From Supermodel to Global Icon: The Evolution of RuPaul

A Pioneer for LGBTQ+ Rights and Relationships

Through Drag Race, RuPaul has given a platform to countless drag performers, amplifying their voices and providing a mainstream platform for the LGBTQ+ community. His marriage to Georges LeBar, who he wed in 2017 after meeting on the dancefloor of a club called Limelight in 1994, is also an inspiration to many. Though he is relatively private about the details, the couple made great strides for LGBTQ+ representation in the media by simply living their true, authentic life and not hiding their love for each other.

Additionally he has been adamant in using his voice to speak out for important causes in the gay community — most notably in 1995, when he became the first face of the MAC Viva Glam campaign that raised funds for AIDS research, and through his activist work for US voter registration. Research has found that many LGBTQ+ people do not participate in national elections, so RuPaul encouraged voter registration through a public service announcement in support of National Voter Registration Day.

Author Extraordinaire: A Tale of the Times

Just last month, in the run up to his 63rd birthday, RuPaul announced that he has written a book, The House of Hidden Meanings, which presents the global drag superstar "stripped bare" as he gets raw and real about his experiences during the first 40 years of his life.

"From his early years growing up as a queer Black kid in San Diego navigating complex relationships with his absent father and temperamental mother, to forging an identity in the punk and drag scenes of Atlanta and New York, to finding enduring love with his husband Georges LeBar and self-acceptance in sobriety, RuPaul excavates his life-story, uncovering new truths and insights in his personal history," say his team.

A Fascinating Life – But Not Without its Challenges

Despite his success, RuPaul faced significant challenges throughout his career. Drag, during his early years, wasn't as widely accepted as it is today, and he has spent much of his life having to navigate societal prejudices and stereotypes.

Additionally, being an openly gay African-American man in the public eye presented its own set of challenges. However, RuPaul's unyielding self-confidence and belief in his talent allowed him to overcome these obstacles and emerge as a beacon of empowerment.

RuPaul: Getting Older in Style

As RuPaul gracefully ages, he continues to defy societal norms surrounding beauty and ageing, particularly in an industry that often prioritises youth. You’ll often hear him emphasising the importance of self-love and authenticity in interviews, encouraging people to be true to themselves regardless of age.

As he continues to break down barriers and redefine societal norms, RuPaul's legacy serves as a beacon of hope for generations to come.