
The podcast explores the concept of projection and fantasy in relation to the movie screen and film projector analogy. It emphasizes that the most important part of the relationship is the film projector, which represents an individual's ability to project their own fantasies onto the screen. The speaker suggests that projecting one's fantasy onto external sources, such as pop stars or political figures, can provide a sense of inspiration and purpose in life. It also mentions that while some people outgrow the need for such idols, others continue to seek inspiration and ideas to propel themselves forward.
Living Between Fantasy and Reality
The podcast touches on the idea of living in both fantasy and reality. The speaker describes their personal experience of finding their tribe through irreverent humor and satire, which allowed them to live in both the make-believe world and the real world. It discusses the importance of breaking the fourth wall and finding like-minded individuals who understand the absurdity of existence. The speaker also reflects on how the ability to live in both worlds is not common, as many people fear discovering that their reality is merely a fantasy. It emphasizes the need to navigate between fantasy and reality and find a balance that brings comfort and inspiration.
The musician, performer, and host of "RuPaul's Drag Race" sashays onto our stage to celebrate the recent release of his seventh studio album, "Realness." In a wildly entertaining and thought-provoking conversation, the cultural icon talks to NYPL’s Paul Holdengräber about success, performance, all things drag and beyond.
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