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RUPAUL Interview
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There is something incredibly infectious about the glamour that is RuPaul. When I heard that this tall, blonde, Black, drag-queen diva extraordinaire was going to perform at the China Club, I immediately knew that I had to wear a blonde wig to the show. It would be my way of saying "Go, girl!" to an entertainer who had captured my interest and admiration even before I sought out the story behind the striking image.
Indeed, it was just one photograph, the cover of a 12" single "Supermodel of the World," (along with the song itself) that compelled me to find out who this person was. How did this man achieve such a fabulous look? I read a long essay about RuPaul in the New Yorker in which I learned that he has been on the drag-queen scene for years, but his most recent, glamorous incarnation has proven to be his most successful.
I found an early album, "RuPaul is Star Booty: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" on which RuPaul impersonates and pays tribute to the tough, yet very sexy film characters played by women like Pam Grier (Friday Foster, Sheba, Baby, Foxy Brown) and Tamara Dobson (Cleopatra Jones) in the Blaxploitation era. As "Star Booty," RuPaul totes a huge gun in a too-short glitter mini-dress, ready to take on "The Man." But the black and white photos and heavy black wig on the "Star Booty" cover hardly display the sheer gorgeousness that RuPaul flaunts as the "Supermodel of the World."
RuPaul plays dress-up in front of the world, transforming his male body into the image of a fabulously feminine high fashion diva. Although RuPaul presents himself in costume (women's clothing, heavy make-up, intricate blonde wigs), what I find to be so exciting and refreshing about him is his authenticity. RuPaul insists that he does his thing out of a devotion to self-expression and self-love. "If you don't love yourself," the down-to-earth RuPaul asks, "how you gonna love anybody else?" RuPaul dares us to be honest with ourselves -- we all "dress up" for the roles that we choose to play in society, and we should respect each other's right to express ourselves as we please.
RuPaul has also said that if you want to know what he's like beneath all the make-up and hair, just listen to his album, Supermodel of the World. It is a toe-tapping, rump-shaking collection of jams that draws from disco, funk and house, and features cameos by LaWanda ("Aunt Esther") Page (who recounts in her inimitable style the inspiring story of the Supermodel's rise from the projects of Detroit to the runways of Paris). RuPaul can sing, and his tune "Back To My Roots" is an especially impressive show of appreciation for African American culture, family, style and music.
RuPaul has become a media sensation, appearing on most of the major talk-shows, and expected to soon star in major motion pictures. There is also talk of a RuPaul doll, since, as he told John and Leeza, he more closely approximates the measurements of a Barbie than most women. I know I'll be first in line at Toys R Us to get my RuPaul fashion figure, because he thinks positive, loves life, makes great records and puts on an incredible show. RuPaul also responds to his fan mail, and returned some we sent him with a quickness no other diva could possibly match.
ROCTOBER: Could you tell us about the best Halloween you ever had?
RUPAUL: Kids, everyday is Halloween to me!
ROCTOBER: What are some of your favorite Black movies?
RUPAUL: My favourite actress of all time is Cleopatra Jones? She is the best.
ROCTOBER: Speaking of films, when are you going to make a movie? I love the part in the song "Star Booty" when you say "Star Booty-The Motion Picture!"
RUPAUL: I have been in the motion picture industry for years! I have starred in several classic cult underground movies! Anyway, currently we are working on several Hollywood possibilities. My people are talking And were aiming for a major film to be lensed sometime next year.
ROCTOBER: Can we get a quick opinion from you on some of your fellow superstars?
Michael Jackson: I love him. He is the best!!!
Sammy Davis, Jr.: Legend.
Madonna: Now there's a real drag queen!
Sylvester (The legendary transvestite Disco Queen whose megahits include "Do You Wanna Funk" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)." This Ultra-Beauty was one of the first superstars to die of AIDS.): I am living for her.
The band KISS: Whatever turns you on.
ROCTOBER: Do any of your special fashion accoutrements hurt to wear?
RUPAUL: Face it. Fashion hurts. And the more painful it is the better you look!
ROCTOBER: The last line of your Star Booty album is "Believe in yourself and you'll be a star." That's very inspiring. Have you lived by this?
RUPAUL: My mama, Miss Ernestine Charles has always said, "Believe in yourself and you'll be a star" and she was right. That's why I dedicated my single "Back To My Roots" to her. And that's what my life is all about, telling all the children to go for it, no matter where you're coming from, shoot for the stars and live for your dream, cause baby that's what life is all about. Okay? Okay!
ROCTOBER: RuPaul, thank you very much. You are truly fabulous.