ruPaul

RuPaul was born in San Diego on November 17, 1960, the son of Ernestine "Toni" (née Fontenette) and Irving Andrew Charles. His parents were both from Louisiana.{{cite encyclopedia | title = RuPaul (RuPaul Andre Charles) | encyclopedia = GLBTQ: An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Culture | publisher = GLBTQ, Inc. | date = August 16, 2005| first=Tina |last=Gianoulis | url = http://www.glbtqarchive.com/arts/rupaul_A.pdf | access-date = March 24, 2009|archive-date=January 12, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170112134716/http://glbtqarchive.com/arts/rupaul_A.pdf | url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Daniel |date=October 9, 2020 |title=Watch RuPaul Learn His Ancestors Were Also Marriage Pioneers |url=https://www.advocate.com/television/2020/10/09/watch-rupaul-learn-his-ancestors-were-also-marriage-pioneers |access-date=October 14, 2020 |website=The Advocate |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011135651/https://www.advocate.com/television/2020/10/09/watch-rupaul-learn-his-ancestors-were-also-marriage-pioneers |url-status=live }} He was named by his mother; "Ru" came from roux, the French term for the base of gumbo and other creole stews and soups.{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Bonnie |author-link=Bonnie Hunt |date=February 22, 2010 |title=The Bonnie Hunt Show: Interview with RuPaul, Part 2 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M1ysX6QqOk |access-date=February 3, 2024 |publisher=The Bonnie Hunt Show |at=0:49–1:05 |via=YouTube |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203232328/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M1ysX6QqOk |url-status=live }} According to DNA analysis by Finding Your Roots staff, his ancestry is 70% African and 30% European.{{Cite web|last=Robinson|first=Jennifer|title=Finding Your Roots: Slave Trade|url=https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/feb/10/finding-your-roots-slave-trade/|access-date=October 14, 2020|website=KPBS Public Media|date=February 10, 2020|language=en|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017183519/https://www.kpbs.org/news/2020/feb/10/finding-your-roots-slave-trade/|url-status=live}}

After his parents divorced in 1967, RuPaul and his three sisters lived with their mother, a Seventh-day Adventist.{{cite book |last=Charles |first=RuPaul Andre |url=https://archive.org/details/lettinitallhango00rupa/page/31/mode/2up |title=Lettin it all hang out |publisher=Hyperion |year=1995 |isbn=9780786861569 |edition=1st |location=New York |pages=31}}{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2013/04/rupaul-runs-the-world-drag-race-supermodel/|title=RuPaul Runs The World |work=Spin |date=April 1, 2013|first=Julianne Escobedo|last= Shepherd|access-date= March 10, 2017| archive-date=February 14, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214023747/http://www.spin.com/2013/04/rupaul-runs-the-world-drag-race-supermodel/ |url-status=live}} He was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Patrick Henry High School.{{Citation |last=Cohen |first=Andy |title=Andy Cohen with RuPaul at Live Talks Los Angeles |date=December 9, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra_p-QQrvOw |access-date=February 3, 2024 |publisher=LiveTalksLA |language=en |author-link=Andy Cohen |via=YouTube |archive-date=May 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505094453/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra_p-QQrvOw&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }} At 15, RuPaul and his sister Renetta moved to Atlanta, where they studied performing arts.{{Cite news |last=Aguirre |first=Abby |date=April 15, 2019 |others=Photography by Annie Leibovitz |title=How the World Fell Head Over Heels for RuPaul |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/rupaul-interview-may-2019-issue |work=Vogue |access-date=February 16, 2023 |archive-date=February 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216190703/https://www.vogue.com/article/rupaul-interview-may-2019-issue |url-status=live }}

RuPaul struggled as a musician and filmmaker during the 1980s, working at Atlanta's Plaza Theatre. In 1982, he debuted on an Atlanta public access variety show called The American Music Show, and went on to appear on the show frequently.{{rp|59}}{{cite web |date=May 17, 2013 |title=American Music Show (Television show) video recordings, 1981–2005 |url=https://findingaids.library.emory.edu/documents/americanmusicshow1256/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616223150/https://findingaids.library.emory.edu/documents/americanmusicshow1256/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |website=Emory University Library}} He also took part in underground cinema, helping create the low-budget film Star Booty and an album of the same name. In Atlanta he often performed at the Celebrity Club, managed by Larry Tee, as a bar dancer or with his band, Wee Wee Pole.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2871900054.html |title=Rupaul 1960– |publisher=Encyclopedia.com (Thomson Gale) |first=Ellen Dennis |last=French |year=2005 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123123203/http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/RuPaul.aspx%231-1G2:2871900054-full |url-status=bot: unknown }} Additional [https://web.archive.org/web/20170429084235/http://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/rupaul WebCitation archive] on March 10, 2017.{{cite web|last1=Warren|first1=Robert Burke|title=Southern Belles, Latchkey Kids and Thrift-Store Crossdressers|url=http://bittersoutherner.com/southern-belles-latchkey-kids-and-thrift-store-crossdressers|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623215100/http://bittersoutherner.com/southern-belles-latchkey-kids-and-thrift-store-crossdressers/#.WMLqGBIrIcg|archive-date=June 23, 2016|access-date=December 6, 2013|publisher=The Bitter Southerner}}Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/8qHKpF3dYv0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200503220337/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qHKpF3dYv0&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |last=Nelson|first=Sullivan|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qHKpF3dYv0&t=6m15s |title=Going to Red Zone |date=September 13, 2011 |via=YouTube |quote=RuPaul, Lahoma and Larry Tee went to Red Zone to perform their disco act La Palace de Beaute. This video includes fabulous backup dancing by RuPaul and Lahoma.}}{{cbignore}} RuPaul also performed as a backup singer to Glen Meadmore along with drag queen Vaginal Davis.{{cite web|last=Kot|first=Greg|title=What a Drag |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/09/01/what-a-drag-3/|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=March 12, 2013|date=September 1, 1995| archive-date= April 24, 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160424161541/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-09-01/entertainment/9509010298_1_new-york-dolls-angela-davis-glam| url-status=live}} His first prominent national exposure came in 1989, when he danced as an extra in the video for The B-52s' "Love Shack", and also appeared in Tom Rubnitz's video "Pickle Surprise".{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/the-b-52s-fred-schneider-on-rupauls-pre-fame-love-shack-cameo-he-got-the-line-dance-going-204218086.html|title=The B-52's' Fred Schneider on RuPaul's Pre-Fame 'Love Shack' Cameo: 'He Got the Line-Dance Going!'|date=March 31, 2017|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110113929/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/the-b-52s-fred-schneider-on-rupauls-pre-fame-love-shack-cameo-he-got-the-line-dance-going-204218086.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://pridesource.com/article/when-they-go-low-we-go-sideways-finding-queer-light-in-dark-times|title=When They Go Low, We Go Sideways: Finding Queer Light in Dark Times|date=June 13, 2023|website=Pride Source}}

In the early 1990s, RuPaul worked the Georgia club scene and was known by his full birth name. Initially participating in gender bender-style performances, he performed solo and in collaboration with other bands at several New York City nightclubs, most notably the Pyramid Club.Brian Butterick, Susan Martin, Kestutis Nakas (eds.) "We Started a Nightclub": The Birth of the Pyramid Cocktail Lounge as Told by Those Who Lived It, Damiani Books, p. 59, 152 & 175 He played opposite New York City drag performer Mona Foot (Nashom Benjamin) in the one-act science-fiction parody "My Pet Homo", written and directed by Jon Michael Johnson for Cooper Square Productions. He performed for many years at the annual Wigstock drag festival and appeared in the documentary Wigstock: The Movie. In the 1990s, RuPaul appeared on the UK Channel 4 series Manhattan Cable, a weekly series produced by World of Wonder and presented by American Laurie Pike about New York's public-access television system.

In 1993, RuPaul recorded the dance/house album Supermodel of the World. It was released through the rap label Tommy Boy, spawning the dance track hit "Supermodel (You Better Work)". The song peaked at 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It charted on the UK Singles Chart, peaking on the top 40 at 39. The song found the most success on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, where it peaked at 2. Radio airplay, heavy rotation of the music video on MTV, and television appearances on popular programs like The Arsenio Hall Show popularized the song. His next two singles/videos, "Back to My Roots" and "A Shade Shady (Now Prance)", both went to the top spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. His following release "House of Love" failed to place on any U.S. charts but peaked at 68 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1994, he released "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", a duet with Elton John.{{cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Elton John – Duets |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/duets-mw0000107584 |access-date=February 18, 2020 |work=AllMusic}}

RuPaul was signed to a modeling contract for MAC Cosmetics. Various billboards featured him in full drag, often with the text "I am the MAC girl". He also released his autobiography, Lettin' It All Hang Out. He promoted the book in part with a 1995 guest appearance on ABC's All My Children, in a storyline that put it on the set of Erica Kane's talk show "The Cutting Edge". The same year, he was featured in his first of two appearances in the Brady Bunch movies, in which he played Jan's female guidance counselor.

In 1996, he landed a talk show of his own on VH1, called The RuPaul Show interviewing celebrity guests and musical acts. Cher, Diana Ross, Nirvana, Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Mary J. Blige, Bea Arthur, Dionne Warwick, Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, Beenie Man, Pete Burns, Bow Wow Wow, and the Backstreet Boys were notable guests. His co-host was Michelle Visage with whom he also co-hosted on WKTU radio. On one episode, RuPaul featured guests Chi Chi LaRue and Tom Chase speaking about the gay porn industry.

Later in the year he released his second album, Foxy Lady, this time on the L.A.-based Rhino Records label. The album failed to chart on the Billboard 200. However, its first single "Snapshot" went to number four on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. It also enjoyed limited mainstream success, charting at 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, which was his second and final solo Hot 100 entry to date. The album's second single "A Little Bit of Love" was not as successful, peaking at 28 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. During this time, RuPaul hosted a morning radio show at WKTU radio in New York City and would serve as host until 1998.{{Cite magazine |date=October 9, 2004 |title=Blue Back in The Mix at 'NEW |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=RuPaul |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627014907/https://books.google.com/books?id=qhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=RuPaul#v=snippet&q=RuPaul&f=false |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=February 4, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |pages=50 |via=Google Books |volume=116 |issue=41 |issn=0006-2510}}

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In 1997, he released his third album, the Christmas-themed Ho Ho Ho. That year, RuPaul teamed with Martha Wash to remake the classic disco anthem, "It's Raining Men". The song was included on the 1998 compilation CD RuPaul's Go Go Box Classics. During this time, he appeared in Webex TV commercials and magazine ads. In 2002, he was featured on the Eurodance track "You're No Lady" alongside Brigitte Nielsen.

In 2004, RuPaul released his fourth album, Red Hot on his own RuCo Inc. music label. It received dance radio and club play, but very little press coverage. RuPaul later noted, "I don't know what happened. It seemed I couldn't get press on my album unless I was willing to play into the role that the mainstream press has assigned to gay people, which is as servants of straight ideals."{{Cite news |date=October 6, 2007 |title=RuPaul speaks about society and the state of drag as performance art |url=https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/RuPaul_speaks_about_society_and_the_state_of_drag_as_performance_art |newspaper=Wikinews |access-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105084758/https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/RuPaul_speaks_about_society_and_the_state_of_drag_as_performance_art |url-status=live }} Red Hot's lead single "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous" peaked at number two on the dance chart. The second, "WorkOut", peaked at number five. The third and final single from the album "People Are People" a duet with Tom Trujillo, peaked at number 10. The album itself only charted on the Top Electronic Albums chart, where it hit number nine.{{Cite magazine |date=October 9, 2004 |title=Billboard: Top Electric Albums |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=RuPaul |magazine=Billboard |volume=116 |issue=41 |pages=30 |issn=0006-2510 |via=Google Books |access-date=February 4, 2024 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627014907/https://books.google.com/books?id=qhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=RuPaul#v=snippet&q=RuPaul&f=false |url-status=live }} In September, he was hired at WNEW.

On June 13, 2006, RuPaul released ReWorked, his first remix album. The only single released from the album was a re-recording of "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which reached number 21 on the U.S. dance chart. June 20, 2007, saw the release of Starrbooty: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack in the United States. The single "Call Me Starrbooty" was digitally released in 2007. The album contains new tracks as well as interludes with dialogue from the movie. The film was released on DVD in October 2007.

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In mid-2008, RuPaul began producing RuPaul's Drag Race, a reality television game show which aired on Logo in February 2009. On the program drag queens compete to be selected by RuPaul and a panel of judges as "America's next drag superstar". The first season's winner was BeBe Zahara Benet, and first runner-up Nina Flowers was chosen by fans as "Miss Congeniality" through voting via the show's official website. To publicize the new show, RuPaul appeared on several other shows in 2008, including Project Runway, as guest judge, and on Paula's Party as a guest "chef".{{cite web |title=Project Runway Season 5 Good Queen Fun | Bravo TV Official Site |url=http://www.bravotv.com/project-runway/season-5/good-queen-fun |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208091237/http://www.bravotv.com/project-runway/season-5/good-queen-fun |archive-date=February 8, 2009 |access-date=December 3, 2013 |publisher=Bravo TV }}{{cite web |title=Diva Party : Paula's Party |url=http://www.foodnetwork.com/paulas-party/diva-party/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207232821/http://www.foodnetwork.com/paulas-party/diva-party/index.html |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=December 3, 2013 |website=Food Network}}

In March 2009, RuPaul released the album Champion. The album spawned four singles "Cover Girl", "Jealous of My Boogie", "Devil Made Me Do It", and "Tranny Chaser". The album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums as well as 26 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. Logo's second annual NewNowNext Awards in 2009 were hosted by RuPaul. There he performed "Jealous of My Boogie (Gomi & RasJek Edit)". In March 2010, RuPaul released his second remix album, Drag Race, the album features remixes of songs from the 2009 album Champion.{{Cite web |last=Charles |first=RuPaul Andre |date=March 30, 2010 |title=Apple Music Preview: Drag Race |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/drag-race/361093827 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602121920/https://music.apple.com/us/album/drag-race/361093827 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |access-date=April 29, 2019 |website=Apple Music }}

In April 2011, coinciding with the finale of season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul released his sixth studio album Glamazon, produced by Revolucian. The album charted on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Albums and the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart at 11 and 8 respectively. In July 2011, he released another remix EP entitled SuperGlam DQ which features remixes of tracks from Glamazon, remixes of the "Drag U Theme Song", and a new song, "Sexy Drag Queen". The second season of RuPaul's Drag U began in June 2011. In late 2011, RuPaul made appearances on The Rosie Show and The Chew, and also attended a Drag Race NY Premiere party at Patricia Field's store in New York. Season 4 of RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on Logo on January 30, 2012, with RuPaul returning as the main host and judge. In the fall of 2012, the spin-off RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars premiered and featured past contestants of the previous four seasons. Season 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on January 28, 2013. On April 30, 2013, he released "Lick It Lollipop" featuring Lady Bunny.

In fall of 2013, RuPaul joined forces with cosmetic manufacturers Colorevolution to launch his debut make-up line featuring ultra-rich pigment cosmetics and a beauty collection. Released alongside the line was a unisex perfume entitled "Glamazon". Talking to World of Wonder he said: "Glamazon is for women and men of all ages and preferences who share one thing in common: They are not afraid to be fierce. For me, glamour should be accessible to all, and I am committed to helping the world look and smell more beautiful." The line was exclusively sold on the Colorevolution website in various gift sets.{{cite web |url=http://worldofwonder.net/rupauls-glamazon-limited-edition-makeup-fragrance/ |title=RuPaul's "Glamazon" Limited Edition Makeup and Fragrance Available Now! |publisher=World of Wonder |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207000832/http://worldofwonder.net/rupauls-glamazon-limited-edition-makeup-fragrance/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://colorevolution.com/category-Ru_Paul.html |title=Colorevolution Mineral Makeup — Ru Paul |publisher=Colorevolution.com |access-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121053954/http://colorevolution.com/category-Ru_Paul.html |archive-date=November 21, 2013 }}

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On January 28, 2014, RuPaul released RuPaul Presents The CoverGurlz, a collaborative album featuring new versions of RuPaul songs from 2009 to 2013. His seventh studio album, Born Naked, was released on February 24, 2014, to coincide with the premiere of the 6th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Born Naked placed at number 4 on the US Billboard dance chart and 85 on the Billboard 200 chart. On April 9, 2014, RuPaul and Michelle Visage released the first episode of their podcast, RuPaul: What's the Tee? with Michelle Visage. In August, he joined the reality competition show Skin Wars acting as a judge.

On March 2, 2015, RuPaul released his eighth studio album, Realness. The release coincided with the premiere of the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race. In April, he launched and began hosting a new show, Good Work, a plastic surgery-themed talk show for E!. In October he released his second Christmas album, and ninth studio album, Slay Belles. The album contains ten original Christmas-themed songs and features collaborations with Michelle Visage, Siedah Garrett, Todrick Hall, and Big Freedia. The album charted at 21 on the US Billboard Dance chart.{{cite magazine |title=RuPaul — Chart history |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/369236/rupaul/chart?f=322 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604120238/https://www.billboard.com/artist/369236/rupaul/chart?f=322 |archive-date=June 4, 2015 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 17, 2020 }}

In January 2016, it was announced RuPaul would present a new game show for Logo TV called Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul which premiered on April 11, 2016, after RuPaul's Drag Race.{{cite web |author=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |date=January 21, 2016 |title=Logo Greenlights Two New Series Including RuPaul Game Show, Following Year-Over-Year Growth |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/logo-gay-for-play-game-show-rupaul-1201684468/ |work=Variety |access-date=December 12, 2017 |archive-date=February 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207122309/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/logo-gay-for-play-game-show-rupaul-1201684468/ |url-status=live }} In March 2016, he released his tenth album, Butch Queen, just prior to the premiere of the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.{{cite web |author=Avery |first=Dan |date=February 20, 2016 |title=Rupaul Announces New Album, "Butch Queen," Dropping March 7! |url=http://www.newnownext.com/rupaul-announces-new-album-butch-queen-dropping-march-7/02/2016/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220094953/http://www.newnownext.com/rupaul-announces-new-album-butch-queen-dropping-march-7/02/2016/ |archive-date=February 20, 2016 |work=NewNowNext}} A song from the album, "U Wear It Well" was featured in the teaser campaigns for the season and was released as its first single. The album charted at number 3 on the US Billboard Dance chart. "'Be Someone" featuring American singer Taylor Dayne was released as the album's second and final single. Additionally, Butch Queen: The Ru-Mixes was released.

In July 2016, it was announced that RuPaul was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program. He was presented the award at the September Creative Arts Emmy Awards Ceremony. 2016 also saw the release of the single "Read U Wrote U" that features rap parts by the RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 2 finalists Roxxxy Andrews, Katya Zamolodchikova, Alaska Thunderfuck, and Detox Icunt with production by Ellis Miah.{{cite web |title=Read U Wrote U (Ellis Miah Mix) [feat. The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, Season 2] – Single by RuPaul |url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/read-u-wrote-u-ellis-miah-mix-feat-cast-rupauls-drag/1163061808 |publisher=iTunes Store |date=October 12, 2016 |language=en-ca |access-date=June 19, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612210908/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/read-u-wrote-u-ellis-miah-mix-feat-cast-rupauls-drag/1163061808 |url-status=live }}

On February 3, 2017, RuPaul released the album Remember Me: Essential, Vol. 1. It is a collection of new songs and remakes of RuPaul hits that feature new artists.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/02/06/rupaul-chats-about-reinventing-his-back-catalog-for-a-new-audience/|title=RuPaul Chats About Reinventing His Back Catalog For A New Audience|first=Hugh|last=McIntyre|website=Forbes|access-date=March 19, 2017|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319201041/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2017/02/06/rupaul-chats-about-reinventing-his-back-catalog-for-a-new-audience/|url-status=live}} Two singles were released from the album: "Rock It (To The Moon)", and an updated version of RuPaul's 1996 single "Snapshot" from Foxy Lady. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard Dance Albums Sales Chart in the United States and at number eleven on the UK Dance Albums Chart. On March 24, 2017, RuPaul released his eleventh studio album, American.{{cite web|url=http://www.out.com/music/2017/3/22/rupaul-reclaims-core-american-values-political-new-album|title=RuPaul Reclaims Core 'American' Values With Political New Album|date=March 22, 2017|access-date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323143303/http://www.out.com/music/2017/3/22/rupaul-reclaims-core-american-values-political-new-album|url-status=live}} On the same day, the ninth regular season of RuPaul's Drag Race debuted on basic cable channel VH1. It moved from the expanded cable channel Logo TV which aired all previous seasons of the show. The season 9 premiere featured singer Lady Gaga as its guest judge and was a success, with ratings of nearly 1,000,000 viewers, making it the series' most viewed episode.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/rupauls-drag-race-ratings-records-1-million-viewers-season-9-premiere-vh1-1202053113/|title='RuPaul's Drag Race' Draws Nearly 1M Viewers In VH1 Debut|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=March 27, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420193030/https://deadline.com/2017/03/rupauls-drag-race-ratings-records-1-million-viewers-season-9-premiere-vh1-1202053113/|url-status=live}}

On June 9, 2017, Essential, Vol. 2 was released. It was preceded by the single "Crying on the Dance Floor", a re-recording of the 2010 single "Main Event" from Champion. On March 16, 2018, RuPaul received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the television industry.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/23/entertainment/hollywood-walk-fame-2018/index.html |title=Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2018 revealed |last=France |first=Lisa Respers |date=June 23, 2017 |publisher=CNN |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222104813/https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/23/entertainment/hollywood-walk-fame-2018/index.html |url-status=live}} He was the first drag queen to be given the award.{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/rupaul-hollywood-walk-of-fame|title=RuPaul Is the First Drag Queen to Get a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame|date=March 17, 2018|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-date=March 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054608/https://www.vogue.com/article/rupaul-hollywood-walk-of-fame|url-status=live}} RuPaul released his third Christmas album in October 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/2018/8/29/ho-ho-ho-rupaul-releasing-new-christmas-album|title=Ho Ho Ho: RuPaul is Releasing a New Christmas Album|date=August 29, 2018|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917181935/https://www.out.com/entertainment/2018/8/29/ho-ho-ho-rupaul-releasing-new-christmas-album|url-status=live}}File:RuPaul at Dragcon 2019 by dvsross.jpg 2019]]

In June 2019, the daytime talk show RuPaul premiered. It was cancelled after a three-week test run.{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/rupaul-talk-show/04/2019/|title=RuPaul Gets His Oprah On in First Clip From His New Daytime Talk Show|last=Rudolph|first=Christopher|date=April 2, 2019|website=NewNowNext|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402230008/http://www.newnownext.com/rupaul-talk-show/04/2019/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=January 2, 2020|title=RuPaul Daytime Talk Show Not Moving Ahead at Fox Stations|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/rupaul-daytime-talk-show-not-moving-at-fox-stations-1266055|access-date=January 6, 2020|website=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103040901/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/rupaul-daytime-talk-show-not-moving-at-fox-stations-1266055|url-status=live}} He also appeared in Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down" music video.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-parties-with-katy-perry-ellen-more-in-new-you-need-to-calm-down-video-watch/|title=Taylor Swift Parties With Katy Perry, RuPaul, More in New "You Need to Calm Down" Video: Watch|last=Yoo|first=Noah|date=June 17, 2019|website=Pitchfork|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618004816/https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-parties-with-katy-perry-ellen-more-in-new-you-need-to-calm-down-video-watch/|url-status=live}} In late 2019, the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK was released on BBC3.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/rpdr-judges|title='Graham Norton and Alan Carr confirmed as celebrity judges for RuPaul's Drag Race UK – series to air on BBC Three in 2019|publisher=BBC|access-date=December 8, 2019|language=en|archive-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722001947/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/rpdr-judges|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Bromwich |first1=Kathryn |title=Fierce competition: how a Brit makeover saved RuPaul's Drag Race |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/nov/22/fierce-competition-how-a-brit-makeover-saved-rupauls-drag-race |access-date=March 22, 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=November 22, 2019 |archive-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122155433/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/nov/22/fierce-competition-how-a-brit-makeover-saved-rupauls-drag-race |url-status=live }} It was renewed for a second season which was released in 2021.{{cite web|last1=Ashurst|first1=Sam|title=RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 audition, casting air date, trailer and everything you need to know|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a30079234/rupauls-drag-race-uk-season-2-audition-casting-air-date-trailer/|website=Digital Spy|access-date=December 5, 2019|date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508003115/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a30079234/rupauls-drag-race-uk-season-2-audition-casting-air-date-trailer/|url-status=live}} RuPaul also created and starred in the Netflix drama-comedy show AJ and the Queen, which was released on January 10, 2020.{{cite news |title=Shows A-Z – AJ and the Queen on Netflix |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/aj-and-the-queen/listings/ |access-date=March 22, 2020 |work=TheFutonCritic.com |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627014910/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/aj-and-the-queen/listings/ |url-status=live }} On March 6, 2020, Netflix announced that the series had been cancelled.{{cite news|url=https://money.yahoo.com/aj-queen-cancelled-netflix-163654199.html|title=AJ and the Queen Cancelled at Netflix|date=March 6, 2020|first=Andy|last=Swift|publisher=Yahoo!|access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322064837/https://money.yahoo.com/aj-queen-cancelled-netflix-163654199.html|url-status=live}} RuPaul hosted Saturday Night Live on February 8, 2020.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2020/01/21/rupaul-hosting-saturday-night-live/|title=RuPaul to host Saturday Night Live for the first time|date=January 21, 2020|first=Joey|last=Nolfi|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627014748/https://ew.com/tv/2020/01/21/rupaul-hosting-saturday-night-live/|url-status=live}} On May 11, RuPaul made an appearance on The Price Is Right at Night.{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/rupaul-price-is-right-at-night-primetime-special-cbs-drew-carey-1202924735/|title=RuPaul Sashays Into 'The Price Is Right At Night' Primetime Special|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|work=Deadline Hollywood|location=United States|date=May 4, 2020|access-date=May 11, 2020|archive-date=May 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510233633/https://deadline.com/2020/05/rupaul-price-is-right-at-night-primetime-special-cbs-drew-carey-1202924735/|url-status=live}} He also made an appearance in the premiere episode of Canada's Drag Race.

In August 2021, RuPaul guest hosted two episodes of the talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!.{{cite web|last=Street|first=Mikelle|url=https://www.out.com/television/2021/8/26/watch-rupaul-guest-host-jimmy-kimmel-play-guess-drag-queen|title=Watch RuPaul Guest Host 'Jimmy Kimmel,' Kiki With Symone Over Win|website=Out|date=August 26, 2021|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828091627/https://www.out.com/television/2021/8/26/watch-rupaul-guest-host-jimmy-kimmel-play-guess-drag-queen|url-status=live}} He did voice work in Amphibia portraying the FBI agent Mr. X. He won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2022 as a producer of the Broadway musical A Strange Loop.{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Julia |date=June 12, 2022 |title=Tony Awards 2022 Live Updates: 'A Strange Loop' Wins Best Musical |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/12/theater/tony-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613033252/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/12/theater/tony-awards |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} He also voices himself as the announcer on The Tiny Chef Show.{{cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickelodeons-brand-new-series-the-tiny-chef-show-stocks-its-first-season-with-celebrity-guests-and-rupaul-as-voice-announcer-301599898.html |title=Nickelodeon's Brand-New Series, the Tiny Chef Show, Stocks ITS First Season with Celebrity Guests and Rupaul as Voice Announcer |date=August 4, 2022 |agency=PR Newswire |access-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912142944/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickelodeons-brand-new-series-the-tiny-chef-show-stocks-its-first-season-with-celebrity-guests-and-rupaul-as-voice-announcer-301599898.html |url-status=live }} He began hosting a revival of the game show Lingo for CBS in 2023,{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |title=RuPaul Charles To Host Word Quiz 'Lingo' Reboot For CBS |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/rupaul-charles-word-quiz-lingo-reboot-cbs-1234931785/ |website=Deadline |access-date=February 11, 2022 |date=February 11, 2022 |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526021212/https://deadline.com/2022/02/rupaul-charles-word-quiz-lingo-reboot-cbs-1234931785/ |url-status=live }} as well as Celebrity Lingo, a spinoff of the UK series of the same name on ITV.{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Lauren |date=May 3, 2022 |title=RuPaul to host Celebrity Lingo for ITV |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/rupaul-celebrity-lingo-itv-newsupdate/ |access-date=September 4, 2022 |website=Radio Times |archive-date=September 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904180248/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/rupaul-celebrity-lingo-itv-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}

HarperCollins published the RuPaul memoir The House of Hidden Meanings in March 2024.{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=October 4, 2023 |title=RuPaul to Explore 'The House of Hidden Meanings' in 'Cathartic' New Memoir |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/rupaul-new-memoir-the-house-of-hidden-meanings-1234839528/ |access-date=February 3, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202233744/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/rupaul-new-memoir-the-house-of-hidden-meanings-1234839528/ |url-status=live }}

The podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee? With Michelle Visage debuted on April 6, 2014. Ru-Paul co-hosts with longtime friend and fellow RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage. The weekly show features their thoughts on topics including behind-the-scenes of RuPaul's Drag Race, life advice, beauty tips, and conversations with featured guests from the entertainment world.{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/people/2014/04/09/listen-rupaul-debuts-official-podcast-what%E2%80%99s-tee|title=Listen: RuPaul Debuts Official Podcast 'What's the Tee?'|first=Jase|last=Peeples|work=Advocate.com|date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=April 19, 2014|archive-date=April 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420015900/http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/people/2014/04/09/listen-rupaul-debuts-official-podcast-what%E2%80%99s-tee|url-status=live}}[http://www.rupaulpodcast.com RuPaul: What's The Tee? With Michelle Visage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224043442/http://www.rupaulpodcast.com/ |date=February 24, 2018 }} website.

In 2018, RuPaul was one of the actors who voiced the audiobook A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.{{cite news |last=Perkins |first=Dennis |date=March 19, 2018 |title=John Oliver hijacks homophobe Mike Pence's bunny book with a better one in A Day In The Life Of Marlon Bundo |url=https://www.avclub.com/john-oliver-hijacks-homophobe-mike-pences-bunny-book-wi-1823879129 |work=AV Club |access-date=March 19, 2018 |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118192017/https://www.avclub.com/john-oliver-hijacks-homophobe-mike-pences-bunny-book-wi-1823879129 |url-status=live }}

Launched through production company World of Wonder, RuPaul's DragCon LA is an annual drag-themed convention held in Los Angeles which started in 2015, followed by RuPaul's DragCon NYC. It began in 2017 in New York City; the public is able to meet with RuPaul, former RuPaul's Drag Race contestants, and other drag queens.{{cite news |last1=Lecaro |first1=Lina |title=RuPaul's DragCon Returns to Wow L.A. |url=https://www.laweekly.com/arts/rupauls-dragcon-returns-to-wow-la-9409656 |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=L.A. Weekly |date=May 3, 2018 |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903183035/https://www.laweekly.com/arts/rupauls-dragcon-returns-to-wow-la-9409656 |url-status=dead }} The conventions feature performances, meet-and-greet booths, merchandise sales and panel discussions.{{cite news |last1=Hobro |first1=Marie E. |title=RuPaul's DragCon LA returns for its fourth year |url=https://www.latimes.com/visuals/photography/la-me-drag-con-unfurled-gallery-20180521-story.html |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 22, 2018 |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902234452/http://www.latimes.com/visuals/photography/la-me-drag-con-unfurled-gallery-20180521-story.html |url-status=live }}

RuPaul has been an active supporter of voter registration, producing a public service announcement supporting National Voter Registration Day{{Cite web|date=September 27, 2016|title=RuPaul Made a PSA for National Voter Registration Day|url=http://www.out.com/popnography/2016/9/27/rupaul-made-psa-national-voter-registration-day|access-date=October 6, 2020|website=out.com|language=en|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031173328/https://www.out.com/popnography/2016/9/27/rupaul-made-psa-national-voter-registration-day|url-status=live}} and urging everyone to register.{{Cite web|last=Taylor October 17, 2018|first=Jeff|title=RuPaul Wants You to Vote|url=http://www.newnownext.com/rupaul-get-out-the-vote/10/2018/|access-date=October 6, 2020|website=LOGO News|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009114835/http://www.newnownext.com/rupaul-get-out-the-vote/10/2018/|url-status=live}} As RuPaul said voter ID laws vary from state to state; the details of the voter ID required in each state are provided by HeadCount and VoteRiders. As one in five LGBTQ adults are not registered to vote, voter registration efforts have expanded recently. Several stars from RuPaul's Drag Race act as Ambassadors for Drag Out the Vote.{{Cite web|title=Drag Ambassador Program|url=https://www.dragoutthevote2020.org/dap|access-date=October 6, 2020|website=Drag Out The Vote|language=en-US|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008194204/https://www.dragoutthevote2020.org/dap|url-status=dead}}

In March 2023, in response to the Tennessee Adult Entertainment Act, RuPaul, World of Wonder producers Randy Barbarto and Fenton Bailey, and MTV began a fund to fight anti-drag initiatives.{{Cite web |last=Silver |first=Johanna |date=April 14, 2023 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race Finale Highlights ACLU's Defense of Trans Rights |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/rupauls-drag-race-finale-drag-defense-fund |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=ACLU |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111027/https://www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/rupauls-drag-race-finale-drag-defense-fund |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Speegle |first=Trey |date=March 9, 2023 |title=#LGBTQ: 'RuPaul's Drag Race', MTV & WOW Donate to 'Drag Defense Fund' –Ru Speaks Out –Watch – The WOW Report |url=https://worldofwonder.net/lgbtq-rupauls-drag-race-mtv-wow-donates-to-drag-defense-fund-ru-speaks-out-watch/ |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=World of Wonder |language=en-US |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111018/https://worldofwonder.net/lgbtq-rupauls-drag-race-mtv-wow-donates-to-drag-defense-fund-ru-speaks-out-watch/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Silver |first=Johanna |date=April 27, 2023 |title='RuPaul's Drag Race' finale highlights ACLU's defense of trans rights {{!}} Activating supporters to push back against anti-LGBTQ legislation |work=Washington Blade |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2023/04/27/opinion-drag-race-finale-aclu-defense/ |access-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627014719/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2023/04/27/opinion-drag-race-finale-aclu-defense/ |url-status=live }} The ACLU maintains the fund,{{Cite web |author-link=American Civil Liberties Union |year=2023 |title=Support The Drag Defense Fund |url=https://action.aclu.org/give/support-drag-defense-fund |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=action.aclu.org |language=en |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111018/https://action.aclu.org/give/support-drag-defense-fund |url-status=live }} which received donations from efforts at DragCon LA 2023,{{Cite news |last=Ingenthron |first=Blair |date=May 14, 2023 |title=DragCon LA 2023 Raises $40,000 for ACLU's Drag Defense Fund, Bringing Total to $1.4 Million |work=BroadwayWorld |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/DragCon-LA-2023-Raises-40000-for-ACLUs-Drag-Defense-Fund-Bringing-Total-to-14-Million-20230514 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111017/https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/DragCon-LA-2023-Raises-40000-for-ACLUs-Drag-Defense-Fund-Bringing-Total-to-14-Million-20230514 |url-status=live }} the "Drag Isn't Dangerous" livestream telethon,{{Cite magazine |last=Daw |first=Stephen |date=May 8, 2023 |title=Drag Isn't Dangerous Telethon Raises More Than $500,000 for LGBTQ Causes |magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/drag-isnt-dangerous-telethon-raises-500000-lgbtq-charities-1235324743/ |access-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223154959/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/drag-isnt-dangerous-telethon-raises-500000-lgbtq-charities-1235324743/ |url-status=live }} "Can't Hold us Down",{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2023 |title=Can't Hold Us Down: A Benefit for the ACLU's Drag Defense Fund – Twin Cities Pride |url=https://tcpride.org/event/cant-hold-us-down-a-benefit-for-the-aclus-drag-defense-fund/ |access-date=July 23, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111018/https://tcpride.org/event/cant-hold-us-down-a-benefit-for-the-aclus-drag-defense-fund/ |url-status=live }} "Born This Way",{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2023 |title=Born This Way: Benefit for the ACLU's Drag Defense Fund |url=https://www.eventbrite.com/e/born-this-way-benefit-for-the-aclus-drag-defense-fund-tickets-621067970017 |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=Eventbrite |language=en-us |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111019/https://www.eventbrite.com/e/born-this-way-benefit-for-the-aclus-drag-defense-fund-tickets-621067970017 |url-status=live }} and "God Save the Queens",{{Cite web |author-link=Business Wire |date=June 13, 2023 |title=Grindr and MISTR Join Forces for 'God Save the Queens' Pride Fundraiser Series Benefiting Local Drag Artists and the ACLU Drag Defense Fund |url=https://www.silicon.co.uk/press-release/grindr-and-mistr-join-forces-for-god-save-the-queens-pride-fundraiser-series-benefiting-local-drag-artists-and-the-aclu-drag-defense-fund |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=Silicon UK |language=en-GB |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111021/https://www.silicon.co.uk/press-release/grindr-and-mistr-join-forces-for-god-save-the-queens-pride-fundraiser-series-benefiting-local-drag-artists-and-the-aclu-drag-defense-fund |url-status=live }} as well as a small donation from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets.{{Cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=April 7, 2023 |title=Manhattan Association of Cabarets Donates to ACLU Drag Defense Fund |work=Playbill |url=https://playbill.com/article/manhattan-association-of-cabarets-donates-to-aclu-drag-defense-fund |access-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723111018/https://playbill.com/article/manhattan-association-of-cabarets-donates-to-aclu-drag-defense-fund |url-status=live }}

The Instagram post RuPaul made prior to the establishment of the fund called on followers to vote, saying, "Register to vote so we can get those stunt queens out of office." The video ends with the statement, "By the way, a social media post has never been as powerful as a registered vote."{{Cite news |last=St. Martin |first=Emily |date=March 8, 2023 |title=RuPaul slams those laws banning drag shows: 'Get these stunt queens out of office' |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-03-08/rupaul-drag-show-bans-response |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309033743/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-03-08/rupaul-drag-show-bans-response |archive-date=March 9, 2023}}

Lauren Herold of Mic.com deemed RuPaul "arguably the most commercially successful drag queen in America."{{cite news |last=Herold |first=Lauren |date=May 29, 2013 |title=How RuPaul Became a Leading Icon in the Gay Community |url=https://mic.com/articles/44947/how-rupaul-became-a-leading-icon-in-the-gay-community#.mjWQkaIfc |publisher=Mic.com |access-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-date=April 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424111822/http://mic.com/articles/44947/how-rupaul-became-a-leading-icon-in-the-gay-community#.mjWQkaIfc |url-status=live }} Sami Main of Adweek credited him with creating wider exposure for drag queens from LGBTQ culture into mainstream society, thanks to his early-career chart success, and later, the successive climb in viewership of RuPaul's Drag Race.{{cite web |last=Main |first=Sami |date=March 24, 2017 |title=RuPaul on Moving to Mainstream Television and the 'Political' Nature of Drag Culture |url=http://www.adweek.com/tv-video/rupaul-on-moving-to-mainstream-television-and-the-political-nature-of-drag-culture/ |url-access=subscription |website=Adweek |access-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810055103/http://www.adweek.com/tv-video/rupaul-on-moving-to-mainstream-television-and-the-political-nature-of-drag-culture/ |url-status=live }} His talk show The RuPaul Show was the first-ever national talk show to have a drag queen as a host. Along with his partner Michelle Visage, he welcomed an array of high-profile guests such as Cher, Lil Kim, and Diana Ross over the show's 100-episode span. As well as having a variety of comedy skits, the show was noted for discussing topics such as black empowerment, female empowerment, misogyny, and liberal politics that were otherwise unheard of in 1990s television at the time.{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Jake |date=October 25, 2016 |title=Why RuPaul was a cultural icon long before Drag Race |url=http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/33452/1/why-rupaul-was-a-cultural-icon-long-before-drag-race |website=Dazed |access-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810052639/http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/33452/1/why-rupaul-was-a-cultural-icon-long-before-drag-race |url-status=live }} In 1999, RuPaul was awarded the Vito Russo Award at the GLAAD Media Awards for work in promoting equality in the LGBTQ community.

RuPaul has also been noted as having a large part in RuPaul's Drag Race{{'}}s continuous television success. By pioneering queer representation on television, many believe RuPaul to have essentially revolutionised the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community on screen.{{cite web |last=Houlihan |first=Ryan |date=June 15, 2016 |title=How 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Led a Gay Cultural Revolution – and Changed My Life |url=http://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-rupauls-drag-race-led-a-gay-cultural-revolution |website=Teen Vogue |access-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810053705/http://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-rupauls-drag-race-led-a-gay-cultural-revolution |url-status=live }} He first won an Emmy for his work on the show in 2016, and one year later the show garnered eight nominations, including Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program for the first time in its 11-season run, and a second consecutive win for RuPaul in the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program.{{cite web |last=Jung |first=E. Alex |date=July 13, 2017 |title=Straight Emmy Voters Finally Discover RuPaul's Drag Race |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/07/rupauls-drag-race-emmy-nomination-finally.html |website=New York – Vulture |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306160021/https://www.vulture.com/2017/07/rupauls-drag-race-emmy-nomination-finally.html |url-status=live }} In 2017, he was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Naomi |title=RuPaul: The World's 100 Most Influential People |url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736291/rupaul/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403211100/https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736291/rupaul/ |archive-date=April 3, 2020 |access-date=August 10, 2017 |magazine=Time}} In 2019, Fortune noted RuPaul as "easily the world's most famous" drag queen.

RuPaul has been the subject of multiple controversies regarding his comments and actions towards the transgender community. According to Vox, he has a complicated relationship with this community, in part due to differing philosophies: through drag he seeks to mock gender and identity stereotypes, while in his view the trans community takes identity seriously.{{cite news |last=Framke |first=Caroline |author-link=Caroline Framke |date=March 7, 2018 |title=How RuPaul's comments on trans women led to a Drag Race revolt – and a rare apology |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/3/6/17085244/rupaul-trans-women-drag-queens-interview-controversy |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=Vox |quote=To understand why RuPaul has always been resistant to let go of what he finds to be harmless jokes, you have to understand that he built his career on the principle that no one should take themselves or gender particularly seriously. In fact, as he told Vulture, his vision of drag is that it's meant to "remind culture to not take itself seriously." When he gets asked about the trans community's relation to drag, he said, he just gets bored because "we mock identity. They take identity very seriously." |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708195225/https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/3/6/17085244/rupaul-trans-women-drag-queens-interview-controversy |url-status=live }} Nevertheless, RuPaul's Drag Race has featured a number of contestants who are trans women, including Kylie "Sonique" Love, Carmen Carrera, Jiggly Caliente, Monica Beverly Hillz, Kenya Michaels, and Gia Gunn, some of whom made their identity public while competing on the show.{{cite news |last1=Rudolph |first1=Christopher |title=Former 'Drag Race' Contestant Gia Gunn Comes Out As Trans |url=http://www.newnownext.com/gia-gunn-trans-rupauls-drag-race/03/2017/ |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=LOGO News |date=March 31, 2017 |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924140517/http://www.newnownext.com/gia-gunn-trans-rupauls-drag-race/03/2017/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Salandra |first1=Adam |title=11 Times "RuPaul's Drag Race" Celebrated The Trans Community |url=http://www.newnownext.com/rupauls-drag-race-transgender/04/2017/ |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=LOGO News |date=April 29, 2017 |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903183028/http://www.newnownext.com/rupauls-drag-race-transgender/04/2017/ |url-status=live }} Later seasons of the show have included contestants who had already disclosed their trans identity prior to their season beginning. In 2017, Peppermint became the first contestant to compete throughout her season as an openly trans woman and in 2021 Gottmik was the first to compete as an openly trans man.{{cite news |last1=Morgan |first1=Joe |date=March 6, 2018 |title=Was trans queen Peppermint told to dress 'as a man' on Drag Race? |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/trans-queen-peppermint-told-dress-man-drag-race |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903222325/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/trans-queen-peppermint-told-dress-man-drag-race/ |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=Gay Star News}}{{Cite web |last=Allaire |first=Christian |date=March 3, 2021 |title=Gottmik, the First Trans Man on Drag Race, Is Already a Winner, Baby |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/gottmik-rupauls-drag-race-fashion-star |access-date=June 2, 2021 |website=Vogue |language=en-US |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502123054/https://www.vogue.com/article/gottmik-rupauls-drag-race-fashion-star |url-status=live }} Other non-conforming gender identities expressed by former contestants include both non-binary (Jinkx Monsoon, Aja, Valentina, Divina de Campo, Ginny Lemon, Violet Chachki,{{cite news |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Mathew |date=January 14, 2019 |title=Valentina Identifies as Nonbinary: "I'm My Own Gender" |url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/2019/1/14/valentina-identifies-non-binary-im-my-own-gender |access-date=January 24, 2019 |work=Out |language=en |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508095733/https://www.out.com/entertainment/2019/1/14/valentina-identifies-non-binary-im-my-own-gender |url-status=live }} and Sasha Velour){{cite web |last=Tirado |first=Fran |date=April 3, 2019 |title=Sasha Velour's New Solo Show Is an Homage to Her Gender Fluidity |url=https://www.out.com/drag/2019/4/03/sasha-velours-new-solo-show-homage-her-gender-fluidity |access-date=February 3, 2024 |website=Out |language=en |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305014409/https://www.out.com/drag/2019/4/03/sasha-velours-new-solo-show-homage-her-gender-fluidity |url-status=live }} and genderfluid (Courtney Act{{cite news |last1=Ashenden |first1=Amy |date=April 25, 2018 |title=What does gender-fluid mean? Courtney Act explains how gender-fluidity set her free |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/04/25/courtney-act-gender-fluid/ |access-date=March 20, 2020 |work=PinkNews |archive-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301204302/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/04/25/courtney-act-gender-fluid/ |url-status=live }} and Kelly Mantle){{cite news |last1=Yohannes |first1=Alamin |date=December 12, 2016 |title=Gender-fluid actor Kelly Mantle makes Oscars history |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gender-fluid-actor-kelly-mantle-makes-oscars-history-n694926 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |publisher=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409174140/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gender-fluid-actor-kelly-mantle-makes-oscars-history-n694926 |url-status=live }} persons.

In 2014, trans activists and former contestants Carmen Carrera and Monica Beverly Hillz criticized the show's use of words such as tranny and shemale, including the main challenge announcement phrase up to season 6, "You've got she-mail", which they described as transphobic.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Nigel |title=Carmen Carrera Clashes w/ RuPaul In 'Tranny' Controversy |url=http://instinctmagazine.com/post/carmen-carrera-clashes-w-rupaul-tranny-controversy |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=Instinct |date=May 27, 2014 |language=en |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903183038/http://instinctmagazine.com/post/carmen-carrera-clashes-w-rupaul-tranny-controversy |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Nichols |first1=James |date=May 23, 2014 |title=RuPaul Responds To Controversy Over The Word 'Tranny' |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/rupaul-responds-tranny_n_5374897 |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=HuffPost |language=en-AU |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101143425/http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/rupaul-responds-tranny_n_5374897 |url-status=live }} That year's season also included a "Female or She-male" segment that required contestants to guess whether various photographs featured cisgender "biological women" or "psychological women" (drag queens), causing further criticism.{{cite news |last1=D'Angelo |first1=Rafi |date=March 19, 2014 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race Crosses the Line with 'Female or Shemale' |url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/03/19/rupaul_s_drag_race_and_transphobia_why_the_shemale_game_was_offensive.html |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=Slate |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903183054/http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/03/19/rupaul_s_drag_race_and_transphobia_why_the_shemale_game_was_offensive.html |url-status=live }} RuPaul and the producers issued a statement promising "to help spread love, acceptance and understanding" and Logo TV removed the "You've got she-mail" phrase from subsequent broadcasts, replacing it instead with the phrase "She done already done had herses."{{cite news |last1=Nichols |first1=James |date=April 1, 2014 |title='RuPaul's Drag Race' Producers Respond To Claims Of Transphobia |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/drag-race-transphobia_n_5062692 |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=HuffPost |language=en-AU |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627014754/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/drag-race-transphobia_n_5062692 |url-status=live }} RuPaul criticized those attempting to police his language in bad faith and noted that tranny referred to transvestites and drag queens, not just trans women.{{cite news |last1=Peeples |first1=Jase |date=May 26, 2014 |title=RuPaul Further Responds to Transphobic Accusations: 'I've Been a "Tranny" for 32 Years' |url=https://www.advocate.com/[primary-topic-path-raw]/2014/05/26/rupaul-further-responds-transphobic-accusations-ive-been-tranny |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=The Advocate |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205070412/https://www.advocate.com/%5Bprimary-topic-path-raw%5D/2014/05/26/rupaul-further-responds-transphobic-accusations-ive-been-tranny |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=D'Addario |first1=Daniel |date=May 27, 2014 |title=RuPaul's aggressive tirade in defense of the term 'tranny' |url=https://www.salon.com/2014/05/27/rupauls_aggressive_tirade_in_defense_of_the_term_tranny/ |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=Salon |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903215234/https://www.salon.com/2014/05/27/rupauls_aggressive_tirade_in_defense_of_the_term_tranny/ |url-status=live }}

In 2018, RuPaul gave an interview to The Guardian in which he stated that a post-transition trans woman would "probably not" be accepted onto the show, noting that at the time of competition Peppermint had not yet had breast implants.{{cite news |last1=Aitkenhead |first1=Decca |date=March 3, 2018 |title=RuPaul: 'Drag is a big f-you to male-dominated culture' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/mar/03/rupaul-drag-race-big-f-you-to-male-dominated-culture |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127040806/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/mar/03/rupaul-drag-race-big-f-you-to-male-dominated-culture |url-status=live }} After facing criticism on social media and from former contestants for his remarks,{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Daniel |date=March 10, 2018 |title=The Meaning of RuPaul's Apology: What Changed From 2014 to 2018? |url=https://www.advocate.com/transgender/2018/3/10/meaning-rupauls-apology-what-changed-2014-2018 |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=The Advocate |language=en |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903215219/https://www.advocate.com/transgender/2018/3/10/meaning-rupauls-apology-what-changed-2014-2018 |url-status=live }} RuPaul compared trans drag queens who had transitioned to athletes who had taken performance-enhancing drugs.{{cite news |last1=Duffy |first1=Nick |date=March 5, 2018 |title=RuPaul compares transgender drag queens to Olympics drug cheats, doubles down on Drag Race 'ban' |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/03/05/rupaul-compares-transgender-drag-queens-to-doping-athletes-doubles-down-on-drag-race-ban/ |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=PinkNews |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903215259/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/03/05/rupaul-compares-transgender-drag-queens-to-doping-athletes-doubles-down-on-drag-race-ban/ |url-status=live }} He subsequently expressed regret for the hurt caused by his remarks, and that the only screening criteria for contestants were "charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent."{{cite news |last1=Towle |first1=Andy |author-link=Andy Towle |date=March 6, 2018 |title=RuPaul Tweets 'Regret' for 'Hurt I Have Caused' to Trans Community for 'Drag Race' Eligibility Remarks |url=http://www.towleroad.com/2018/03/rupaul-transgender/ |access-date=September 3, 2018 |work=Towleroad Gay News |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903215201/http://www.towleroad.com/2018/03/rupaul-transgender/ |url-status=live }} Since RuPaul made these statements, multiple transgender contestants have competed and won on the show.{{cite web|work=TheWrap|title=RuPaul's Drag Race: All the Transgender Queens (Photos)|author=Yee, Lawrence|date=January 27, 2023|url=https://www.thewrap.com/rupauls-drag-race-transgender-contestants-kylie-sonique-love-jiggly-caliente/}}

RuPaul met painter Georges LeBar in 1994 at the Limelight nightclub in New York City.{{cite web |last1=Beard |first1=Lanford |title=RuPaul Is Married to Partner of 23 Years, Georges LeBar |url=https://people.com/celebrity/rupaul-married-partner-23-years/ |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=People |language=en |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905170702/https://people.com/celebrity/rupaul-married-partner-23-years/ |url-status=live }} They married in January 2017.{{cite news |date=March 16, 2017 |title=RuPaul reveals he married boyfriend in January |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39289862 |website=BBC News |access-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128021503/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39289862 |url-status=live }} They have an open marriage; RuPaul has said he would not want to "put restraints" on the person he loves.{{cite news |last1=Milton |first1=Josh |date=November 26, 2019 |title=RuPaul discusses his open marriage in rare, candid interview |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/11/26/rupaul-drag-race-open-marriage-relationship-georges-lebar-vanity-fair/ |access-date=March 22, 2020 |work=PinkNews |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322061434/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/11/26/rupaul-drag-race-open-marriage-relationship-georges-lebar-vanity-fair/ |url-status=live }} The two split their time between a home in Los Angeles and a {{convert|60000|acre|ha|adj=on}} ranch in Wyoming.{{cite news |last=Gross |first=Terry |author-link=Terry Gross |date=March 10, 2020 |title=RuPaul's Recipe For Success? Love Yourself And Stay Flexible |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/03/10/813970591/rupauls-recipe-for-success-love-yourself-and-stay-flexible |access-date=March 10, 2020 |publisher=NPR |quote="RuPaul, who splits time between Los Angeles and a 60,000-acre ranch in Wyoming, says one of the secrets to his success is adaptability." |archive-date=March 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311104215/https://www.npr.org/2020/03/10/813970591/rupauls-recipe-for-success-love-yourself-and-stay-flexible |url-status=live }} Environmentalists criticized them in 2020 after RuPaul revealed that they lease mineral rights and sell water to oil companies on their ranch, and allow fracking there.{{cite web|url=http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/PIC/PIC32r1.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/PIC/PIC32r1.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=Hydraulic Fracturing of Oil and Gas Wells in Kansas|date=May 2012|website=Kansas Geological Survey-University of Kansas|access-date=December 16, 2020|language=en}}{{cite web |date=December 12, 2016 |title=Questions and Answers about EPA's Hydraulic Fracturing Drinking Water Assessment |url=https://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/questions-and-answers-about-epas-hydraulic-fracturing-drinking-water-assessment#scientific%20evidence |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=U.S. EPA |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216020159/https://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/questions-and-answers-about-epas-hydraulic-fracturing-drinking-water-assessment#scientific%20evidence |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Boyle |first1=Louise |date=March 17, 2020 |title=RuPaul: Environmental outcry after Drag Race star suggests he allows fracking on ranch |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/ru-paul-fracking-ranch-drag-race-environment-a9407461.html |access-date=March 22, 2020 |work=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322061048/https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/ru-paul-fracking-ranch-drag-race-environment-a9407461.html |url-status=live }} According to public maps, the ranch has at least 35 active wells.{{cite news |last1=Noor |first1=Dharna |last2=Mehrota |first2=Dhruv |date=March 17, 2020 |title=RuPaul Has a Fracking Empire on His Wyoming Ranch |url=https://gizmodo.com/rupaul-has-a-fracking-empire-on-his-wyoming-ranch-1842364626 |access-date=March 22, 2020 |work=Gizmodo |language=en-us |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531045550/https://gizmodo.com/rupaul-has-a-fracking-empire-on-his-wyoming-ranch-1842364626 |url-status=live }} RuPaul previously held a climate-themed ball on his show to raise environmental awareness, leading to accusations of hypocrisy.{{cite news |last=Ahmed |first=Amal |date=March 18, 2020 |title=The Most Unexpected Revelation From RuPaul's Recent NPR Interview? He Might Be Fracking |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/is-rupaul-fracking/ |access-date=March 22, 2020 |work=Texas Monthly |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322061052/https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/is-rupaul-fracking/ |url-status=live }}

RuPaul publicly endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 United States presidential election.{{cite news |last=Dilks |first=Ben |date=November 7, 2016 |title="Don't f*ck it up": RuPaul issues plea ahead of US presidential vote |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/11/07/dont-fck-it-up-rupaul-issues-plea-ahead-of-us-presidential-vote-video/ |website=PinkNews |access-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-date=March 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143547/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/11/07/dont-fck-it-up-rupaul-issues-plea-ahead-of-us-presidential-vote-video/ |url-status=live }} He expressed dismay at Clinton's defeat by Republican nominee Donald Trump, saying, "The America that we have all fought so hard for, the narrative of love and peace and liberty and equality, it feels like it is dead."{{cite news |last=Butterworth |first=Benjamin |date=December 15, 2016 |title=RuPaul 'feels like death' about Donald Trump's election |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/12/15/rupaul-feels-like-death-about-donald-trumps-election/ |website=PinkNews |access-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627014720/https://www.thepinknews.com/2016/12/15/rupaul-feels-like-death-about-donald-trumps-election/ |url-status=live }} He has described doing drag as a "very, very political" act because it "challenges the status quo" by rejecting fixed identities: "Drag says 'I'm a shapeshifter, I do whatever the hell I want at any given time'."{{cite news |last1=Nichols |first1=James Michael |last2=Delbyck |first2=Cole |date=March 23, 2017 |title='RuPaul's Drag Race' Is Leaving TV's Biggest Gay Network – Now What? |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rupauls-drag-race-logo-vh1_us_58d1b0bce4b0b22b0d17f9aa?5hxh9fw6vsded0a4i |website=HuffPost |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324085100/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rupauls-drag-race-logo-vh1_us_58d1b0bce4b0b22b0d17f9aa?5hxh9fw6vsded0a4i |url-status=live }}

RuPaul started smoking cannabis at age 10 or 11.{{cite web |last=Sim |first=Bernardo |date=September 10, 2019 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race: 10 Things You Didn't Know About RuPaul |url=https://screenrant.com/rupauls-drag-race-things-didnt-know-rupaul/ |access-date=January 16, 2020 |work=Screen Rant |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116035008/https://screenrant.com/rupauls-drag-race-things-didnt-know-rupaul/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Schulman |first=Michael |date=February 23, 2014 |title=For RuPaul, A Second Act with 'Drag Race' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/fashion/RuPaul-Drag-Race-television.html |access-date=January 16, 2020 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=June 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622195941/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/fashion/RuPaul-Drag-Race-television.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Kimmel |first=Jimmy |author-link=Jimmy Kimmel |date=January 9, 2020 |title=RuPaul Loves Wrestling 'For All The Reasons You Think' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-yI9PEmTx4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402132618/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-yI9PEmTx4&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |website=Jimmy Kimmel Live! |publisher=ABC |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}Also archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/2-yI9PEmTx4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} Since 1999, he has been sober and has not had alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. In 2020, he found out while appearing on the TV show Finding Your Roots that he and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker are "DNA cousins."{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/10/28/rupaul-cory-booker-cousins-orig-jk.cnn|title=See RuPaul and Cory Booker react to finding out they're cousins|publisher=CNN|date=October 29, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207090431/https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/10/28/rupaul-cory-booker-cousins-orig-jk.cnn|url-status=live}} In a 2013 interview, RuPaul said, "I'm not religious, but I do have spiritual practices like yoga and meditation and I do pray."{{cite web |last=Ruashenbush |first=Rev. Paul Brandeis |date=January 28, 2013 |title=RuPaul's Divine Mystical Wisdom |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rupaul-divine-mystical-wisdom_b_2544739 |access-date=January 4, 2023 |website=HuffPost |language=en |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104054401/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rupaul-divine-mystical-wisdom_b_2544739 |url-status=live }}

{{main|RuPaul discography}}

Studio albums

{{div col}}

• Supermodel of the World (1993)
• Foxy Lady (1996)
• Ho Ho Ho (1997)
• Red Hot (2004)
• Champion (2009)
• Glamazon (2011)
• Born Naked (2014)
• Realness (2015)
• Slay Belles (2015)
• Butch Queen (2016)
• American (2017)
• Christmas Party (2018)
• You're a Winner, Baby (2020)
• Mamaru (2022)
• Black Butta (2023)
• Essential Christmas (2023)

{{div col end}}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by RuPaul}}

RuPaul has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for which he was inducted in 2018. In 2019 he became the first drag queen inducted into the California Hall of Fame.{{Cite web|url=https://watermarkonline.com/2019/12/20/rupaul-among-latest-inductees-to-california-hall-of-fame/|title=RuPaul among latest inductees to California Hall of Fame|first=Ryan|last=Williams-Jent|date=December 20, 2019|website=Watermark Online}} He has also won 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, including 8 for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition program. This makes him the most awarded in the category as well as the most-awarded person of color in Emmy history.{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Sandra |date=September 20, 2021 |title=RuPaul makes Emmy history |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/19/entertainment/rupaul-emmys/index.html |access-date=July 9, 2024 |publisher=CNN |language=en}} His other notable accolades include a Tony Award, two Billboard Music Awards, four Canadian Screen Awards, ten Critics' Choice Real TV Awards, a Critics' Choice Award, four GLAAD Media Awards including the GLAAD Vito Russo Award in 1999, and five Producers Guild of America Awards.

In 2020, a species of Australian soldier fly was named Opaluma rupaul. The name was chosen in reference to the fly's "costume of shiny metallic rainbow colours." Other species described in the same article were named O. ednae (after fellow drag queen Dame Edna Everage) and O. fabulosa.{{cite journal |author1=Bryan D. Lessard |author2=David K. Yeates |author3=Norman E. Woodley |title=Opaluma Lessard & Woodley, gen. nov: a new genus of iridescent soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) from Australia, including seven new species |journal=Austral Entomology |date=August 2020 |volume=59 |issue=3 |pages=467–486 |doi=10.1111/aen.12485 |s2cid=221463567 |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/aen.12485 |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916081534/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/aen.12485 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}{{cite web |author1=Hannah Ryan |title=RuPaul has a new namesake – and it's a fabulous, rainbow-colored fly |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/15/australia/rupaul-australian-fly-species-scli-intl-scn/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=September 16, 2021 |date=September 15, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916042339/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/15/australia/rupaul-australian-fly-species-scli-intl-scn/index.html |url-status=live }}

• {{Cite book |title=Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography |title-link=Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography |location=New York |publisher=Hyperion Books |date=June 1, 1995 |isbn=0-7868-6156-8 |oclc=31657240}}
• {{Cite book |title=Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style |title-link=Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style |location=New York |publisher=It Books |date=January 1, 2010 |isbn=9780061985836 |oclc=435421683}}
• {{Cite book |title=GuRu |title-link=GuRu |location=New York |publisher=Dey Street Books |date=January 1, 2018 |isbn=9780751573831 |oclc=1076520397}}
• {{Cite book |title=The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir |title-link=The House of Hidden Meanings |location=New York |publisher=Dey St |date=March 5, 2024 |isbn=9780063263901 |oclc=1388319009 |language=en-US}}

{{Portal|LGBTQ|Fashion}}

• LGBTQ culture in New York City
• List of LGBTQ people from New York City
• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart
• NYC Pride March

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

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