On February 2, 2009, the world was graced with a show that was like nothing ever aired before. This show combines nerve, uniqueness and talent all into one competition with a cast of characters you would never expect. The show? "Ru Paul's Drag Race." And the cast? Drag Queens... obviously!! After watching every season (at least once), I have learned many things from the fabulous Ru Paul herself and from many of the 100 Queens that have appeared on the show throughout the last eight seasons.
Lesson #1: Don't compromise who you are for anyone!
So many Queens have entered the competition and always say that they will not compromise who they are for the competition. Some of them are successful, but most of them not. However, the lesson is still the same. Morals should be first no matter what!
Lesson #2: It doesn't matter what you look like as long as you rock it!
One of my favorite Queens, Latrice Royale, gave me my life motto! "I'm large and in charge... chunky, yet funky... bold and beautiful! I am Latrice Royale." This quote has shaped my life as she taught me that size does not matter as long as you believe in yourself and work that runway!
Lesson #3: You can't always be nice... people need to hear the truth sometimes!
Bianca Del Rio is one of the most outspoken drag queens in Ru Paul's history! Her funny personality and brutal honestly helped her secure the season six win! She always told the truth no matter who the person was! Being nice can only get you so far. When push comes to shove you have to do what's best for you and she let everyone know she would screw them over... but only if necessary. She taught me to be nice when it's needed and be brutally honest when you gotta do what ya gotta do.
Lesson #4: Don't be modest! If you got it, flaunt it girl!
Ru Paul herself said that there is no need to be modest when you know you're good! Being modest and being afraid to show off your talent will get you nowhere in life. Be proud of the gifts God and your parents gave you! You were not put on this Earth to be modest, let's face it.
Lesson #5: Don't let the haters get you down!
Jinkx Monsoon, winner of season five, had an inspiring phrase that she would repeat to herself before every judging just so she wouldn't take the critiques too harshly. "Water off a duck's back," meaning don't let what other people say about you stick to you. Water beads up and falls off a duck's back and Jinkx did the same thing with ugly comments made by fellow competitors or bad critiques from the judges. She taught me not to worry what others say about you as long as you are proud of what you are doing.
Lesson #6: If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?
Ru Paul's famous phrase "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?" has taught me that no matter what happens, always love who you are because you can't give the same love if you don't share it deep within. It also says to believe in yourself because you are unique and the world needs to see who you are and what you have to offer! This is probably this biggest lesson learned from "Drag Race," as I reference it almost every day when I wake up and question myself. It is a lesson everyone should learn from!
I just want to say thank you to Ru Paul and all of the Queens throughout eight seasons of "Ru Paul's Drag Race" for giving me so many important life lessons that have forever changed my life for the better!
