Why I Stopped Watching RuPaul's Drag Race

RuPaul's Drag Race started as a transgressive little show on Logo that soon turned into an empire within just a few years. It is a TREMENDOUS achievement for our community in so many ways, but as many of you may have noticed, things have changed in recent years and the insanely talented queens on the show deserve better (in my humble opinion).
This is NOT an attack on the contestants in any way, and by all means, keep watching the show if you want! But be sure to support your local queens even more ;)
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Writing/Videography/Art Direction: Mitchell Pratt
IG: mitchell_brunch

[@jessaminemanchester]

I agree with this so much. While I certainly wouldn't take the positives of mainstream drag for granted, I think the way capitalism prioritizes the very specific image of drag highlighted on Drag Race is what actually made me hesitant to get into drag myself for so long. It wasn't until I actually did my research and sought out independent drag artists that I was able to recognize the punk nature of the art form and how it's one of the most counterculture ways of self expression out there. The way Drag Race is able to make the general public more educated about drag is so important, but it also comes with the downside that people can assume they already know everything about what drag can be. Actually, your channel was one of the many things that got me more interested in independent drag creators so I'm very grateful that you're continuing to post videos. Also this look is absolutely iconic as always!

[@queencokefrancis]

omg thank you 😭

[@pixienaeeeee]

@@queencokefrancisLMAO the way u only responded to the compliment was sick

[@banterj]

Now it is all about the money,they are not even pretending anymore

[@hikariluanGC]

​@@banterj I will repeat what I said down below. In the early days we had queens like Akasha who was dealing with poverty. We had queens from different backgrounds including different financial backgrounds. Nowadays they come in as celebs already, or queens with huge followings and audience from social media or other forms of fame. They either have money or spend rivers of it ad go in debt to sustain their stay. It makes it completely impossible for potential talent to arise from diverse walks of life, which to me is what drag is all about. The capitalism really did huge damage to it, making it more palatable for a wider straight audience was a thing, but to me it is the capitalist side of it that broke its legs. I just wish the show hadn't become this artificial thing for rich queer to display how much they spent on their drag. It should be about the queen's personality, charm, skills in acting sewing and so forth; not about how deep they can reach into their wallets.

[@banterj]

@@hikariluanGC I agree…this is very misleading because it is glamorizing the lives of REAL LGBT people as folks who have it all…the opposite is the case for most.Rupaul should know better because she too struggled to make ends meet in NYC…the show has become too watered down and they have this teacher’s pet system going on,mind you NONE of them have been called to co-host…just get in the hamster wheel and run.

[@nobody764-j9n]

As an old gay man , I don't understand why it's so taboo that every gay person doesn't know it's history. They are still learning. We all have been there.

[@redblaquegolden]

The answer to this is, quite simply, that not knowing is different than intentionally not seeking it out. And forgetting history leads to the people who fought for our rights being erased. If we don't tell our histories, someone else will. Also not for nothing, the first people to be forgotten in history are the black queer and trans people. For example, the FIRST queer drag balls in America, that lead to where we are right now, were run by William "Queen Of Drag" Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved black gay man. I didn't learn about him until I was 30 years old. And that is troubling. I didn't know about the black trans women in the ballroom scene (as depicted in Paris is Burning) until i was 26, but i knew Madonna's Vogue. Education matters. it's okay to not know, but to quote my great grandmother, "If you don't know, you betta ask somebody or read a damn book."

[@ned__h]

I don’t think it’s the queer community’s fault. I blame the American school system for not teaching things like the stonewall riots. That way we would know our history and “pride” would not be as commercialized as it is today

[@OpposumParty87]

@@ned__h I learned about stonewall through KZbinrs growing up and just the other day I mentioned it to my mom and she had no idea what I was talking about, and I guess that’s when it struck me that I’ve never been taught about it solely though the American Education system and how of course she wouldn’t know about it, so then I told her about it and we did some research on it together and now It’s made me think even more about like how there is so much information and things in history that purposely get swept under the rug, like how I also never learned about the colonization of Hawaii and it’s just so weird to have these extremely massive change-bringing and important events just never get talked about :(

[@TheIrish978]

@@OpposumParty87same I learn about stonewall because of KZbin

[@badguymonologue]

Imo because being gay is now a comooditized identity that isn't necessarily rooted in lived gay experience but in the performance of the gay identity.

[@baby_ghoul]

Drag Race has started to feel more like the Met Gala. Seeing beautiful people wear very expensive couture pieces just isn't my thing, and that's the kind of drag that gets featured, especially this recent AS season. It feels like the price of Plastique and Gottmik's wardrobe could be the budget for the earlier seasons, and yet I'm constantly rewatching highlights from those seasons where sometimes they're wearing jeans from the department store. The fanciest it got was Willam's Jimmy Choo shoes. Another reason I can't get into the newer seasons is every queen is very aware of social media when they're filming. They have to tread lightly and be inoffensive because the fandom is very unkind, especially to queens that don't fit a certain aesthetic. Side note, I'm also so tired of the term "old school" being used as a pejorative to describe older queens who aren't trying to look like a high fashion model.

[@sungexpression9093]

I mean I think there is a thin line between friendly reads and being mean-spirited and not wanting to be held accountable for that.

[@sungexpression9093]

I think old-school is moreso applied to people from a certain era of drag. Sasha is considered old school but turns looks

[@lilpetz500]

Exactly. The luster was wearing off when the exceptionally talented Chichi DeVayne was critiqued by judges for...not dropping enough money on her outfits. When Yvie got special praise for giving them a more conventionally pretty look. When Kerri Colby did the Jlo challenge by having the connections to just wear literally her exact Versace dress from a past pop culture moment, styled, accessorised almost exactly the same, and I don't know how I feel about it. The appeal for me, was watching the art and ingenuity of drag happen, and enduring the reality showisms around it. It's kind of become a contest where commercial opulence and palatability wins big points, and the subversiveness is achieved and controlled with gimmicks and editing in later seasons for headlines.

[@sungexpression9093]

@@lilpetz500 I think people take that comment from Michelle out of context. You didn''t need to be wealthy to do well on drag race. Bob was wearing Amazon pieces. and Kerri was lipsynching that episode

[@vonnie1999]

I became disillusioned after Eureka lost the crown. Big, bad bitch should have won. Drag race is all about glamor, model thin, high fashion queens.

[@JinMeowsoon]

The fact you had to preface the video with 2min of “this is only my opinion, don’t attack me” is a good testament to the toxicity of the RPDR fandom.

[@horizon5417]

i wish drag kings could get mainstream attention too. i don’t understand why rupaul won’t do a drag king season or even a special episode

[@lilpetz500]

Honestly, I'd love to at least even just see more campy masculine looks in the mix. The only ones I can think of are Kennedy Davenport as Lil Richard, Lady Camden doing half the runway as a Freddie Mercury reference, and and Yvie's Boogie Monster character. (To be fair, I'm having a mental blank, I feel like surely there are more)

[@Shtickyaight]

Because 'male' is the default and uninteresting

[@yourhandleshouldbeatleast3chrc]

Mhm!! As a local king myself I do honestly think a lot of ppl would be less confused abt the drag king thing if we had similar rep as the queens. I don't often complain abt it (bc less attention = less hate) but the fact I've met other local queens who treat me as less because I chose to be a campy alien guy instead of a bio queen is insane

[@SorenEverest]

@@Shtickyaight Extremely loud incorrect buzzer noise

[@feeman3345]

Never happen. Maybe someone else will cover them.

[@Starriaaa]

I stopped watching it because of the fanbase and the fanbases toxicity changed the way the contestants act and changed the way the show is judged

[@lilpetz500]

I feel this. At one point, I loved it and was actually very creatively inspired by each season, I seriously appreciated the exploration of the fundamentals and processes of drag performance (at least, the specific section of the creative field actually represented in the show) and the structure that was quite open for experimentation. What the distinct contestants did with the structure was the centre of the show. It was once new gimmicks, some extra manufactured drama, cheap surprises kept flooding it that I just wasn't enjoying any of it anymore. And the judges seemed so much less passionate and even invested over time. RuPaul's now retracted stances on AFAB/trans queens didn't help, and wasn't made better by finally having representation only by the time the show got excessively commercial, mainstream, and tiring to fans. It was always a reality show, but it sure felt a lot like one and a lot more lacking in the redeeming, subversive aspects later on.

[@brandicunningham7243]

Hit the nail on the head. This is why I've also stopped watching.

[@veronicaelectron]

Rupaul will be devastated when he watches this

[@kevincancoupon]

Agree. I think it was that episode of All Stars 2 where Katya said that the fans are becoming younger and younger made me realize that everything had shifted from the powers that be to the contestants auditioning. It had all changed and would no longer be organic and spontaneous. And it's been that way throughout the entire franchise for almost a decade now. It's only a former shell of itself. It's perhaps the most scripted reality-competition show out there. Understand that first before you watch.

[@HermitMeowmeow]

Oh yes that is another reason I stopped watching.

[@mikeyjamieson4715]

My biggest issue with Drag Race US in particular is that it's basically become the very thing it was originally satirising. Obviously the show was created to give drag more attention since it was at the time, a dying art form. But as far as the competition aspect was concerned, it was meant to be a parody of shows like ANTM and Project Runway. Now it's become the thing it mocked. That along with the classism what with the sheer amount of money the queens feel that they have to spend on runway looks, Drag Race US just doesn't quite feel as 'accesible' as it used to, if that makes sense?

[@overgrownkudzu]

yeah, it's impressive, the looks and budget and polish and everything. but it was even more stunning when in a room of DIYers and hot glue guns one or two would turn it out beyond anything the rest could do, because of skill

[@moyaxoxo5923]

Dying art form ?! U been asleep or ?

[@anothername2557]

@@moyaxoxo5923 they're saying it was a dying art form when the show released.

[@berrylly]

in drag race UK a queen got chosen to leave because she wrote something from h&m. and another kept getting bad comments on her shoes because she couldn't wear high heels due to disability. kind of ridiculous

[@fictionalreality3238]

Yeah, imo, drag is way more interesting and fun to watch when people are DIYing their looks and using things from dollar stores and thrift shops to make their looks. I want to see more relatable and achievable looks that shows anyone can do drag with the right set of learned skills and practice, not how much money you feel you have to spend to win a competition that imo doesn't really mean anything at the end of the day. Like woo hoo, you won a show about dressing up as a character. I guess that means everyone else's art is trash? No. Art is subjective to the beholder. Everyone has their own style and, ideally, brings something new to the table whilst showcasing to the world the beautiful art form that drag is and how fun and cool it can be. Drag race shouldn't be just about the competition. It should be an inspiration to others to express themselves authentically and to give into creative freedom instead of worrying that you're being too much for others to handle.

[@Mythicalmisery]

I think everyone should try watching dragula honestly, the top 4 always get promos and get to go on a world tour and drac and swan also go out and support all of their contestants whether it's going out or just reposting on social media❤

[@FGSFDS]

YES!! I watched season 1 of Dragula in the midst of a serious bout of RPDR burnout back in 2017, and I have been hooked ever since. It’s so refreshing to see weird/gross/creepy/non conforming drag out there.

[@jorgeenriquez637]

I also recommend La Más Draga. It has English subtitles and it's free on KZbin

[@hdervish2497]

I can only do edited down clip shows. All the catty bickering in between challenges is unbearable.

[@AdriftInTheWatersGorge]

Yes as a horror movie lover I loved seeing all the personalized death scenes when their eliminated too its so good T-T

[@moezfoez]

Ohh as a horror enjoyer Dragula won me over SO fast

[@davidsantiagotate7380]

My biggest criticism of drag race as a viewer, drag show producer, drag performer, and fiancé of an old school drag queen is all the drama and nastiness. A lot of the younger queens have this idea that drag is about being as cruel as possible to the other queens and seeing them as nothing other than competition as opposed to fellow members of a small, specialized community. It’s increased the amount of toxic competitiveness in even the smallest local scenes we’re a part of. It makes me sad to see fellow queers attack each other for no reason other than they think that’s what the dynamic is supposed to be. Our community is meant to be about uniting a marginalized community, not creating all this poisonous infighting.

[@EnteringMyFlopEra]

This video has aged amazingly after All Stars 9 premiered, which is the most tax-write off corporate snooze fest in the franchise so far.

[@hidansektas]

i barely got trough 3 episodes and then stopped watching 😭 i feel bad cause roxxxy is one of my fav queens

[@ryanfgrantjr3009]

i finally tired out of Drag Race w/ season 16. I watched recaps on You tube, incl who won and I was good.

[@madeleinewitt9901]

I just watched pit stop for the whole season:/

[@ekyvolos5518]

Honestly i really really felt this in AS9. There was so much money visible on screen and at some point it made you feel so detached from the art of drag and its revolutionary nature. I don't think owning expensive articles of clothing to furthen your art is necessarily a bad thing but artists like Mik or Plastique ( whom i love ) having couture pieces kind of made me feel detached from them, especially when drag is a political art form. It feels capitalist.

[@ekyvolos5518]

Also the way your lips are painted is tickling my brain so good

[@rockabillymuffin]

Yea I havent been watching AS9. It just feels.. weird. There are no good storylines and even the runways, which there were great pieces on display, felt disconnected. I might finish as9 on a rainy day some time in the future, but rn its just.. meh

[@isaacblake823]

One of Plastique's best looks from AS9 was made in the workroom in the Paint Ball.

[@tuyetsoi4672]

@@isaacblake823 which proves that drag queens r amazing and shouldn't need to really on designers as much as the modern seasons do

[@vavosa]

THANKKKKK YYOUUUUU

[@scaraptor2106]

At this point, drag race has completely changed the image of drag. Obviously it’s amazing that RPDR has helped to make drag globally accepted and recognised, but drag race has become so polished and “perfect” that it’s less about the counterculture and political messaging that drag should be about, and it’s more about how good of a reality TV star you are. That’s why comments from fans like “this drama is such good tv” piss me off a bit, because drag race basically tells the world that to be a drag queen you have to be dramatic and shady (e.g. plane jane constantly throwing shade) and basically a flawless model. A lot of drag in drag race seems to forget that it is an art form and a form of rebellion

[@th2k864]

It's not Drag Race's fault that people are stupid.

[@scaraptor2106]

@@th2k864 well that’s not exactly what I meant. Because drag race has become a sterilised reality show, the fan base has become so focused on drama and shade and confessionals that it’s barely about the art of drag anymore. You’re right that people are just like that most of the time, but it would be less of a problem if drag race itself still prioritised protecting the art

[@HermitMeowmeow]

A lot of people can think for themselves. I don't believe that all white people are like the Kardashians or that all old people are like the ones in Last of the Summer Wine. It is television, edited for entertainment even documentaries are edited and have a narrative.

[@scaraptor2106]

@@HermitMeowmeow while it is true that people can think for themselves, there is a huge majority of people who believe what they see on tv is the truth. because of this, people create opinions that they really shouldn’t have because they have no actual connection to these queens, a big one being utter hatred of roxxxy for her treatment of jinkx. I adore jinkx and know that roxxxy said some hateful things, but the show amplified that to the point where people still hate roxxxy because they believe that jinkx still hates roxxxy despite them clearly being friends now. drag race creates such a standard that fans will bash queens for not meeting it, and by that I mean the fact that queens like gottmik and plastique are now showing up in designer brands. while there is nothing wrong with that, it means that fans belittle queens who do not show up in designer brands because drag race has taught them to think that anything less than designer is crap. people can think for themselves, yes, but reality shows are way more effective manipulators than you may think.

[@lyavain2764]

I’ve always felt that despite saying she respects all drag art, ru doesn’t seem to try to understand or grow in their appreciation of more alternative styles. If the young queens are expected to know their history, I think it’s only fair for the judges to expand their knowledge as well. And I’ve never loved how long it took them to accept drag that wasn’t hyper fem, or even just allowing non amab or male presenting contestants on the show. This is one of the reasons I prefer dragula, because they’re more open and accepting of forms of drag that they might not be as familiar with. I also appreciate that some contestants can win challenges by using basic supplies like tape and cardboard if their concepts and execution is good enough. How is someone like that supposed to compete in the current age of rpdr? It seems like most people have to spend a fortune just to be on the show.

[@country_wench]

I often think about how every new move drag race has made in recent years, dragula did first. Inclusion of trans people, afab queens, drag kings, etc. Even when Disasterina casually mentioned being married to a woman the contestants were surprised but the show didn't try to capitalize off it. I think Dragula's acceptance of all forms of drag is one of its biggest strengths, and I'm interested to see how it's increasing popularity will change future seasons.

[@nomanejane5766]

U are delusional if u think ru doesn't understand or appreciate non fem drag. Go look at her past work before she made it big, it was very punk rock.. anyways I think it's just the producers and the fans just like the hyper fem look queens, some things make for better TV.. tbh, I dont think the fans would be very kind to them

[@Benjamin-cd6yh]

Look at you talking about knowing history, but thinking Ru needed to learn to appreciate these things about drag. She lived them. Do you think Ru popped into existence in 2009.

[@country_wench]

@@Benjamin-cd6yh no, i’m talking about the show specifically. not rupaul as a person. no need to be condescending!

[@beautifulmidnight]

It felt so weird to me that any male/nb presenting queens on the runway got torn apart (I think of the Janelle Monae inspired look from the earlier seasons (Milan?) that got roasted) but… now it’s acceptable to play a man on Snatch Game.

[@falconinthedive]

I have a similar story to you, finding drag race as a baby lesbian in season 1 was so powerful and validating. It was like top model but political with raw, real discussion of gay experiences in a way nothing else on TV captured. It was like the televised equivalent of a safe space. But I feel since moving to VH1 it's become less and less about showcasing a nuanced queerness for a queer audience, and more shallow, produced performative gayness for a straight audience. The depth is missing and the conversations forced by production looking to capitalize on queen's trauma rather than authentic moments. The depth is missing and it makes the drag and lived experiences of these queens feel more like a punchline to straight audiences then a touchstone for queer ones. And I guess a visible, popular presence is better than nothing at all, but it still feels like something special has been appropriated for a superficial and straight audience.

[@yunabrooks]

It’s great to see that this video holds up so well. I went from loving rupaul to despise him. The interview where he said: „a drag queen?!?!? I’m the MOTHER of drag“ was so out of touch. Girl you’re the capitalist of drag! Get your shit together.

[@th2k864]

Think about this, the gay community lost a lot of creatives because of AIDS. Creators of fashion, theater, music. . . the brightest and the best died from that disease. I like to think that Drag Race is helping to "restock" that talent with all the creatives it takes to put on the tv show, the stage shows world wide, writing skits and music for those shows, making fashion for those queens etc. giving gay creatives experience and exposure. No one has to like the capitalism but you are ignorant if you think capitalism is a problem and not the people that exploit it. Abuse and not having regulations is the problem, not capitalism. We are lucky a show like this is even allowed to be aired whatever you think about it. Although the way things are going, that could change in the near future. Then you won't have to be bothered by it anymore.

[@dcgumbrecht]

I AGREE WITH THIS. Any cool factor Ru might have previously had is also negated by the fact that she doesn’t even do her own wigs or makeup anymore. Like girl who are you to judge 😭😭

[@yunabrooks]

@@th2k864 thank you for pointing that out to me! I didn’t think of that aspect.

[@Idk-ct5ky]

​@th2k864 I don't mean this as a big "nooo you're wrong" but I never liked the perspective that capitalism as a system can be divorced from people's actions. If a system involving people can/should be divorced from the misdeeds of people in high power in said system then...what is capitalism? Capitalism on technical paper promotes roughly (and obviously this is just one definition as well as my take on said definition) innovation via competition, a drag race for society lol. Like you said regulations and restrictions are important to hinder the misdeeds of bad actors, abuser empowering themselves via capitalism. But I gotta ask if this is best? Because to me it feels like divorcing people, even bad actors, from capitalism is "just cut the moldy parts off" when the whole wall is just left over celluose bits and mold.

[@madeleinewitt9901]

@@th2k864why isn’t capitalism a problem here?

[@jinschnee]

Ive been a fan of drag race and hell watching shows like that and Drag Duel is what pushed me as of last month to start doing male cosplay drag but its so annoying that theres only one type of drag that seems to be celebrated on drag race (looking at you UK 3) and the fact that theres no drag kings yet? After how many years? Cmon WoW

[@annoying_metaIhead]

I think recently there’s been a trans man on Drag Race.

[@annoying_metaIhead]

Doesn’t excuse how long it took them to have one on there

[@annakilifa331]

​@@annoying_metaIhead but he's still a drag queen, as far as I know, not a drag king

[@dontpanic6349]

​@@annoying_metaIheadgottmik is a drag queen, not a drag king

[@TennesseeRatTerrier]

Go make your own show and do something besides bitch and moan about how a tv show should change its format just for you! Rupaul is a drag queen..not a cosplayer not a drag king. Goddamn people it’s a tv show not your life story or identity! It’s supposed to be entertainment not your moral compass!

[@lorrithelinguist]

Drag Race is far too critical and catty. I havent seen a single "bad" drag look on that show. Everyone is soooo creative, yet i feel like Ru Paul continues to push drag queens into a box.

[@micbln8967]

lol. your blind or your taste-level is unter the minimum to recognize what a bad look is

[@skyferrari]

it reminds me of when Alaska put on a male character for the kids show challenge. pretty much everybody disliked that but i saw it as an ability to adapt and reinvent herself. it's like RuPaul and the judges push certain narratives and the queens feel like they have to minimize themselves and their abilities to think outside that polished box not to be heavily criticized.

[@justlola417]

I hate how rupaul/the producers choose one queen to praise for no reason because of their "potential" every season, sending home/not recognising other queens who are actually doing well. It feels like the storytelling gets so much in the way of a genuine competition

[@jazwhoaskedforthis]

Cough Shangela

[@giantcheesegrater]

18:00 as a kiwi, it really annoyed me that RuPaul / Michelle were the main judges because their understanding of Aus and NZ was so minimal. I remember the 3 kiwi queens doing their first look to represent their city, one was an All Black (very generic), one was a sheep (very generic), and the third did a look that represented the original Māori name for Auckland, which is Tāmaki Makaurau, and her look was ripped by the judges because they "didn't get the concept". Very annoying.

[@kiwi_crush]

Everything you said about DR Down Under is so true. If you think it was cringe, imagine how kiwi and aussie viewers felt. We were so stoked to see drag in our part of the world be showcased and learn more about our own drag culture, only to be presented with that steaming pile. The first mistake was having Ru and Michelle involved. They should have gone the DR Canada route and had a local queen hosting. Someone who actually knows the cultural references and makes the effort to do more than just say "Aussie Aussie Aussie" or "kia ora" once an episode and assume they've done their bit. Season 2 was marginally better, but not by much.

[@beautifulmidnight]

This is heartbreaking. I prefer Aussie/NZ versions of shows (Masterchef Australia versus Masterchef US is like watching art versus watching Bumfights.) It’s such a different vibe, and for them to just do a carbon copy sucks.

[@Angharad2606]

I so agree! I love the Aussie and Kiwi cultures and humours so much and they really lost out in the show. it just felt false. I also found this happened with the UK version of the show. I will give Michelle credit that she spends a lot of time in the uk and gets our sense of humour and references a lots better, but Ru really missed it so many times (I remember even Grahame having to explain things or He/Alan finding things hilarious but Ru not getting it so the queen loses out). Plus drag has a very different history in the UK but they always put the US history, attitude, ideals and narrative on the queens and it just doesnt work. I will give that its definitely one of the better non-USA shows but there are still issues that could have been fixed with less interference

[@kevinflores7474]

Education eradicates ignorance which leads to understanding and understanding leads to acceptance. 💕

[@Raza_T1AO]

Ehhhhhhh, I disagree because I don't think a lack understanding is what's causing anti-trans and anti-drag legislation. I don't think "education" is what'll stop groups like the Klan.

[@kitticarus]

This video sums up exactly why I also stopped watching. This really needs way more views than it has. Thank you so much for laying it all out so eloquently!

[@Michela]

I was curious about this video because I dropped off of Drag Race around the middle of season 10. After watching this, I have no regrets, as much as I do miss seeing the queens. What I started to miss the most were the creative challenges where the queens were given materials and had to make drag with what they had. I loved seeing what they came up with. Over time, as Drag Race's production value grew, I noticed that the queens were also expected to simply show up with more and more extravagant drag. How is a queen just starting out at a lower budget supposed to keep up? I feel like, in the earlier seasons, they had more of a chance, but everyone has to be polished and with a certain amount of wealth before they even set foot in the Werkroom. It's been sad to see as a fan of the show since season 2.

[@skyferrari]

that's EXACTLY how i feel. the last season i watched was the 9th (with attempts to watch a few episodes of seasons 11 and 13). i miss those creative challenges, it was fun to watch both younger and more experienced queens on the same boat, creating something out of ordinary and random stuff. it was unpredictable and that was what made the show so special to me. nowadays i feel like i know we're going to see beautiful gowns and couture pieces and it's good that queens are able to afford that, but at the same time... for couture pieces i'd watch the met gala instead.

[@marialillygeorge3891]

Let it be known, RuPaul is not supportive of trans queens like myself, now people will say oh hes changed or what about sasha colby, understand that wow is in charge before Ru and Ru made those coments about the trans community

[@danaparsons760]

If you transition from male to female than where is the drag. If you are a female you cannot do drag. Drag is men doing females get it. If you change it then it is no longer drag. Words mean something and you don't get that

[@JulioGomezNYC]

Is he obligated to? I say no.

[@beautifulmidnight]

@@JulioGomezNYCIs he obligated to be supportive of trans queens? Of course he fucking is. For all the talk of ‘herstory’, to ignore the transgender women/drag artists who were so involved in the gay rights movement from the beginning is a fucking slap in the face. And him being openly transphobic (fighting to use the term ‘she-mail’, among others) is nasty.

[@Violaphobia]

Let it be known, these terms and concepts are changing so rapidly that it’s possible even likely that words like “cis” and “trans” will be seen as anachronistic slurs in another 10 years. Don’t be so quick to grab your pitchforks

[@banxeescreems3337]

@@JulioGomezNYCas someone who has gained a hell of a lot of privilege throughout his career, this comment of yours reeks of ignorance. RuPaul could very well champion others, and it’s a clear active choice of his to shit on them. If people in the queer community turn their backs on others who are marginalized and struggle to gain any semblance of acknowledgment they benefit from, there is no community. It’s just status quo gays assimilating into a culture that wishes trans people dead and buried. Not a cute look babe.

[@wordzmyth]

The indigenous queens being sent home so lightly was so uncomfortable i stopped watching.

[@nellrose4699]

But they were bad, kween Kong was kept around for so long when she was doing poorly

[@DrRippenShitten]

Me as an aussie queen hearing an american queen talk about the lack of down under culture in the down under franchise really gives me hope. Edit OMG and you understand how we work! THANK YOU!!

[@queencokefrancis]

can you guys adopt me the US kinda sucks rn

[@DrRippenShitten]

@@queencokefrancis I've been joking for years that the gays, girls and theys should get asylum here... Now the joke feels more like a "actually maybe we should" moment

[@Razorgirl]

Yeah. You’ll be fine. Aussie immigration only has an issue with brown people. 😖💔😫 Seriously though. Kinda worried for you folks with now. 😳

[@jessetaylor9685]

this is actually pissing me off cause there was an Australian drag race style show themed after Priscilla queen of the desert and I cant find it. All the results are about Ru Paul edit: so the good news is I found the show. It was called I will survive. The bad news is it has been almost entirely scrubbed from the internet. I just wanna watch bogans in drag

[@Stanlos]

For me, I stopped because it felt like whatever authenticity it had has been drained completely. And it was trying to challenge social media in proliferation.

[@thunder-san1377]

I'm grateful for drag race indirectly leading me into checking out my own local drag community and eventually getting into drag myself, but also the distance between the show and drag in the real world has become so big that they're basically two different things. I think the best illustration is one of the queens on the Holland franchise being critiqued by one of the judges for wearing a cheap knockoff shoe instead of a real brand name shoe like... I'm sorry to break it to you but nothing at a drag show is real and that's kinda the entire point. Also, I find that drag on TV and drag in person have a totally different emotional effect. I can see a drag queen on tv with an extremely expensive outfit doing a good number and still respond with "meh, I've seen better". Drag artists in person are these larger than life superstar creatures, and tv just doesn't quite capture that.

[@AlexMartinez-nn2cm]

I really enjoyed this video! Drag race was my introduction to drag but I do agree that your love for the art form should go beyond a hyper curated TV show made by millionaires, especially knowing how so many forms of drag (drag kings, alt drag performers, etc) are left out of the show.

[@KuraTakeshima]

Just watch Dragula, it's just better.

[@Stewystew2]

I’m a woman who does drag as a drag king mostly as a hobby. I love the show but some of my favorite performers are kings I have seen at my local gay bar. Kings in general aren’t given nearly as much flowers for their time and effort they put in their craft and they are a lot of the time better than some of the queens I’ve seen. I also love the Boulet Brothers Dragula which has amazing drag that showcases not anti drag race drag but alternative drag as a art form. They also give critique where they say “we are not critiquing your drag. Drag is art and art is subjective. We are merely critiquing your drag as it relates to the challenges in this competition.” Which I love as someone still figuring out my drag. I’m not saying this is a necessarily better show to watch but I am saying that different perspectives of drag are important in your enjoyment of queer and drag culture.

[@queencokefrancis]

and drag king won season 3!! (Landon Cider who I have a MASSIVE crush on)

[@frillycreation8922]

I do miss the storylines but one thing that I question is do we really need the drama? With the fashion and comedy, the show is good enough as it is. Why do we need fabricated arguments for the show to be interesting?

[@yee6870]

because it's a reality tv show competition look at the snoozefests that were as7 and as9. in the end, they weren't interesting or even that well produced (especially as7 imho)

[@frillycreation8922]

@@yee6870 That's not really an answer. Why do you need fabricated/old drama to be entertained by a show that is shot months before it airs?

[@erzengelchen2830]

tbh i always hated the drama, ever since. Mostly skipped it. The highlights for me are always the queens themselves, their self-presentation and the looks.

[@disgusting1708]

​@@frillycreation8922 I would say that is because that's the nature of reality television. Drama and confrontation are literally the main element of these shows and is something audiences expect. And even though there is a portion of the audience that agrees with you and just want to see the queens showcase their talent, most fans don't agree and the show is looking to cater to the most amount of people.

[@rebekoko]

As an Australian, I couldn’t agree more with your insightful comments! Down under, we found the show a missed opportunity of honouring our humour. Ps just found this channel and I an so glad I did! ❤

[@jonnyleeg4058]

I don't know if this will translate but I grew up on comics. I love those stories and characters. Eventually in 90s comics went mainstream. Cut to the MCU, I told people it WILL inevitably turn to crap because of money. Stories are what brings ALL humans together because we are ALL human beings. We all deserve better Stories and treatment of the artists who tell them. Love you Francis, excellent video.

[@entertainmentpowerfuchs5744]

I stoped watching that show after I find out how many of the candidates still support Jeffree Star. Pretty hypocritical. I spend good money that If Jeff was a straight republican they would not support what he saying and do.

[@queencokefrancis]

it blows me away how many people still support Racist Skeletor

[@entertainmentpowerfuchs5744]

Indeed. Espacially after last year with his interview on the pro Trump channel Bussin with the Boys. Again If he was straight republican he would not getaway with this.

[@queencokefrancis]

don’t forget when he said non-binary people don’t exist when he literally built his entire brand around his androgyny 🥴

[@entertainmentpowerfuchs5744]

I remember that. That part still hurts 😢

[@celestialbunny]

⁠@@queencokefrancisThis!! the people who praise him now, have no idea who he was before. maybe he didn't identify with non-binary but he embodied it so perfectly! the androgynous looks, and not caring what pronouns people called him (his words). just for him to completely disregard it as "wokeness" was honestly a huge surprise for me and disappointment. even though i had stopped supporting him many years ago, i am just so surprised by his complete 180 i mean i rlly thoguht he would have gotten the expression about gender, clothing, and makeup that many nonbinary people have since they (non-binary people as a community and jeffre) shared whether it was explicitly stated by him or not

[@hugosavstrom4548]

Also not about Drag Race but about the RuPaul universe: I don't like that Willam got thrown out from DragCon. Drag queens used to be rebels and very expressive on bullshit, but now modern Drag Race and Ru seem to want the girls to be simply sweet, "funny", and well-behaved. Queens are being adapted to the Drag Race universe like dogs

[@veloriahex1593]

Truth!

[@robbiegeegee]

I'm still watching the show, but you're absolutely right on so many fronts. Seasons 2-6 were SO perfect.

[@roccaflocca4312]

Drag Race has desperately needed a competing show for about 8 or 9 years. Dragula never had the money or backing, and I never got into Fear Factor and hate watching people eat raw organs. I still watch, season 16 was actually great, but yeah, its kinda hit a wall, and RuPaul is a bit too worried about the money.

[@lindseyshindler6594]

Once I discovered the Boulet Brothers, my fandom preference was cemented! I cannot get enough of Dragula and the niche audience it attracts. Refuse to believe it wasn’t a top hit when it was on Netflix! I bought a shudder subscription just for the show ❤ ⚰️ 💀

[@queencokefrancis]

I have such a crush on Landon Cider that it physically pains me

[@Starriaaa]

TBH Dragula has started becoming more like Dragrace in the last few seasons…

[@TheDopekitty]

I really like Camp Wannakiki. It's cute and campy and diverse.

[@themedia1271]

Especially with Titans. That felt like the most manufactured season so far and all of the plotlines were incredibly forced ​@Starriaaa

[@beandrag9019]

I can’t stop just because I need to support the queens but I definitely hope they slow it down a bit and listen to the fandom. It really seems like it’s on track to burn out and I really hope it doesn’t because we need it lowkey. Like as a society

[@queencokefrancis]

I’ll watch the runways in recaps on youtube just because I’m always amazed by them

[@beandrag9019]

@@queencokefrancis very that, I love the runways and the lip syncs but everything else is just starting to become pointless

[@TheCookieArt]

Watching girls get tipped down 50s and 100 at Ru gigs just to come to the same bar on the weekend and leave with that from the entire gig is infuriating. It’s not their fault but it’s still feels awful to never see those “|drag fans” at the local shows

[@merykey2378]

I agree so much with this!! I've also stopped watching it. Maybe I'll catch an episode here and there, but I haven't watched an entire season in a while. I think my breaking point was the All Stars season with Valentina, and when the producers saw that she was going to get kicked off regardless of who won the lipsync, Ru, all of the sudden, decided to hold eliminations (totally unprompted by a producer *wink*) and Valentina lived another day. I was like, eff this.

[@queencokefrancis]

as much as I don't like to put other queens down Valentina was the most overrated contestant in DR history and her fans were the worst the fandom had to offer

[@Teddy-hp9zy]

My disappointment with the show is that it seems to inadvertently promote the idea that Drag and being Trans are completely separate things: ie Drag is for cis gay men, transition is for trans people. but there’s a lot overlap and there always has been. I think Ru has always been clear about the fact that he feels most comfortable around cis gay queens (on his show specifically) and since it’s his show it will cater to the art he prefers, but it’s annoying when they want to be all cute and make trans/shemale jokes but overwhelmingly continue to invite cis gay men/ask its contestants to present themselves as cis men. Obviously trans people HAVE been on the show and that’s great, but I’m talking about the general overall vibe of the show And I think this prioritization of cis male performers who dress like cis women and specifically extremely rich cis women is what makes it feel stale and unrelatable to the wider queer community which I HOPE is moving in a more open and free direction BUT! Those are all just my own personal thoughts too (: and I don’t begrudge ANYONE for doing drag I just think RPDR needs to loosen up a little.

[@JackFedYT]

This video got recommended to me so late but I'm so glad it was!! I loved everything you had to say and all your points are going to carry on with Drag Race probably until the show ends. It's important to share the good AND the bad from the show because the culture that surrounds it is so complex. I will be supporting a queer artist by subscribing

[@liamcollinson5695]

For me i stopped watching drag race and switched to dragula i just find it way more fun plus I see it as pushing drag forward i also love that they include drag kings too

[@ktbela86]

Not only did DR Down Under fail to incorporate Down Under culture, the judges actively shat on indigenous culture that the queens tried to bring to the runway. For example, they referred to the handmade Māori Korowai (feather cloak) which was loaned to Elektra by her Drag Mother, as a rainbow bath mat. The least they could have done was to ask about it, rather than dismissing it. The saddest part is that there WERE New Zealand and Australian Producers working on DRDU but it still came out the way it did.

[@BecxyBoo]

I feel as though the contestants have to have a $20,000 wardrobe now. Which was definitely not the goal of the show in the first place, They even did an episode where the challenge was to make an entire outfit using only items at the thrift store. It's was about the contestants drag personas and performances more than solely there looks even though outfits have always been an aspect of drag it wasn't everything and it didn't have to be expensive.

[@mcTash]

Loved this video all so true.. i just came to double check? Im pretty sure latrice was doing drag BEFORE she got locked up. I recall on as4 alexis knight said when she got out they held a fundraiser and sat for hours and hours to make her costumes so she can get RIGHT back in it. The way you said just made it sound like her fellow inmates encouraged her to START, but i think they just encouraged her to CONTINUE! Love the vid tho love🫶🏾

[@hotpotato96]

I'm a Kiwi and watching the first season of Drag Race Down Under was so painful bc how was the Australian host the only one who understood most of the queens' jokes?? Did the producers not even put together a quick powerpoint of key points in Australasian culture??? Luckily DRDU season 2 was ~slightly~ better, but the only Drag Race series I'll continue to watch is Spain's since the host is so much nicer, fresher, and actually understands her queens' references!! 💀

[@betisbaby]

Unfortunately, Spain's season 3 is trash, i didn't like it and it was very clear who was the favourite

[@hotpotato96]

@@betisbaby Oh thank you for the heads up! I can't find S3 anywhere so I'll give it a miss !

[@christopherdieudonne]

14:30 I'm pretty sure there were even lots of older gays who didn't know who El Debarge is. Back when he was famous, the musical landscape was still very much segregated. El Debarge was a famous R&B singer during a time when the average white gay would *probably* not know about him.

[@frederickseltzerjr2170]

I am so glad this popped up on my youtube front page when I signed on this morning. I saw the title and it piqued my interest and I will admit, I am really glad I did. Major KUDOS to you how you made this video. I am a 53 year old gay former Navy journalist who came out of the closet while still on active duty at the age of 21 on September 30th, 1992. I met RuPaul in Seattle that November when a few of us gay sailors from the two Naval bases in Western Washington we served at. Granted, this was when "Supermodel" was the IT thing and when I met RuPaul later for the meet and greet and she heard about my story she said "I am so fucking proud of you and I wish more young gay men and women had the same courage you did." I celebrated when RPDR first aired in 2009 and yes, I did cry when RuPaul won that first Emmy. When I first saw that "reference" that Valentina made as Eartha Kitt during Snatch Game on AS4 - "Pull the level Cronk!" and RuPaul just looked at her and went "huh?" Valentina repeated the line and RuPaul said "what do you mean pull the level?" But expects all the young queens to know every line quoted on any episode of "Golden Girls" or "Mommie Dearest" but failed to acknowledge Eartha's greatest voice over role of her life that actually introduced her to younger generations is where we have all seen it before. A person becomes extremely successful, rich and earns some power, but starts to forget the long road they had to walk when they were young and hopefully trying to make it in what I believe is a very difficult arena, unless you can paint for the gods, beat your mug, know how to perform AND know the words to whatever you are performing. I only did drag a handful of times because A. I couldn't put make up on to save my life B. I refused to shave my very hairy blonde body and C. Having my drag mother cinch me in a corset so tight that people thought I was a real women because to small amount of body fat I had back then was pushed up to give me "breasts" and I wore a scarf around my neck out that night, but when we took it off, on my back I had literally 1/2 inch marks into my skin on my back, how tight it was.

[@fraz1joh]

Your videos are always so well crafted. Your ability to creatively and engagingly express your thoughts and feelings is unmatched. It doesn't feel like being preached to or having someone feed you lines. It feels honest and most importantly, it's funny. Thanks again 👍

[@susanmartin3762]

I once loved Rue Paul! But...ever since i watched Pearl's interview, I saw Rue in a different light. You remember Pearl right? "Do i have something on my face?" Yeah..THAT Pearl. She said when she wanted to talk with Rue about being told she had "No personality". It hurt her deeply. She'd been a fan of Rue's her entire life and wanted a short moment of Rue's time. Rue turned to her and said, "If that camera's not running, nothing you say matters!"...😮 that changed how i saw Rue's Paul.

[@20000dino]

2:52 I’m Gen Z (born in 2000) and I grew up with ANTM (and have come to grips with how problematic it was years ago). Most of us aren’t as young as you think lmao.

[@goldensloth7]

i was born in 1985. i gave up social media a while ago, except youtube.

[@AliceBunny05]

Yes lol, there's always a little debate on where exactly the cutoffs are, but generally the oldest gen z are around 25-26 and the youngest are like 13.

[@SaraxAdam]

@@AliceBunny05 oldest gen z are 27! (wtf)

[@strawbemmy]

yeah, i think people confuse gen z with gen alpha. gen z started in '97! we're definitely not the same generation as gen alpha haha

[@brockreynolds870]

Keep in mind that Drag Race is a CABLE show, and therefore, "Success" on a network like that is a VERY low bar. The main reason is because it's so insanely cheap to produce. It's just a glorified game show. You'll never see Drag Race in the top 20 of the Neilsen ratings, matter of fact, Drag Race pulls the same ratings that All My Children was getting when it was cancelled. The difference being that All My Children cost much more, because of the writers and actors had to be paid. But when Drag Race gives 9 grown MEN 60 bucks to eat dinner on (And one of them being Latrice!) , you know they aren't spending diddly squat. It IS a success for what it is, but it's also a big fish in a small pond. Even game shows routinely give away 10,000$ or more per episode... Drag race never does that. Also, television as a whole is INCREIBLY fractured, and diluted, and no show gets the ratings they used to. In the glory days of TV, when we only had 3 networks... a successful show would have between 20-30% of the country watching it. Drag race gets about 1/2 of 1 % of the country watching it.

[@ello8437]

I don't usally comment, but I wanted to let you know that I love the way that you approche topics and the grace and open attitude that you come with. It a special thing to still be optimistic and open in this world and you inspire me to think the same way!

[@kristencurtis7031]

Phenomenal video!! Thank you for summing up what I was feeling but struggled to express! Extremely articulate and spot on.

[@Fiyeroification]

A quick note on DRDU (as an Aussie). I looked up the writers and producers and they were mostly from New Zealand unfortunately (some US or Aus), but they also had basically no credits to their names. I think choosing not to hire on talent, but rather on price, was a big mistake. An additional piece to the puzzle was the timing. The filming started shortly after the pandemic hit, and the initial plan to film in Sydney got scrapped due to a decision by the (at the time) conservative government, meaning they were disorganised, had eaten through the budget, and working with a smaller, less experienced team anyway. The choice to keep the same team likely came out of realising NZ has really bad (malleable) film and TV labour laws and wanting to keep production there, and not wanting to fly out a new team from Australia. Or at least, that's my take

[@queencokefrancis]

that tracks, my apologies if I made any wrong assumptions without doing more research

[@Fiyeroification]

@@queencokefrancis Oh, you're fine, it's still a wildly disorganised bin fire hahaha

[@queencokefrancis]

I mean my mother in law recently got me an autograph from Karen From Finance that will likely show up in future videos

[@lebkha]

They are pumping so much new seasons and new Queens I can barely remember 10% of the new seasons girls... so unfair for the new queens.

[@ToddJHammond]

Thank you for your comments about DRDU. For us Aussies and Kiwis its considered embarassing. We all genuinely felt it should have always been an entirely Australian production and Courtney Act had been hosting the whole time. The production always felt so cheap and often it had to be produced in a way so thay American audiences would understand rather than be made by Australians and Kiwis for Australians and Kiwis. How is it that we had Samsung as a sponsor with a cheap ass set while Drag Race Philippines has the most amazing runway backdrop with the monitor wall changing to the theme of the category.

[@tacobellbeefburrito]

I just got back into watching drag content (mostly trixie and katya) I literally gave up on drag race bc it was too much content and so many shows I just couldnt keep up

[@JinMeowsoon]

Agree with all your points. I’ll add to that social media algorithms facilitate echo chambers. If you watch RPDR then you’re bombarded with RPDR content. The fandom is actually quite small, it’s not like sports or K-pop where the offer is diversified and there’s always something new, so you basically get recommended the same content in a loop. It really amplifies meaningless drama, someone will say something that can be interpreted in some way and suddenly the entire fandom is aware of it and it looks like that strawman is actually a big deal, like a storm in a water glass (as we say in French). IMO that’s why so much fans get “burn out” from RPDR: less the fact we’re enticed to watch all the licenses but more so there’s drag race everywhere.

[@blendofdays]

How funny that yt suggested this now! Instantly subbed btw! The newest all stars season is the PERFECT example of everything you touched on. It makes me sad that so many people associate drag as drag race only! I actually prefer Dragula if im going to watch drag tv!

[@HaleyZLMFT]

This video captures so many of the reasons why I stopped watching the show after S15. Like you, I discovered Drag Race in 2009-I was a college student downloading episodes on iTunes 😂 And I have probably watched 90% of the available seasons including many of the international ones. I love drag, I love doing drag, and I love that drag is more visible and embraced than it once was. But seeing the show turn mainstream drag into this race for who has the most expensive looks/biggest following/most iconic drama etc. has me feeling down. I want every queen to win in her own way and WOW really doesn’t care to give each contestant their due deference or even each winner to bask in their win. The cycle just continues and WOW just prints their money. Nowadays, I stick to supporting my local LA and Long Beach queens and kings (we have Landon Cider!!) and other than KZbin, I stay off social media and thus stay out of the loop of most drama. Anyway, thanks for listening to my long ass rant. Your channel is amazing and I’m sooo happy to have discovered it. 💞 😘

[@queencokefrancis]

I simp for Landon so hard it hurts

[@definitelynotashark1799]

I watch some of the "smaller" international seasons nowadays. The last US season I watched fully was 12 (I think). Germany and Brazil were both enjoyable to me (and tbh Germany was the first time I was fully invested in the competition in a LONG time). Like they all still know that they're starring in a major show, but the culture and dynamics are a little different.

[@nellrose4699]

Agree, I really enjoyed 12 (ignoring sheerry pue of course), and Germany was great. I just watch the foreign franchises now, don't bother with US

[@gsandau]

I'm healing from a broken foot, but I forced my foot into my favorite leopard print kitten heels to step on the Like button.

[@spejs2479]

Love the video! If anybody deserves more recognition in the drag community it's u!!! Thanks for the video, i didn't rly know about the whole situation, since i stopped watching RuPauls drag race some time ago.

[@juhiazha9600]

I don’t like how rpdr has changed the mainstream definition of drag into rupaul’s ideal vision. it’s so restrictive and gets repetitive after a while.

[@natmarie8227]

I worked for the wow office for a few months last year (they let me go lolll) and it was Not Great :) they literally worked me like a dog and expected me to do so many things that weren't in my job description lol it really is wack

[@TheDopekitty]

I'm not stopping completely but I'm going to just watch the English and french speaking seasons (the 2 languages i can actually speak ) unless I hear about an exceptional cast member or something. For me it's partly overwhelm with how much content is being produced and partly eye fatigue from reading subtitles. I definitely hear what you're saying, but I can't not watch my favorite show.

[@fredo305tilidie]

this analysis is so on point! i just cancelled my subscription to WOW presents plus, and i've been an avid fan since season 1. i do think the global proliferation of the franchise is in the start of a slow down at the moment, despite the new global all stars. like, we had way too many different international franchises last year, a few which were not renewed. there are so so many seasons that the show is beginning to feel more and more watered down and formulaic, especially when they introduce an unpredictable plot twist.

[@BuddhatheRockstar]

After watching this I am proud to Subscribe! RPDR hasn't had any creativity since Season 6. It's been disappointing to watch RU abandon the Art of Drag. I'm almost as old as him and have watched him be an activist to a millionaire. That is not punk.😠. He's either in denial or just greedy.....ugh.

[@deatherbradley]

I don’t care, I’ve always loved season 7 dude. I don’t get why there is so much hate on it. I started on season 4 and have watched ever since. 7 isn’t the worst or the downfall of the show really. At least in my opinion

[@queencokefrancis]

7 is one of my favorite seasons and introduced me to some of my biggest drag inspirations

[@betterDoneDo]

That Yvie Oddly twitter thread is everything! 22:21

[@thelostone6981]

Engagement, engagement, engagement! Making a comment for Coke Francis’ engagement! And have seen RuPauls house on Architectural Digest as of late? I don’t think RuPaul is struggling to pay rent….or pay for medication….or food….or basic need for human decency…

[@queencokefrancis]

he certainly isn’t struggling to allow fracking on his farm

[@kaylasays]

Loved this, you are so funny! Consider me subbed

[@LiveAndLetLivia]

This is so GREAT. You nailed everything. Thank you, and I love your sincere, clear energy. Subscribing ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bamsrevenge]

Not me coming into the comments and only seeing 4 !! You have really good content ! New subscriber here 💕

[@8thYang]

I haven't had cable since season 6, which inadvertently led to your, I don't want to say review, I'll say expose', capturing my interest almost as much as you in your racing suit🥰. As beautiful as you are, that is second place to your sense of integrity. Excellent video. I gently untucked but then cracked the screen on my phone slapping that Like button.... You in that racing suit....🏎️

[@creepyspookyicky]

HOW HOW HOW DID IT TAKE ME SO LONG TO FIND YOU?!? Oh well, at least I have now! Binging the shit out of everything, subbed & liked!! So I'm an old gothweenie (55) been in the community forever, MASSIVE drag fan long before drag race. I wasn't a fan of RuPaul rly. When I first found out about the show, I hated the idea of them throwing a bunch of girls who probably didn't have 'two of nothing' (to quote the legend & icon Pepper LaBeijia) into a pit to scratch each others eyes out for a few bux. I was completely against it. Then a good friend told me she loved it & it wasn't like that at all. So I started watching it when S4 came out. I was familiar with lots of the girls & so excited to see Sharon win. S4 is INCREDIBLE. Chad fucking Michaels!?!?!Latrice motherfucking Royale?!? & girls I didn't know but fell in love with instantly. Jiggly (my sister in my heart), Dida CHEESECAKE Ritz!! Jaremi Carey!! So fucking talented!! & Then S5? ICONIC!!! & Then by like S11, the blight was fully on the bloom & my heart broke more & more for the girls every seaaon as the show & fandom got more & more toxic. 💔 I've dld the new season so far but haven't started watching it yet even tho I've got to bc I managed to get my extremely bleeding heart liberal 85 yr old Aunt into it & I know she wants to kiki with me about it lol!! I know part of the reason the quality has declined is bc obvs the older seasons had queens who were queens before the show & now most of the queens grew up with the goal of being on the show. I'm mostly ok with that (esp after Sasha Colbys Oscars sweep win!!) MASSIVE fan of KITH, esp Buddy Cole, don't understand why RPDR S7 isn't more revered bc John Waters appearance/challenge which is INCREDIBLE, hope you love The Cramps - if yr not familiar, plz check them out, same with Bruce LaBruce, Vaginal Davis, Trap Girl, The Tiger Lillies, The Handsome Family. Would love to see you do a deep dive comparing Pasolinis Salo to Desperate Living bc I think yr the only one qualified. Love LOVE LOVE YOU!!!! Nice girls don't wear CHACHA HEELS!!!! ☠️👻🌈👻☠️ The world of heterosexual is a sick & boring life!!

[@queencokefrancis]

The Cramps are my 2nd favorite band of all time

[@creepyspookyicky]

I had a feeling bc yr that fucking cool LOL!! Good lord!! Me & the old man are on yr 3rd video & so into yr content!! I was lucky enough to see KITH live in the early 90s & omfg it was off the chain!! The Chicken Lady ran into the audience & scared the living shit out of ppl lol. You are beyond cool & super super funny & smart as fuck. Dying loling at the Krishna part in the John Waters video bc my little sister is a Krishna devotee. I came THIS close to getting to see Divine at Taboo here in Detroit in the 80s but missed out. My beloved Uncle Joe & his much older boyfriend Walter introduced me to John Waters when I was a 13 yr old little fat kid & Divine instantly became my inspiration. I could be fat AND gorgeously fabulous?!?! OH HELL YEAH. dyed teased black hair & tight black slip dresses for LIFE!! I am also deeply in love with Landon Cider & if you haven't seen River Glass, plz look them up on here. Their king transformations are fantastic!! Curious what you think of the Dragula Fear Factor style format (I legit HAAAAAAAAATE that aspect of it but looooooove the show). Thank you for the wonderful content. This is making my year!!💜💚💜

[@unacceptableconditions9884]

I absolutely adore the early seasons because they were created when drag wasn’t mainstream the way it is now so majority og the pieces were make shift and there wasn’t insane expectation. It felt much more organic. I love fashion and I love how complex the runways are now but im noticing that a lot of the pieces are made by designers outside of the show and this is becoming much more common place, which kinda sucks because the hand crafted aspect of the show is what made is so great to me

[@LuluViolet-iu5it]

New Zealander here. One of the main producers from down under is 100% kiwi. Kita and Anita actually hosted their own drag competition show called “House of Drag” before appearing on drag race DU. That show had the same producer. Some of your complaints about DU are also prevalent on HoD. It’s actually spooky. Also Ru can not pronounce “kia ora.” It’s a very common indigenous greeting here, so for Ru to butcher it reeks of disrespect and entitlement. Especially when ALL the other queens say it back to her correctly.

[@paulnull1232]

I agree with everything that you've said, but in reference to everything you've said and what Yvie said, this was inevitable. Money rules. Money talks, BS walks. This is a cash cow for the producers; this is the only thing that drives them. They will only care about the queens or the fan base once they start making a dent in their pockets. This is what every major corporation does in society that starts off getting big, they begin losing touch with their roots. What I see happening is that the drag world is going to be so oversaturated with Ru girls that the booking fee will become lesser, so the necessity of getting on the show will be less, which will make way for wealthier queens to get on. The days of thrift store drag queens getting on the show is over, and that's sad.

[@XTremeCaffeine]

Honestly I just felt like the show became too many skinny white queens doing singing and dancing challenges every week, it became exhausting to watch

[@toshi06]

Im so glad I found this video. Very high-quality content within the explanation and research that was presented. Dick slapped the subscribe button I did!

[@Paivabibi]

hi im from brazil and i love your videos. i gree with everyting you said, you are very especific and i love it, but im so addicted that i think i cannot stop watch, oh god :(

[@Bazzlieo]

I agree with so much of it, and honestly it’s also just a less interesting television product at this point. It used to have this special spark and now every season feels the same They used to trust their cast and their fans a lot more, and now ts becoming less and less about the competition and more and more like just a drag showcase, slowly losing all of the dna of what makes a reality show what it is. Couple that with how disgusting the fans are, and the fact that there’s no real drama anymore because the fans are so vile to anyone who steps out of line, and so we have manufactured boring ‘drama’ now Not to mention the effect it’s had on the industry which okay it’s core is good, but it’s now becoming frustrating because you aren’t allowed to deviate in ANY WAY from the rugirl formula, and the bar of entry for drag is so high now

[@olantschtrailieknoi8208]

Ca me fait tellement plaisir que l'algorithme me propose ta vidéo. Pendant longtemps j'ai eu l'impression d'être seul à penser comme ça. J'ai découvert rpdr pendant la diffusion de la S3 et progressivement sans trop savoir l'expliqué j'ai eu l'impression de ne plus regarder le même programme. S9 est la dernière saison que j'ai regardé en entier seul, j'ai regardé la S10 de-ci de-là principalement parce que mes amis continuaient à regarder et qu'on en parlait. J'ai tellement été écœuré que la S12 est la dernière saison américaine où je situe encore les Queens et juste parce que j'ai regardé des best-of yt de Nicky. Je me suis réconcilié avec la franchise l'année dernière quand un copain m'a trainé dans un bar pour regarder la diffusion d'un épisode rpdr fr. C'est très bizarre qu'en j'y pense que c'était presque tabou de façon générale de critiquer rpdr, comprenant : "pour une fois qu'on nous voit à l'écran et qu'on nous insulte pas on ne va pas s'en plaindre". C'est peut-être la différence de pays et donc culturelle mais je ne retrouve plus du tout la beauté de l'art drag dans les dernières saisons. De loin tout ce qu'il semble en ressortir est "regardez ça, elles sont belles comme des femmes" (ce n'a jamais été le projet du drag de juste faire beau) et "vous entendez ? quand on met des poules dans un poulailler ça fait du bruit" (et le respect des participantes dans tout ça ?). C'est sûrement le fait, comme tu l'as si bien dit, que ce soit devenu mainstream et donc profitable pour l'industrie d'aller à la faciliter et de produire toujours plus grossier et clivant mais je m'en attriste quand même. Pour cell.eux qui ont la possibilité, le drag étant un art vivant, allez voir les Queens sur scènes. Ca reste vraiment la plus belle façon de les voir s'exprimer et de faire perdurer cet art. Merci Francis pour cette vidéo Prenez toustes soins de vous PS : si vous devez n'en choisir qu'une, regardez rpdr fr 😉(j'accepte les critiques des bisous à vous 💕)

[@sarahdenyer5423]

I watched RPDR from the get go and loved it! I couldn’t wait to see every season, it was my happy place. I haven’t watched it in years now. I remember one season 1 of UK drag race when Ru said ‘I don’t want to see no H&M dress!’ And that was it for me. When drag race started it was incredible to watch queens create these amazing outfits from nothing. I still enjoyed the more extravagant outfits but I also loved the more simple, creative ones. Now there seems to be no chance for people who aren’t heavily funded. It really made the magic fall away for me.

[@overgrownkudzu]

i've also kind of stopped actively following it. i'll still watch occasionally, but the show just doesn't have the same raw energy as it used to. every queen is trying to push catch phrases, get attention, but be politically correct and not seem unreasonable so the fandom doesn't hate them. and i don't blame them for it at all, i'd probably do the same if i were in their place. but it makes for a bad show and production has failed to make it more than the sum of its parts. it used to feel cool and underground and now it's just another tv show, in a way. which as you said, it's a good thing that a high budget drag show can exist on tv and be successful. but it's just never going to be as magical any more as the first ones, no matter how much glitter spaghetti and money they through at the walls.

[@ibpants]

That Ru insists on hosting international versions of the show without doing any research on local cultural touchstones makes snatch game a real cringefest. That said, despite all the issues the show has, I still enjoy watching the queens showcase their talents.

[@djbille4283]

As an older gay male, I remember the first time I saw a drag show (Parliament House 1977 [RIP]), and how intrigued I was by the illusion the queens brought. When RPDR first debuted in 2009, I was excited to see the art of drag once again and on TV in the privacy of my home. Season one and the God awful filter they used makes it difficult to rewatch at any level. But thereafter, each season seemed to improve with content and filming quality. IMO, the best seasons last to maybe 9 or 10 and from there it seemed to decline, especially with all the twists added (like the chocolate 🍫 bars). After that era, I could only recall a few of the queens by name as so many were not that memorable. Have never been much on All Stars as the format IMO, is very unfair, although I do feel #7 with all winners was well worth it and Jinxx totally deserved the win 🏆. As far as the versions in other countries, UK and Down Under are okay but those in countries with other languages, it’s just too too much to keep up with the subtitles. Stepping back and looking at the entire picture, it feels like just too much drag is being given to us. But I guess when it comes to money and greed, there’s never enough. 😢 PS. I will continue to watch, that is until I just can’t handle it anymore….

[@AshaDisco]

I stopped watching Drag Race halfway through the 2018 season Cause I just started to live my life & haven't really kept up since then

[@redraven_the]

I love the racing outfit!

[@elgordodelmoscu8296]

6:32 "the drag scene is based" hell yeah it is

[@RoyG.BivDevoe]

While I do agree that capitalism plays a roll in how Drag Race treats their contestants, I also think it helped push the queens further into opportunities they thought they never would've had. Jessica Wilde making her own brand of tortilla chips, numerous queens getting into music and making some top tier music videos, Trixie Mattel become a cosmetic and entrepreneural juggernut, Kim Chi doing the same in the cosmetic industry, as well as Acid Betty, Bob the Drag Queen along with Monét, and even Mo Heart, which I somewhat recently found out that she's creating a cosmetic line too, Naysha friggin' Lopez hosting Roscoes Viewing Party! Her and the queens that come on as guests is the *best* place to get insider tea about what is happening behind the scenes on Drag Race. Peppermint getting acting opportunities on top streaming services, Gottmik walking on runways for some of the greatest fashion houses, and so much more! What I don't like is production meddling, they overplay their hand so many times, especially with contestant favoritism, illogical judging and critism, as well as nonsensical eliminations. Especially the nonsensical eliminations and the favoritism, It still lives rent free in my mind Plasmas elimination on season 16 when she had 3 challenge wins, and the *PAINFULLY* obvious favortism of Sasha Colby on season 15! The sad thing about it is that it's none of the queens fault for the narrative that was placed on them, I completely point the finger at production. I also don't like the toxic fanbase either, I came close to not watching Drag Race all together because of them and how production was elbow deep in the decision making of the show... But then season 16 came along and I fell in love with it all over again. Season 16, to me, was one of the greatest seasons we had in recently aired seasons.

[@sungexpression9093]

Those opportunities don't negate the negatives of the show, and it's debatable another drag platform with less problematic elements wouldn't have arised otherwisel

[@RoyG.BivDevoe]

​​@@sungexpression9093I never said that it negates the negative experiences the Queens endured during their time on Drag Race, I used those examples as a juxtaposition towards Queen Cokes opinions on the matter, or more a lack of examples of both the pros and cons of Drag Race (or not enough examples). Drag Queens that competed on Drag Race have voiced their criticism of the show but they have also thanked the show for their success, some of it bittersweet and other times Queens have been completely burnt by the show. Two of the negatives I mentioned almost completely put me off from watching Drag Race, I think discussing the negatives and positives of Drag Race needs to be talked about equally, so we can pick which things they are doing right and wrong so production and RuPaul can be held to the latter to improve the conditions *for* the Queens.

[@sungexpression9093]

@@RoyG.BivDevoe the “pros” are overstated though. Drag race is an imperfect platform that wasn’t the only way for queer people to find success. When are we not talking about trixie’s wins Lol

[@RoyG.BivDevoe]

@@sungexpression9093 Those "pros" still need to be discussed not to be remembered but to utilize what Drag Race did right to improve on the show as a whole, the cons as well should be be utilized for the same reasons. And although Queens could find success in different avenues yet how many of those contestants would've been able to do it on their own without some sort of platform, especially in this day in age when there is so much push back against queer spaces and the LGBTQ+ community. Drag Race is imperfect but being imperfect isn't an excuse for improvement, which the show has done albeit slow with some issues, but they have improved... A bit. Lol Ahhh the infamous Trixie win . . . . . . despite my misgivings about that win, Trixie hasn't taken that win for granted. Lol

[@sungexpression9093]

@@RoyG.BivDevoe I’m not referring to Trixie winning the show I’m saying everyone is always talking about her successes Kimchi’s makeup line Etc That’s what’s talked about Not the hidden costs of the show

[@BlueBeetle1939]

I just wish there was a version of drag race for alternative queens that wasnt that disgusting fear factor knockoff i want a pure fashion show with a dark goth ascetic i dont see whats so hard about that

[@eddos8303]

Dragula? not exactly but...

[@BlueBeetle1939]

@@eddos8303 that's just worse fear factor

[@ladyn2309]

@@eddos8303at least their show have diverse contestants

[@carlosriveraauthor]

I still enjoy it very much. I get that it has lost that "underground" quality and when the producers get too involved they turn out the worst episodes and the worst decisions, but honestly, there's still a lot of wonderful moments and I've been introduced to amazing queens I follow and root for. I've never been of the "it got famous so it sucks now" mentality, and reality TV has ALWAYS been scripted, ALWAYS been exploitative, and ALWAYS been sleazy. Even since before Drag Race existed. This one just got big enough for those frayed hems to show. There's plenty of negatives, yes, but I think this is still a great overall win for visibility and for drag artists to grow more than they could've originally hoped for; and I think ultimately if the queens know what they're signing up for (which, more and more of them know now), it's their decision. The show has loosened up on some of its more draconian contract clauses and it's a platform queens can use to extend their reach.

[@mesmariahhall1728]

I stopped watching because everything is repetitive. It’s the same challenges, same themes, same drama. The queens are pressured to be so polished that they end up looking like refined copies of queens in earlier seasons. It’s boring. Same reason I’ve stopped going to hamburger Mary’s! The target audience is not queer. Being in the mainstream has created a standard that is Boring.

[@thedriver146]

NOW I have to look up LOGO, I thought it went off the air. I don't have cable.

[@queencokefrancis]

did it? I haven’t had cable since I lived with my parents

[@rebecculousrk]

I agree with you so much!!!! I fell in love with Drag Race at the very beginning. I missed season one, but I found it as season 2 ended, binged the whole season, then saw season 3 week by week with everyone else; and I was HOOKED. I'm a 3rd generation Seattlite, and Jinkxx and DeLa are serious Goddesses. I was a homeless steeet kid on Broadway (the "gay neighborhood") in the 80's, and I knew kids like Jinkxx. It was a gay man that taught a motherless 16 yr old me to walk in heels! I was really drawn in and touched by the stories of the individuals between the competition stuff. It started out as truly amazing breakthrough television, and it has completely changed drag as an industry (?!?) . Like any subculture though, it changes evolves, and with popularity and fame and the acceptance of a broader audience, you're going to see a dilution of the purest spirit of the art form. But I remember arguing that steaight people can't do drag, and I really felt that if you didn't get kicked out at 15 for coming out, if you hadn't been forced into sex work to survive, if you never suffered the shit that "real drag queens" suffer, then you have NO RIGHT to profit off of an art form that people have been doing for a very long time in the face of societal rejection, shame and violence! Now that it's safe and cool you come along and you want a piece of something that doesn't belong to you. I've changed my opinion completely since then in terms of gatekeeping artistic expression, but I still have feelings about the way money and success change people and things. And it's a bell curve, for like 12 regular seasons, 4 or 5 All Stars, etc etc...money was making everything nicer, fancier, prettier. Nicer clothes/costuming, nicer sets, better prizes. But quality slipped in terms of creativity, hilarity...scripts, I don't know. Now I cant even find the shows I used to watch to keep up even after I stopped watching RPDR, Id watch toot or boot, Pit Stop, you know...but now I have to pay to see em, so I don't. The other thing that peeks through is that RuPaul is an ego maniac and a mean girl. After the scene with Pearl, when we all got a taste of Ru's nastiness, stories started to come out more and more about Ru's 'no eye contact', rude celebrity behavior. In the end, drag race not only launched, or boosted, the careers of so many remarkable artists and performers of so many kinds, but also made the world a safer place for all queer people. I have to applaud that...I just wish it's figurehead was a kinder, more decent human being. One of my favorite Drag Queens of all time, Tammie Brown said it so well. "I don't see you walking children in nature!" Jk, the line about 'rich old gays' said everything. Thanks ❤