RuPaul interview on Arsenio 1993

[@jayknox5710]

This interview was WAAAAAY ahead of it's time.

[@michaelr5100]

Jay Ramon not really actually. Most of the big daytime shows were booking guests like this around that time.

[@missskitty90]

@@michaelr5100 but the way Ru wasn't sensationalized in thia interview, but actually down to earth interviewed and treated like a normal person and not a circus freak was WAY WAY WAAAAAY before that time.

[@madamebovary7211]

Not really. People got it in '93. We weren't idiots.

[@DunkyCapraro]

@@madamebovary7211 I don't know about that lmao

[@xxkarlosxxxxxx7233]

@@madamebovary7211 some people got it not most

[@babydoll5271]

gagging being said in 93 but stans think they created it

[@taebear]

lmao

[@shannondavis7394]

baby doll shade,gag,beat,ova has been words that the gays been using for ever!!!!! These children didn’t make that up

[@maximilian2974]

Madonna was saying that in 1990

[@bastioncory6740]

Nobody thinks that, but keep spreading negativity kid

[@babydoll5271]

Bastion Cory where’s the negative comment? Quickly

[@A_Truu_Goddess]

So Rupaul been saying “If you don’t love yourself how in hell you going to love someone else”. All these years!!!!!

[@actiireup]

Right!

[@remichris2135]

Amen!

[@rico9391]

Rupaul was huge in the early '90s. She was then like what Cardi B is now. Rupaul was all over MTV Grind back in the day. Her hits was on repeat across America on radio While her videos was in heavy rotation to. Alot of people really thought she was a biological woman and a real supermodel turned pop sensation.

[@zakariashartley]

Duhh...

[@creativenative218]

Yessssss! I love RuPaul so much.

[@audreymcknight]

I swear this crowd is more accepting than what you'd find today.

[@stariveart]

Humanity is going backwards, sadly

[@rethablair6902]

@@stariveart 💗I am gonna have to agree with u in a lot of ways

[@LunaDelTuna]

It's not that more people are less accepting, it's that there was no outlet for people to express their bigotry and hatred towards others like there is today with the internet. People were not happy about this I guarantee you, their reach only went so far as their inner circle rather than the whole world. With that said, these drag bans are a much bigger issue, yet is something we the people have the power to control by voting. Hate may win the battle every now and then, but never wins the war.

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

Absolutely NOT. You’re just romanticizing ONE crowd.

[@CJHalliday]

I'm Thinking The Crowd Was Fake, Or Maybe A Chosen Audience...If Not I'm Pleasantly Surprised

[@esterplank2611]

“I’m a regular joe, I just have the unique ability to accessorize” absolutely iconic

[@mogadon7]

This guy is such positive energy its infectious. Should give classes.

[@arturocas90]

Ugh! I wish we were all as regular as he says, but RuPaul, I've seen footage from his Club Kidz days in the 80's, and he's always had this AMAZING CONFIDENCE! He has never ever been afraid of showing his true self. Of course this may be only what we see, but his level of confidence at his 20's is amazing, that's nothing regular :-( We all need some of that! :-D

[@KingGhidorah5464]

And to think Ru was homeless like five years before this. Such an inspiration.

[@sharonmiller7213]

And absolutely nothing is tainted by fame

[@KingGhidorah5464]

@@sharonmiller7213 Yep, he dedicated his life after fame to elevating queens like him so they never have to live through the kind of hardships he did.

[@richardsalmon2134]

Arsenio, this is the definition of a real man. Most men aren't comfortable with openly gay men to this magnitude.

[@pritpala]

Richard Salmon and this is 93

[@SMAnthonyW]

right! aresenio was secure with himself so he wasnt threatened. to have a black gay man and drag queen on your show on national TV in 93 was a big deal, but he had the utmost respect for ru. i have so much respect for arsenio.

[@paulsingqandu6125]

He seems gay himself

[@michellemckinney4678]

Agreed. This was a great interview.

[@luckyaidie]

@@paulsingqandu6125 Also thought he seems obviously gay but not out, which was v common back in the early 90's

[@davidrey28]

So much charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent

[@lafordgirl7549]

You said it! Even way back then.

[@gunungmerapiapi1933]

C. U. N. Tea.

[@traviss6564]

So much it's gaping

[@s.guijarro9326]

Amen

[@robertmoore8545]

She should go on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

[@myklepr82]

Seeing Ru act like young queens today, with over the top expressions and energy make my heart warm.

[@jordanodwyer6552]

So beautiful seeing Mother in her prime, this is the seed she planted that has helped to grow Drag Race and all the different dollls we have got to discover!

[@Iknowyoumadnow]

What a bunch of fruitcake alphabets

[@jordanodwyer6552]

@@Iknowyoumadnow so yummy!

[@jddII]

​@@Iknowyoumadnowwho hurt you 🤣🤣

[@Tayba1110]

@@jddIII think he’s just been hurt his whole life.

[@Orius25]

Interesting to see him use the same slogans and sayings back then as he does now on Drag Race. He sure built his brand tirelessly over a long period.

[@Liusila]

Orius25 Precisely! The real talent is somehow making it sound “iconic” instead of a tired cliché. Somehow he manages this effortlessly.

[@missthang5654]

@@Liusila When you have something that comes from the heart instead of the little generic catchphrases these drag race girls have coming into the door it really stands the test of time

[@andresuston7692]

@@missthang5654 👍 As if they invented something. 😃

[@robertcrusher1972]

It's good. (Tho, not sure you knew...) she didn't make up the phrases, she is using phrases from drag culture.

[@andresuston7692]

It's all in the name of slang. We all do it. It's not exclusive to gay culture.

[@KosOrSomeSayKosmo]

A lot of the very young drag race fans have no idea what it meant to see Ru as an openly queer, successful, celebrated media star in this era. Love you Ru!

[@NighttimeBird]

adamblue don’t use slurs on him.

[@telectronix1368]

@@NighttimeBird None of the words in the OP are 'slurs'.

[@solenepigeon3332]

T Electronix i think it is because queer used to be a derogatory word toward lgbt people until they decided to use it themselves and change the connotation of queer

[@michellegriff13]

Ru is still the prettiest Drag I've ever seen.

[@jjm318]

Solene Pigeon stfu thats whats wrong with our community, we are literally too sensitive

[@bluemoon1012]

Makes me so happy when I see heterosexual men secure enough with themselves they don't feel any kind of way towards gay men and are comfortable around them and supportive

[@Trini190]

He probably gay on the low

[@darkspring9815]

@@Trini190 oh stfu

[@tonyaberman3669]

Stop saying stupid stuff about secure. You can’t force things in people. Everyone doesn’t have to like everything. You just say that to bully people into going along wit it. Shut up

[@dpcisunbreakable]

@@Trini190 Shut the fuck up.

[@dpcisunbreakable]

@@tonyaberman3669 No bitch you shut up. Obviously she shit a nerve with you when you read that. So seek counsel and get the fuck off of KZbin until maturity and discernment are developed.

[@yaggayaggaya9918]

I’m so proud of Arsenio for transcending the homophobia and transphobia of his age to invite RuPaul on.

[@smithdog2008]

I was thinking the same, he was great man to allow Ru up there and be genuine

[@arcticwarrior3499]

RuPaul isn't a transvestite/transsexual.

[@erinjohnson1124]

Arctic Warrior no he isn’t, but back in this era many ignorant people referred to drag queens as transvestites no matter how incorrect it was.

[@xxkarlosxxxxxx7233]

YaggaYaggaYa yeah but by allowing him to be there he open peoples eyes to some that drag isn’t as perverse as others would seem it to be... and even today some closed minded people think it’s wrong to dress as a woman when it fact there’s nothing wrong w that... people made a career of it

[@lcoleman6046]

I never understood why people care so much, my only issue is how you identify yourself as a man or a woman and you still have your original parts.

[@nainai6030]

When I was a little girl, I thought RuPaul was the most beautiful woman in the world. When my mom told me she was a he, my little 6yo head damn near exploded. As an adult, I still adore Ru and drag in general.

[@candicedice8605]

Nai Nai you probably think shenene is hot too

[@SexyButCurious]

Same. I thought Rupaul was a woman and when I realized she was a drag queen it was shocking as a kid. I remember Rupaul was everywhere in the 90s and now she has put drag queen into mainstream is amazing.

[@onlykismet]

Same! I just couldn't see how someone so woman-like could be a man, it took me years to understand xD and in fact I never saw Ru out of drag until DragRace, I was shook 😂😂

[@izzyhick9772]

Nai Nai same thing for me. When I saw Ru in drag as a kid I thought she was the most beautiful black woman I ever seen. I was shocked then and still get shocked knowing my this character is a man underneath

[@AC-gb7do]

izzy hicks I thought she was a woman as well, RuPaul is an icon.

[@LEELOLKH]

Imagine how much she went through at that time cuz even now 2020 still most people judge drag people

[@dabarawahjacob7970]

He not She

[@arthursdl]

@@dabarawahjacob7970 that's some real Sherlock Holmes shit, you should be an investigator, kid

[@brian7624]

@@dabarawahjacob7970 no shit sherlock. when drag queens are in drag they're girls

[@dabarawahjacob7970]

@@brian7624 A man dressed as a woman is still a man dressed as as a woman. Just like a sheep dressed like a wolf is still a sheep #sheep.

[@brian7624]

@@dabarawahjacob7970 like i said. drag queens are women when in drag move

[@eliminatorjr]

arsenio is so respectful here it's very pleasantly surprising

[@eliminatorjr]

Brit Giv i'm not saying it's surprising for arsenio i'm saying it's surprising for a talk show host in the 90s and especially one with a predominantly straight, black audience

[@eliminatorjr]

Phoenix G please see my above comment

[@eliminatorjr]

Phoenix G Because homophobia in straight society in general and in straight black society specifically has always been a difficulty to be overcome. In the 90s being gay was frequently a punchline (not that it still isn't), whether offense was meant or not, so it's different to see a drag queen being interviewed on TV in this time and setting as a person rather than a spectacle. Happy?

[@eliminatorjr]

Phoenix G Phoenix G I'm saying surprising as a whole. I am saying Arsenio here is a pleasing exception to homophobia in the 90s. Done trying to get my point across.

[@iantuition]

It wasn't that hard to get what you meant here. Don't see why there was an argument.

[@MaryLou913]

Arsenio put everyone that was black and making moves on his show! And he was giving them a platform not tearing them down like they do today!

[@lcoleman6046]

True!

[@cydchavez3590]

I think there were better artist then too, every thing in the music/movie industry now is so cookie cutter, and social media is just a platform for people to steal concepts and use them like it's something they started

[@thefocalspotinc]

All facts!!!

[@listen2liv212]

@TheReturnofStephan1 Charlamagne The Rapist...Yeap SMH

[@listen2liv212]

@TheReturnofStephan1 excuse me. hes admitted multiple times to date rape including his own wife. Even got arrested for setting a girl up to get raped by his friends. Im sure you also missed his interview with brilliant idiots where he bragged about him and his friends having sex with girls then letting other guys come in to have sex with her without him knowing. Do your research sheep.

[@MonicaChen]

Arsenio was beyond his time. Can’t we bring him back?

[@drinny26]

He came back and got cancelled. Remember when he was on The Apprentice?

[@bimboproductionsmusic734]

@@drinny26 why did he get cancelled

[@drinny26]

Bimbo Productions Music nobody watched it. Lol

[@artvandelayRFC]

@@bimboproductionsmusic734 He probably sneezed and offended some stupid kid on Twitter.

[@kennethtriplett2937]

Netflix

[@missscreamwhore]

Damn I didn’t realize that Ru has been preaching the same message of love since the early 90s and probably before. That’s awesome she’s such an inspo 💖

[@JonnyBMitchell]

West Coast Vampire ikr?!

[@loveangelmusicbaby8369]

He*

[@mimistardust3915]

@@loveangelmusicbaby8369 Usually people call queens "she" when they're in drag so... Yeah.

[@toneotone4813]

West Coast Vampire ..yes LOVE is the law...look at what you’re proud of has become..

[@toneotone4813]

Ricardo Cadet ..oh he is happily GAY and loves small white D

[@BoardroomBuddha]

I met Ru in 1990, when she was working as a "hostess" for the NYE party at the Roxy in NYC. She hugged me and my boyfriend, and shrieked, "You two are the cutest couple evah!" I was high at the time and a hug from a 7' drag queen sent me tripping into the stratosphere... I will never forget it. Flash forward a few years and Rupaul was everywhere. But I remember she was a HUGE personality!

[@andresuston7692]

👍 LoL

[@510joo4]

“I met ru in 1990 when H E ...” Delusionoids 🙄

[@didacus3461]

@@510joo4 you refer to them as she when in drag dingus. We know RuPaul is a MAN in DRAG. fucking move.

[@stacirivera799]

@@510joo4 lmao your comment accomplished nothing.

[@heiderruiz7551]

Thank you for sharing this story! I wasn't even born until 1993

[@chloe-pc2vx]

How has she barrreeely aged since this interview?! She’s absolutely stunning now and apparently always has been

[@munlager]

black don’t crack they say

[@pearlspacejam8639]

I thought the point is that he’s ok with being a man, srry not trying to be incentive

[@chloe-pc2vx]

pearlspace jam typically when drag queens are in drag they’re referred to as “she” but yeah they’re still men

[@manuelenrique9220]

RuPaul puts a lot of makeup on. That's why.

[@Janellabelle]

Plastic surgery

[@princessjakii7575]

Wow what a beautiful personality

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Salutes jakii :) you are nice

[@young3kgs260]

don't be fooled

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Princes you are beauty

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Young shutup

[@meggypeggy7960]

YOUNG 3KG'S explain?

[@mason0620]

People don't realize how much Rupaul shook up mainstream media and pop culture when he became famous. Ru being in the spotlight really was a turning point for our community

[@wendybutler1681]

I'm a couple years older than Ru and straight. I am so in lust of the early Ru, the WeeWee Pole days. That beautiful face with that smile, the way he spoke, the way he moved. The old videos on KZbin of those days taken by Nelson are all so special. I would have loved to sew for him back then.

[@uggggggghhhhh]

were u alive in 93?

[@kyereCat]

She's a legend.

[@mason0620]

@@uggggggghhhhhNo I've just watched a lot of old rupaul content lol

[@2000wattz]

I love how comfortable Arsenio is interviewing Ru. A lesser man would have been so insecure and afraid people would question his sexuality. Bravo to you sir!

[@Femmagorgon]

I always find it interesting that Arsenio Hall turned down a film role in “But I’m a Cheerleader” (where he would’ve portrayed a closeted gay man) because he was uncomfortable about playing a gay character. Ironically, RuPaul ended up playing that character instead.

[@kimnes4935]

@@Femmagorgon It makes since because there’s been arguments that gay people should play gay characters in movies and shows instead straight people who wouldn’t really understand the struggle as much

[@drummajor]

RuPaul running around Hollywood. She/he got all the dirt on Arsenio and Eddie. They both like a little trans fix if you know what I mean.

[@mmblue3986]

Arsenio and Eddy Murphy were both notorious in Hollywood and New York for picking up transvestite hookers. So of course he was comfortable.

[@BattleTardigrade]

This sort of thing has always confused me a bit. Not really sure why this would make people question his sexuality. Does who you have on as a guest influence your personal leanings? If Arsenio interviews a Plumber, is the next question on people's mind "Ohhh, is Arsenio secretly a Plumber?" Also, Trans is not Drag. Nor is Drag Trans. You "do" Drag, and "are" Trans. These concepts "Venn" together fairly easily and often, but are definitely distinct. Take it from a gay man. 🏳️‍🌈 (apologies to any Trans and Drag peeps who feel that's an oversimplification or inaccurate.)

[@smaxrob]

Wow. She was so young and fresh and so unapologetically already herself.

[@lin2thez341]

She was woke way back then

[@carolynmckenzie3486]

I just love him

[@charliem.7492]

You do realize that's a GUY right??? Stop calling him a her and a she. DNA and God says he is a he!

[@smaxrob]

@@charliem.7492 Stop being a troll.

[@amethystwitch245]

Charlie M. Not everyone is Christian you close minded idiot!

[@bernardfarquharson3275]

Arsenio Hall is a CLASS ACT! Something y’all might have missed. When Ru said his mom can’t hear, Arsenio, without missing a beat, threw up “I love you” in sign language. What a heart of gold.

[@hrtgiger]

i was amazed. even now it’s like this interview is from the future, with how wonderful and respectful it is.

[@theDavidChannel1]

@@hrtgiger Arsenio was ahead of his time

[@azocaruk1]

ES

[@josephkokomo1752]

Very important point you make... very well stated.

[@quransunsolicitedopinion5708]

This makes me appreciate Arsenio because most black men would have never done anything like this interview at the time. Black men fear being called gay and being associated with anyone of the sorts, and for him to do this is so powerful!!

[@ccsilva6110]

Reason I loved rupaul so true to himself.

[@blokeVB]

That's why gay nation called him out ,about his private life

[@LifeIsNotorious]

Probably because Ru Paul didn’t try to call himself a woman, or try to get some straight man to accept him as a “woman.”

[@rita2774]

@@LifeIsNotorious literally no drag queen does that

[@LifeIsNotorious]

@@rita2774 okay which is why he was more comfortable with talking to him. That’s the point

[@cvs9727]

Now I see why Ru loves Shangela... hallelu! #Twins

[@Eli7PM]

Shangela speaks almost like Mama Ru

[@malundrino]

absolutely!

[@knyvet9761]

Twins

[@KissMyBiscuits]

Yes!!! This is why Shangela should play Ru if they do a biopic!

[@cvs9727]

KissMySuccotash definitely!

[@juliohernandez5230]

ru teaching self love since the 90's such a kind soul

[@pun988]

Julio Hernandez shame he can’t do the same for trans kids hey

[@Face_Reality]

Self love is just accepting what you were born with. RuPaul, RuPaul... You... Are not... A woman..... You're just.... Not. Face it. Accept it. Love it. What's so terrible about being a man? And I'm a female. There's nothing bad or terrible about being a man. Why is it so terrible to be a man? You really want to be a woman, but what makes being a woman so much better than being a man? So sad how men have so much self hate in their species. I'm so glad my mom taught me how to absolutely love being a feminine girl and my father taught my brothers how to absolutely love being masculine men. Masculinity is not bad, terrible, or toxic. It's balance. Femininity is no better or worse than masculinity.

[@mariocaroli7845]

@@pun988 he doesn’t have to . Why don’t you do it ?

[@pun988]

MC Benxmann inc 😂

[@adonai7621]

Since the late 70's early 80's, boo.

[@marcool4763]

“The most powerful thing you can do is become the image of your own imagination” she’s been saying it for years

[@jtckentucky3481]

Damn this is really cutting edge for 93! Good for Ru and Arsenio breaking down walls for the rest of us weirdos to follow. Love it

[@BlankCanvasProductionss]

Lace front LAID 👏👏

[@pawdaw]

I remember watching Paris is Burning in 1991 thinking it was so far ahead of its time. Finally, it’s found its time: now. And while that is wonderful, it still makes me sad to think of the number of brave, talented and inspirational souls in that film who are no longer with us.

[@nelsonrodriguez9974]

when you become the image of your own imagination thats the most powerful thing you can do

[@ademaya4773]

This is one of the most brilliant quotes I have ever read. I'm going to have to borrow this from you.

[@theadeemable1]

I know right! Such an inspiration! Wow🙂🙂

[@evya606]

That explains Jaida's verse in the finale song :)

[@KEIRAMEMES]

I needed to see this

[@rik4754]

And 2020 it’s in a song, so long in the making

[@josie2772]

It's so easy to forget the pressure Ru was under all by herself for so long. Mad respect.

[@thedarthflagger]

QUEEN OF THE LACEFRONT OVER 26 YEARS AGO!

[@turkeyhill4216]

lol Lace front wig baby! ❤

[@iomartinez4143]

Mathu Andersen is an absolute genius

[@veryproblematic5054]

She's going back back back to her roots lol

[@chanettethompson7660]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@jacobbalanda7423]

Wish people would stop hating on Ru when she has done so much for the community years before younger people were born. She paved the way for drag to be accepted in many homes across america. Sure shes said some close minded things but nobody is perfect and I wish people would stop with the cancel culture and each other has humans with flaws.

[@katiekawaii]

What has she said?

[@jacobbalanda7423]

Some close minded comment about trans women and their ability to participate in drag race. Ru said only bio men should be participants of his show but then apologized for his comments and said he was in the wrong. Wasnt a good choice of his but hes tried to make up for it.

[@yeoman2k1]

@@jacobbalanda7423 it's not as straight forward as that. He was interview by a British newspaper, and journalist had no idea about anything from what I could tell, and she just couldn't get her head around peppermint being a trans woman. Ru was probably tired of this basic interview with questions he's heard thousands of times before.

[@jacobbalanda7423]

@@yeoman2k1 Yea but people still dragged her through the mud likes shes some terrible person and say that shes canceled lol i just dont get it personally I feel like it was a mistake and shes so much more.

[@jfrazier3393]

Rupaul is motha and never could be cancelled

[@kiera5839]

Arsenio doing the sign language for "I love you" at the end for Ru's mom is so sweet!

[@shilohstore6086]

Who knew it would go from who's that sitting next to Arsenio Hall to who's that guy sitting next to RuPaul!

[@lin2thez341]

Haha! Truth! Arsenio was big back then, now.....

[@Xclusivenig9a]

But it’s still not a “who is that sitting beside her” 🙄

[@seniorkamal7505]

Best comment ever!

[@CereDulce37]

Interesting isn't it?

[@queenvee9729]

No need for this. Don't think you'd like it if someone highlighted your fall off.

[@onair141]

🗣“Hair, heels & attitude I’m threw the dang roof, okay” 😂😂

[@CGPOPPOOP]

As a 13 yo gay kid at the time I remember being really pleasantly surprised at the public response to RuPaul. That acceptance certainly did not happen for all openly gay celebrities but RuPaul has this disarming and charismatic personality that made people like her regardless of her being a man in drag.

[@Kevin_tx]

You know why, because Rupaul respects herself, and respects other and gay people tend to make everything sexual or sexual undertones. Not everyone wants to hear d!ck and p*ssy jokes all day. Rupaul is not pushing any agendas, Rupaul will always be loved and adored.

[@dpcisunbreakable]

@@Kevin_tx Why would you suggest that all gay people make everything sexual. Just in your comment alone, you have sexualized us involuntarily based on YOUR perceptions. Maybe not everyone needs to be labeled with YOUR critieria!

[@lucianacaserta9563]

@@Kevin_tx kevin your homofobia is showing, when i was little the grown ups (heteros) would ask me and other little girls about boys or boyfriends,, and thats fucked up, dont say only gay people talk about sexual things all the time because heteros do it too.

[@timblom7364]

@@Kevin_tx Like straight dudes don't do it too every time they talk about girls, Spend some time with gay people and realise that they are normal people. Also have you even seen dragrace?I doubt your fragile homophobia could deal with the things they say, if Pussy is too much for you

[@skkart4885]

@@Kevin_tx Get out of here with your homophobia. To imply that other gay people don’t respect themselves or “make everything sexual” is ridiculous.

[@makurradoshi4498]

Love how he insists on having more time to let Ru say her piece, like "get me another minute from somewhere" and he's so playful and curious it's just fabulous

[@stevenbrooks6563]

I was looking in the comments to see if anyone else noticed that! He was so intrigued, he couldn't go to break just yet

[@SoulKisses76]

I loved that too!!!

[@kallscape1884]

her??

[@makurradoshi4498]

@@kallscape1884 lol yeah. keeping in the vain of the character Ru is portraying, I'm calling him *her* ... don't shit yourself now 😂

[@auggirangel8829]

A true inspiration and an icon. Sure men were dressing up as women long before but Ru had the BALLS to make it a career and be a star

[@RebeccaKatsuya]

I love Ru but you need to learn your herstory because right now you are spitting on the graves of legends. Julian Eltinge. Divine. Miss Shangay Lily. These are stars who we can name & celebrate, but there are countless others too who might not have made it to the same level of fame but who were brave in the face of adversity. People who risked their lives & would have been killed by authorities if they were found doing drag, but who at the end of their act would defiantly remove their wigs & smear their makeup, as proof of who they were & a challenge to the world. People who marched out in the open in drag when it was illegal to do so, knowing full well the danger that meant. Ru has balls no doubt, but please don't act like there weren't inspirational, iconic legendary stars before too. Don't try to imply that those "men who were dressing up as women" weren't couragous or didn't "have the balls" when they risked everything. That is just disrespectful.

[@auggirangel8829]

I didn't mean any disrespect to you. I am simply admiring Ru as a gay man who has also seen his number challenges, Rebecca! Please don't patronize me for making a statement out of love and admiration

[@RebeccaKatsuya]

@@auggirangel8829 I took no disrespect to me. I felt it was disrespectful the many incredible drag queens who came before Ru. I recognize Ru fought many battles to get to this point. Ru has put in an incredible amount of work & has a fantastic outlook & philosophy. Like I said I love Ru & I said it absolutely took courage/balls to get there, I simply took issue with your statement you made that made it sound like there hadn't been iconic drag queens before Ru, or even that men dressing up as women didn't take balls. I said you needed to learn your herstory because if you believed what you had said, then no shade meant but if that were the case then there is a lot that you should research. I meant no disrespect to you. There is nothing wrong with not knowing something. For example in S4 of drag race Jiggly didn't know her history & that is ok, but the other queens took the time to tell her, because these are things we should not forget. That is why I said what I said, because I couldn't let it slide when it is disrespectful to say no one else had the balls to make it their career & become stars, when there were people who absolutely did, & they were incredible too. I understand that you said it out of admiration for Ru, but I think if you were to say that *to* Ru she would probably give you a herstory lesson herself. Everything I have seen makes me sure that she absolutely recognizes the importance of those who came before. I have a lot of admiration for Ru, & I have a lot of admiration for past drag queens too. Recognizing & admiring one doesn't have to mean putting down anyone else. Edited for typos.

[@sonerkamer2678]

Rebecca Panayi-Sjotun I would say that RuPaul definitely was the one who made drag more accessible to a wider audience (or they might say going mainstream). His words resonated into the hearts of the LGBTQ+ and even the communities outside and people are becoming more comfortable due to his influences. Not spitting on the graves of the Legends, but they were definitely the Stars that are there up in the sky that were idolized, but they didn’t yet give the accessibility to the fullest that many of the LGBTQ+ communities wanted for so long they were definitely the ones who began the march and it took a long while and the fight still ain’t over, but we know now that the community has many people who will love drag and its openness

[@RebeccaKatsuya]

@@sonerkamer2678 Absolutely, I would never argue against that. I am a big fan of Ru, otherwise I wouldn't be out here watching old interviews, lol. ❤ My intent has never been to bring anyone down or dimish their impact. I only wished to bring light to others too, since if people truly thought the way the original comment implied then that would be unfortunate. I mentioned a few drag queens who came before as I do think they helped with visability too, they were just the first who came to mind. I mentioned Miss Shangay Lily because she was more contempary with Ru being around at much the same time & creating visability in Spain, following in many ways a similar route as Ru. (Drag Queen, actor, writer, director, involved with film & TV, authored books & as a vlogger, blogger & LGBT+ rights activist did a lot for visability & started Spain's first free magazine for the LGBT+ community.) Miss Shangay Lily obviously did not have the almost worldwide reach of RuPaul, but her impact on Spain was palpable. (D.E.P. 🥀) I mentioned the countless others who were brave in the face of adversity because the original comment had brought into question their courage, & that was what I initially took issue with. I take no issue with saying RuPaul is a legendary icon who has brought drag into the mainstream, brought wider visability to drag & to LGBT+, has worked incredibly hard to do so & is truly inspirational. I agree completely with all of that. My only issue was the idea that we have to squash others down in order to raise Ru up. If the original comment had been: "A true inspiration & an icon. Ru had the BALLS to make drag her career & be a star." Then I would have just liked the comment & moved on, my only issue was the shade at those who came before, insinuating that they didn't have "the balls". Tldr; RuPaul said herself: "Anybody who steps out of the house with a pair of high heels and a wig is my hero." I feel that is how we should be, bring each other up, respect the battles & the history.

[@christianduval2252]

"No no I'm happy with being "a big ol black man" 🥳"❣ YYYEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!

[@d.e.t4147]

I remember when she busted out on the scene when I was just a little twink and I was OBSESSED. My born again Christian mother didn’t know what to do with me. lol

[@brodypereira970]

Halleluuuu

[@annmariebusu9924]

Dominic Elias me too. I thought he was cool and looked better as a girl 😂

[@orlandos2000]

Yes Ma’am. Love ya Dom

[@soaribb32]

That's the Ru I fell in love with.

[@HooLeeYo]

I feel the same way! Right on.

[@rabbitnd6278]

unbounded respect for RuPaul. She truly was herself in the worst time you could ever be, and couldn't care less what others think. And for that she inspired a new generation. To be this courageous and inclusive is the framework of what empowered me yesterday and today.

[@wRoger-tv1kj]

"I just have the unique ability to accessorize". WURK!

[@spiritofwater6079]

OMG! I read this just as RuPaul was saying it!!

[@pn6528]

Time stamp pls?

[@cobyparty]

P N 6:06

[@skyerogerson1187]

7:56 this hand symbol means i love you in 'deaf'. That is honestly so sweet, and for those who haven't noticed, well here you go.

[@JamesBradlee1]

Haha ‘ASL’ dude

[@armybeef68]

I've been saying that to my mom as a goodnight gesture when I found out what it meant, ever since I was 12 years old, I'm 52 now, and we still do this when I leave her place.

[@armybeef68]

And don't forget, “Good-night, Sleep tight, Don't let the bedbugs bite”

[@sassanrikuo7480]

Hate him or love him ru has always been consistent and passionate about his craft and is without a doubt a huge pioneer and legend within the drag community I can’t imagine living in such a age of rampant and murderous homophobia and finding a way to be this positive and unapologetic

[@azocaruk1]

se llama grandes egos

[@jimmbobb]

This is way ahead of it's time. ❤️

[@cristiangarsa2901]

2020 conversation

[@ArtfulTheDodger]

Now that’s why she’s the Super Model of the WORLD 🌎❤️

[@lesdelawder5297]

That's not a she, lol.

[@rowendacarter8790]

@@lesdelawder5297 when in drag he's a she 🤷

[@gabe2583]

I can't imagine how brave he was to be in a tv show in DRAG back in the day in which is tough for the LGBT community

[@armybeef68]

Um, it was the 90's, everyone knew that was his schtick, Nowadays, we're forced to accept it, You know, rainbow flags, unicorns, and all that.

[@gorkskoal9315]

Eh. It was more for shock then. sadly.

[@nicholas8484]

@@armybeef68 shut up

[@SpecificValio]

​@armybeef68 This sounds homophobic, but I'll just tell you this. You're not forced to accept it, but we advise you to not be disrespectful about it. You don't have to support us, but at least respect us enough to leave us alone. Point blank.

[@gabe2583]

@@SpecificValio PLEASE SPEAK LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK TO HEAR

[@lyndseyharvey3399]

Young mama Ru! I can see why Ru has a soft spot for Shanglea.

[@gigiarmany]

why?

[@kentsneed]

Shangelas personality is a lot like this.

[@nova-leetaylorerose8229]

Why?

[@amazingabby25]

kentsneed yes i see so much shangie here

[@np1472]

Not soft enough👀😬

[@TheColeTruth]

Arsenio is a legend. David Letterman would never be this charming & respectful to his guests.

[@jasonharnick1115]

In Season 12 of drag race, on the Drag Race LIVE performance they sing "The most powerful thing you can do is become the image of your own imagination" and THIS IS WHERE ITS FROM. My mind is blown. 3:33

[@saintputch8707]

Ru's brand has been since the 80s. Now she is Corporate Mama Ru. I aint mad at it. Just sayin. Others catchphrases she uses also proceeds Ru from gay culture. Remember Ru said there is always someone that turns into an 18 year old everyday. So selling culture is recyclables--that is what makes Corporate Mama Ru a marketing & branding genius...but too bad so is Trump.

[@emeral311]

Changed my life first time I saw this.

[@xbjrrtc]

How so? Genuinely curious 😊🤗

[@-BabyValentine-]

Anyone remember when the guy tried to “call out” Arsenio for never having any gay guest and he shut him down 😂

[@sstephlov]

Yesssssss

[@no_i_dont_want_no_slugs]

what guy? got a link?

[@tsunadejr]

@@no_i_dont_want_no_slugs kzbin.info/www/bejne/ime6ZpJ5iNBjapY here ya go!!!! XD

[@edwinchan6521]

That's the video I came from! Arsenio is badass, makes me want to meet him!

[@armybeef68]

@@tsunadejr He should have mentioned every gay guy AND lesbian he had on the show, one person isn't going to shut them up. Oh, wait, is the left going to let me say lesbian?

[@mg-lp8sj]

Steve Harvey could learn a couple things from Arsenio, js

[@soranoaji]

True i was watching family feud and his behavior is soooo old and stuck in the past he was pretty rude but rupaul and his team took it well

[@maura3894]

Yes! I watched that weird Family Feud in which Steve acted like he'd never seen a drag queen before. It seemed like he thought transgender people and drag queens were one in the same. Like, did no one working on that show could have flagged his behaviour was problamatic!?

[@monameramera]

Harvey CANNOT HANG

[@teamjoffery]

Holy SHIT I didn't realize Ru has been doing this so long!! That man has worked so fucking hard to get to where he is now and going. My god, what an inspiration!

[@krazykdon]

*She never changed up for anyDAMNbody.*

[@armybeef68]

It's ok dude, you're accepted.

[@missramesar2882]

Rupaul saying, "Everybody say love," (and the audience responding emphatically) makes my heart feel whole again.

[@thomasralabate5645]

Watching this interview from 1993, one can understand the brilliance of Ru Paul. Taking her life experiences, iconic phrases, and authentic connection to humanity, and folding them into her reality shows. Continue to dream big, be grateful, and celebrate love, no matter who you love.

[@omggiiirl2077]

I remember this interview....i was still struggling with my gender issues...not fully knowing the whole story of my birth and struggling with the awkwardness of going through puberty only thinking I was a transgendered person when I was actually intersex. Oh the confusion. The self hate. The hurt and pain. It got better. I survived through it, and even worse things to come, that interview was one of many sparks that gave me the strength to accept myself, and not commit suicide, to not conform, to be my authentic self...not the person everyone wanted me to be. I'm grateful for her and others who have paved the way for those of us, who in turn paved the way for this new generation of children who live out loud and fearless.

[@phreshking5747]

Bless ya heart glad your in a better place with yourself

[@sarahjudsen7109]

thank you for sharing that

[@brkitdwn]

Nicely said, however, it really boils down to now having choices. Conservatives don't usually like it, because it goes against what they consider nature, which is either male or female. I'm gay, and I generally am middle-of-the-road conservative in thinking, and attribute that to my upbringing. I enjoy drag, but the whole converting gender thing, is too much.

[@lanishajackson2677]

Thanks for sharing! I keep telling ppl that the world isn’t black and white (boy n girl) it’s a big ass rainbow with everything in between. I wish u peace, success, and love

[@armybeef68]

I guess I can't say peNOPEis or vaNOPEgina.....LOL

[@quanyenwashere]

“I can’t change the world but I can change myself and I can influence the world by what I do” that really spoke to me ❤️

[@khakidiamond3236]

RuPaul is one of the most interesting persons i've ever seen, every interview i'm interested in what she has to say

[@javierjay_]

Khaki Diamond you’re right!!

[@RonnieStewartJr]

The respect Arsenio had for his guest…a lot of people at the time would treat Ru like a CLOWN, but he actually cared about what he had to say - to the point that he asked for more time. What a class act.

[@Leno323]

I remember watching this as a little kid when it originally aired in 1993 and seeing how respectful & friendly Arsenio was towards RuPaul...I developed an instant respect for both of them that I’ve carried with me into adulthood. Coolest brother in late night tv & the Queen of Queens. ❤️👑

[@sleezer13]

The first time I saw Ru in person was as an opening act for Joan Rivers in Brooklyn College, needless to say she was gorgeous and hysterical. Without a doubt a true entertainer and brilliant businessman.

[@redvelvetcakeYUM]

I live 5 minutes away from Brooklyn College. That must of been amazing to see both of them at the same time!! Wow, I cannot imagine.

[@verbalwho]

Joan Rivers AND Ru!? I would have died! What a lovely memory. I’m so very jealous.

[@TamannaDas]

This is iconic. And she's so radiant and lively. Wish we saw more of this RuPaul.

[@seanmcgivney7631]

I met Ru Paul, briefly in his apartment introduced by a a friend. He was in his bathroom applying make up. This was in Atlanta, way before he was famous. About 1989. He was sweet and very funny. I love the guy!

[@eruriperiodt5913]

I love how she constantly gets the audience involved❤️

[@loqutor]

What's not to love about this? Ru was a very gracious guest, and Arsenio was a very gracious host.

[@WeeWooWaah]

RuPaul is a real g. Black brother thru and thru

[@gretchenbaker7435]

The legs!!!

[@Sunshine96818]

Legs for DAYS!!!

[@misstina1986]

@@Sunshine96818 Naomi Smalls is SHOOK

[@Lovelylisak]

male legs arent special

[@natalietopolski2017]

Mama Ru always preachin'.

[@dorothypierre754]

Arsenio is so comfortable with himself that he can laugh and be playful with Ru. It's really nice to watch :)

[@johnhaxby306]

Ru had to do so much explaining, so much schooling to everyone back then. People were SO afraid. look at him now, awards, tv series...he worked his ass off and never let the hate get him down.

[@zachyZOMBIE]

I got goosebumps when he PUSHED BACK to get her more time 🥲 SO WONDERFUL!!

[@ropesquid2085]

That's real allyship right there, literall;y doing what you can with your platform to empower minorities to use their own voices, even if it's just something small like this. I also read into that moment way too much, but it's so important

[@AndrewHarmonDC]

What I love is that this is 30 years ago, and RuPaul was already in her 30s then, older than many of the queens who compete on Drag Race now, which means they really are "the children." They weren't even born then. It just shows how long RuPaul has been at the top of this game. I was in college when RuPaul emerged on the national stage, and I remember her addressing the crowd at the 1993 march in DC. "Miss Things goes to Washington," she said. Icon!

[@curlsandprayers]

Arsenic signed “i love you” to Rus mum and my whole heart melted.

[@Lovelylisak]

not an ounce of love involved

[@bluedasher74]

I'm thinking this is from 1993? I watched many of Arsenio's episodes, but I never saw this episode. And I never knew that Ru's quote about "if you can't love yourself/can I get an amen" was that old. I had assumed he had made it up for Drag Race.

[@corentinguillo5577]

Yes this quote is so old :O I'm also surprised

[@D4NNYF00]

I thought that too 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@MarkusAndersen96]

It's right there, in the title, haha xD

[@bluedasher74]

@@MarkusAndersen96 It wasn't on there originally. He added it later.

[@MarkusAndersen96]

@@bluedasher74 oh! My apologies, then :) Quite amazing that you got the year right :D

[@roloro3271]

He’s so intelligent, inspirational and really influential, he gets the serious messages across while being funny and you listen because he keeps it interesting you don’t feel like he’s shoving his views down anyone’s throat by staying witty and keeping you interested which is a unique ability in its self and he’s unapologetic for who he is and what he believes. Agree with him or not ye gotta respect and admire him for all he’s done and the influence he’s had on the last couple of generations 👏👏👏

[@hhardin8500]

@roisinmcguckin very well said and very true!

[@Leahh823]

I love Ru. He’s so positive

[@diegoBNE]

I don't know why while watching this Shangela was coming to my head the whole time.

[@cleo5942]

Yeah, they sound the same. Ru even says 'Halleluh'

[@jonnnnniej]

For me it has something to do with the enthusiasm, professionalism (and a nose for business) and stage presence! From all the Ru girls Shangela grew the most, from being a baby dragqueen to a mainstream star :)

[@hilarypowell8486]

Jonathan Arancibia This is where Shangela is headed. With her spirit and talent, she’ll be right up there with Mama Ru eventually.

[@lssmble]

Oh shangela... How you ruined your whole potential.

[@tomtalker2000]

She truly is an ICON in our community. Done so so much for helping people.

[@Liusila]

This was so brave for the time in history. I suppose it’s brave to do drag in 2019 too now that I think of it.

[@scorpionqueen11]

Yes, anytime is a brave is a brave time to be authentically you. No matter the generation, there will be people who want to enforce "normalcy" and traditions. But because of Ru, the many people before him and after him, people can be more courageous in being themselves. This video was such a delight to watch because Ru has really been himself all these years. An inspiration!

[@toddtoure7041]

It Still is. Unfortunately.

[@omegawicked1]

things has not change. fuck what year it is

[@MrKellyELA]

Did Wendy steal, “how you Doin”? from Ru Paul? Sounds the exact same.

[@AmIWonderWoman]

Singer J'Rome Kelz LIVE! I was thinking the same thing

[@Diegosanchez-lw8ij]

Apparently

[@hazy-skies2630]

Mte

[@momokoblue8032]

It's been around a looong time, long before RuPaul.

[@ruthch4734]

Looks the same too bruh

[@rivamika6955]

My favorite part is that mama is so engaging, he looks at the host when talking and then looks at the audience. He even asks them questions and laughs with them. A true personality.

[@saintputch8707]

good observation

[@Lovelylisak]

mamas arent males

[@Darima2]

How cool to see what Ru was like before Drag Race. He's actually been very consistent with his message. He always had an intelligence accompanying his drag. And I love that he mentioned Oprah back then because they both recently did an amazing Super soul Sunday conversation about living your truth.

[@billydeguzman8985]

*The most powerful thing you can do is become the image of your own imagination* 3:33

[@jenniferlaynemusic]

Magic

[@destructionaesthetics]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Lovelylisak]

alisha doesnt imagine males

[@louiedelfierro8002]

season 1 of RPDR literally has worse camera quality than this video. edit: no hate but it's a fact and my opinion, i hope none of y'all are offended or mad🤗 also s1 and s2 are an ICONIC season and rlly is a season of RPDR to watch n remember.

[@heatherdiansmith]

There’s always that one person that always has something negative to say about everything… by the way you’re that one person.

[@louiedelfierro8002]

@@heatherdiansmith damn... it wasn't my intention to bring hate towrds the RPDR series nor to the production crew but okay if you say so💁‍♂️

[@FRAN-lb5fc]

And what about it?

[@heatherdiansmith]

Louie Del Fierro thank you for the edit because your first comment did sound very derogatory for no reason.

[@luansouza936]

I totally agree with you! I've read they used filters to kinda hide the low budget the first season had... Dont know If it's true, but It is nice to wonder about It. Apparently, people from the comunity are very sensitive about Rupaul and the show in general. Greetings from Brazil!

[@spacekittn]

" the pendulum went so far right, that its gotta come crashing back to the left real hard" man was ru right. Lol

[@MrJasonshores364]

I remember staying up late to watch this. I was a junior in highschool and RuPaul was everything I wanted to be. Goddess

[@agirlhasnoname6637]

I loved Arsenio!!

[@jenvip.213]

Her laugh is so genuine and adorable i love it

[@HannahsYT]

I really appreciate the integrity of the interviewer in asking for some more time to continue the valuable discussion that was happening there. I love this clip :)

[@bauxness]

ICONN

[@alexc5656]

Baby them lips of yours are iconic 😍

[@bauxness]

Alex C got Snapchat ?

[@alexc5656]

@@bauxness abeysee on Insta

[@drstewart]

This thread went from fab to ｔｈｉｒｓｔ quick lol

[@Lovelylisak]

​@alexc5656 alishas lips arent involved in any capacity

[@noranora9944]

My brain can't comprehend that this is from over 20 years ago. It feels like it could be from today. He was reall ahead of his time. Love that🙏🏼❤️

[@TheBotwell]

She's done so much for our amazing community x love her!

[@44cosmonaut38]

I've been looking everywhere for the full interview, thank you!

[@Elwrt455]

Arsenio was way ahead of his time. Still watching January 15, 2021

[@thedrunkenramblingsnorthea4201]

Ru's confidence and ease with herself is always so staggeringly inspiring.