“Gentlemen… start your engines, and let the best woman, win!” RuPaul is a singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, TV star, and most importantly: one of the most successful and most recognized drag queens. RuPaul’s Drag Race is an American reality show that gives drag queens from all over the world a chance to win 100,000 dollars while doing various competitions to prove that they are America’s best drag queen. Some say that drag originated back in the 17th century in theater where men would play women in plays. The men would say that their outfits would “drag” across the stage. Today, drag queens are a vital part of the LGBTQ community, giving a face to the idea that it’s always okay to be who you are. Central Florida has a long history of local drag queens playing a part in local LGBTQ community outreach programs. Roxxxy Andrews is a local central Florida drag queen who starred on season five of RuPaul’s drag race. While she didn’t end up bringing home the crown, her time spent on the show created an opportunity for her career to explode. Roxxxy Andrews is a regular performer at local Orlando hot spots like Parliament House and Southern Nights. She has won numerous drag pageant shows, and travels extensively for the show, and for her own career. Roxxxy is a perfect example of how you can make an exceptional career as a drag queen. However, being successful in drag doesn’t come without consequences. Many queens are vocal about their careers causing a strain on their relationships with friends and family. Being a man, but dressing up as a female and performing, doesn’t leave those with more conservative families with much to talk about. Many drag queens are open about those hardships in their own lives, and how they are helping young LGBTQ youth with bullying and coming to terms with their own sexuality. A middle school in North Carolina took control of LGBTQ kids in their school being more bullied than other students with the help of drag queens. Durham’s Central Park School held a Pride and Liberation Event where they welcomed drag queens Vivica C. Coxx and Stormie Daie to come to the school and perform “Big, Blonde and Beautiful” from the musical theater representation of “Hairspray.” Their performance was a huge hit with the students and helped non-LGBTQ kids resonate more with the LGBTQ community, hopefully putting an end to bullying. Who better to help educate young children about what it’s like to be “different” than drag queens themselves? This event goes to show that drag queens are not only exceptional performers, but also an important role model in the lives and journeys of many people.
Mental Health 