On April 7, an episode of Lip Sync Battle featured the “Realest House Wife of Atlanta,” Nene Leakes, striking a pose in imitation of everyone’s favorite drag mother, RuPaul. Given that straight, black women are credited for coining much of today's drag speak, this should have been a match made in heaven!
Though I’m sure NeNe has nothing but respect and admiration for Mama Ru, the fact that the episode was made without consulting or including the Supermodel of the World speaks volumes. Lesbehonest: RuPaul is the end-all-be-all of lip sync performers, and to have her as a guest host (perhaps in place of the ‘Yaaaaas’ing Chrissy Teigen) could have maybe convinced me that the show’s producers have at least some knowledge and respect of lip-sync and drag culture. But alas…
To add insult to injury, in his opening monologue, host LL Cool J refers to the knock-off as “the coolest competition on TV." It is this outrageous claim that inspired me to come up with a short list of reasons why RuPaul’s Drag Race and the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent of her Queens will always outshine Lip Sync Battle’s A-list celebrity contestants.
4. Drag performance is pure art.
Whether these queens are painting their faces for the gods, or sewing together their last minute looks for the runway, the final products sissy that walk and are always gag-worthy. Not only do they slay their lip syncs, but the performances themselves are made even more drag-tacular with death dropping, pointing, step-ball-changing, lip quivering madness! I dare the next male contestant on Lip Sync Battle to even attempt a spinning jump split and see where it gets you! (Spoiler alert: It’s the emergency room.)
3. Ru’s soapbox gives a voice to the oppressed.
As an iconic member of the queer community, and a person who has struggled with poverty and drug addiction throughout his comeuppance, Ru’s success has provided a much-needed platform for people in our society who oftentimes feel unwanted and invisible. She has given an opportunity to members of marginalized communities to find an outlet for the pain and stigma they endure on a daily basis.
2. The library is always open.
While Drag Race is known for creating bonds between squirrel friends, nothing is off limits when it comes to reading the competition. Usually a mini-challenge, Ru’s opening of the library allows the queens to put on their metaphorical reading glasses and incisively expose her competition’s flaws. No tea, no shade, no pink lemonade hunties! This tradition has allowed queens and fans of the show alike to re-claim words and insecurities that have hurt them for so long.
But on Lip Sync Battle, no one dared say anything about Ms. Leakes’ competition, Todd Chrisley, and his round one song choice of “Blurred Lines," widely criticized by feminists all over the world for its contributions to rape culture. Oh no, he better don’t!
1. Drag Race deals with real issues.
Who could forget Latrice Royale’s tear-filled goodbye after elimination? Or the strength and heart it took for Ongina and Trinity K. Bonet to reveal on national television that they are living with HIV? And what about Monica Beverly Hillz’s transparency into her struggles as not only a drag queen, but a transgender woman as well? These moments, and the responses from RuPaul, the judges, and the fans, prove that the show is an integral part of creating a culture of acceptance and a celebration of difference. In giving this space to her queens, Ru allows her audience to not only see the performers, but the person behind the eleganza and polish as well.
Lip Sync Battle, you betta werk to learn about drag herstory. Until you can tell me the difference between a kai-kai and a ki-ki, or what constitutes a fishy, campy, pageant and club queen, your show will be nowhere near the “coolest competition on TV”.
I've said my piece. I'll leave the good-byes to Mama Ru.
