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

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As someone who has had the privilege of witnessing the meteoric rise of drag culture in Thailand, I am utterly amazed and overjoyed by the transformation of what was once a subversive art form into a celebrated and beloved community. The memory of that first night, filled with Thai “drag queens” who bravely claimed the space, is still vividly etched in my mind. The term “drag queen,” which we didn’t have in our language at the time, translated to “dressing up as a girl.” But because of that groundbreaking show, people now know what drag queens are and are eager to celebrate this art.

RuPaul’s “Drag Race” has become a significant part of American pop culture, and RuPaul Charles, also known as Mama Ru, has been extending its reach globally over the last decade. There are currently 15 international versions of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” with 11 of them either airing or preparing to start filming new seasons. Fans can enjoy approximately two shows at any given time throughout the year. Several spinoffs have been immense successes, launching contestants into international stardom and generating high-quality content that even surpasses the original show on some occasions. Consequently, there will be an ample number of alumni queens to populate the South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center when RuPaul’s DragCon LA starts on Friday.

Before the big day, I had the pleasure of connecting with six remarkable hosts of our beloved “Drag Race” franchise. Hailing from Thailand, Canada, Spain, Italy, France, and Mexico, they graciously shared insights about their national drag cultures, the political dimensions of the show, and more.

“Canada’s Drag Race” host Brooke Lynn Hytes.

(World of Wonder)

On landing the gig

As a seasoned drag performer and judge on “Canada’s Drag Race,” Brooke Lynn Hytes has undoubtedly experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions and moments that blend together over time. In her own words, she recounted an instance where she was asked a question about a specific event, but couldn’t recall the details – the person who asked, the method of inquiry, or even the timing. It all seemed like a hazy memory, as if she had simply gone blank in that moment.

Priscilla (“Drag Race Italia”): Initially, I believed I was among the contestants since they simply informed me, “We need you on ‘Drag Race Italia’.” Upon our initial encounter with production during a gathering, I encountered Chiara Francini and Tommaso Zorzi in an enormous room. Arriving there with my backpack, much like a pupil, I mingled among the show’s staff. They handed me a script. After an hour, I inquired, “Could you clarify for me what my role is on ‘Drag Race Italia’?” They replied, “You will serve as one of the judges and also host the program.” Overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, I wept and laughed hysterically. That moment remains the most elated experience of my life.

As a devoted fan of “Drag Race France” and a proud representative of the Ru Girls community, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and pressure as I embark on this journey. Being the very first Ru Girl to compete on this esteemed stage in a language other than English, I couldn’t ignore the weight of expectations pressing down on my shoulders.

“Drag Race Italia” host Priscilla.
(World of Wonder)

On making ‘Drag Race’ their own

Supremme de Luxe (“Drag Race España”): The production team and I actually wanted to respect the format but not be a copy of RuPaul. RuPaul is an icon. She cannot be repeated. You cannot step on her shoes. What I wanted to do is respect the format but take it and take it to a very personal place, a very Spanish place. …

In Spain, most queens don’t just limit themselves to being comedy or fashion queens. Instead, they blend both elements, engaging in comedy while dancing or showcasing their fashion with a side of humor. Audiences aren’t merely drawn by the sight of a beautiful dress or wig; they come for an immersive experience. For instance, Bianca Del Rio is beloved in Spain not only for her campy attire but also for her stand-up comedy, audience interaction, and monologues that leave people laughing. Her appearance complements her humor, making for a captivating performance.

As a huge fan of “Drag Race,” I can’t help but be deeply moved by Lolita Banana’s heartfelt story about her mentor Nicky Doll and her experiences on the show. Her words paint a vivid picture of the kindness and empathy shown to her by her teacher, who understood the unique challenges that come with being a drag queen. I find it fascinating how linguistic differences have led to the birth of various catchphrases in different countries, such as “Lip sync le-gen-daire” in France and “Lip sync i-có-ni-co” in Mexico, with Lolita proudly acknowledging her adoption of the latter.

Pangina Heals (“Drag Race Thailand”): I believe that the Thai queens have a rich heritage of trans women and cabaret performances to draw from. Many of us excel at lip-syncing, but not all. In Thailand, cabaret is largely dominated by transgender women, while in other places like France, it’s mostly biological females who participate. This unique aspect of our culture is something we take great pride in. Some people might describe the Thai queens as wild and unhinged based on their performances in the show, which I find utterly astonishing.

“Drag Race España” host Supremme de Luxe.
(World of Wonder)

On the politics of drag

Nicky Doll: In addition to the U.S., our franchise is the only one that held a live finale, leaving us uncertain about the outcome. We thought, “It’s a drag show, it’s an extraordinary production, it has rave reviews. Why not perform in front of a live audience?” I couldn’t help but feel the same exhilaration as RuPaul when Sasha Velour surprised everyone with the rose petals. The moment Sara Forever pressed her breasts and ink flowed down, I was left speechless. I could only imagine how Mama Ru felt! Filming at Le Grand Rex, a historic Parisian theater, added to the experience. It was a groundbreaking event featuring a host in drag and an audience eagerly watching. I found myself getting emotional as I took in the audience’s sense of pride, joy, and representation. My home country had been missing this, and to be part of bringing it back is a source of immense pride for me.

Priscilla: The timing for “Drag Race Italia” on TV was significant as Parliament failed to pass an anti-discrimination law against homophobia and transphobia just a day before our premiere. This setback affected us deeply as we had been anticipating this legislation. The arrival of our show served as an important platform for openly discussing these issues, not only within the LGBTQ+ community but also among straight people. I often emphasize that “Drag Race Italia” transcends being merely a television program; it carries a powerful influence on society.

Pangina Heals: In the finale of Season 1, we shot at a large venue. As I gazed from the stage, I was surrounded by drag queens occupying every inch of the area. It’s important to note that the term “drag queen” wasn’t part of the Thai language before our show. The translation would be “dressing up as a woman.” Through our program, people have come to understand this art form. Now, I observe a packed hall filled with enthusiasm for an expression that was once hidden. Thousands of people cheer for what was once seen as controversial. Yet here I am, witnessing a sea of love and acceptance.

“Drag Race México” host Lolita Banana.
(Walter Gomez Urrego/World of Wonder )

On their most challenging eliminations

In the initial season, eliminating The Macarena for the first time proved to be a challenging experience for me. I had anticipated this moment, knowing she was prepared, yet she wasn’t ready for the outcome. She wept, her voice trembling with shame. Every elimination is tough, but that one was particularly tense and emotional for me.

Lolita Banana: I requested a replay of one elimination, which I won’t disclose. I felt the need to examine each detail closely before making my final call. I had to observe the lip sync in the control room once more. Making this decision was challenging for me, as I understand the potential impact on these contestants and their futures. I strive to be impartial in my judgement.

Brooke Lynn Hytes: I hadn’t anticipated how challenging it would be. I thought, “I’m prepared. This will be enjoyable. I won’t have to compete.” But it proved to be quite difficult. I recall shedding tears after the first elimination. It’s a familiar feeling to be invested deeply and for your opportunity to shine so brightly to be snuffed out so soon. In the drag world, such opportunities are scarce – this show being one of them. Many of the contestants on that initial season were my contemporaries. We had progressed together in Toronto’s scene, performing at the same shows and forging friendships.

On what’s next

Nicky Doll: In my opinion, it was during the first tour that I truly understood the significance of what I was doing, which was on Season 1. I took on the responsibility of representing the torch for the Olympics and ran with it. I’m currently the second person to have accomplished this, but if they had organized their schedule more efficiently, I would have been the first. Exciting news: I will be performing at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. There’s so much excitement building up now.

Brooke Lynn Hytes: I’m looking forward to the possibility of an all-star season where only hosts are involved. I believe this will happen eventually. It would be an enjoyable experience. However, there isn’t a collective international chat among us. Occasionally, I communicate with Pangina and Nicky, as well as Jiggly Caliente. I’d love to connect with all of them and having a group chat would add to the fun.

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2024-07-18 19:07