Letter 3. RuPaul's Drag Race & Leadership: It's Giving Vulnerability, Collaboration & Humanity.
The Rogue Humans Sunday Newsletter.
As a queer person I’ve always had RuPaul on my radar.
In the 90s during my junior high and high school days RuPaul graced me with her presence within a plethora of pop culture moments: MTV appearances, House of Style and one of my favorite films, To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.
When I first met my partner they asked me if I’d ever watched RuPaul’s Drag Race. I said I’d always meant to dig into it, but I hadn’t yet.
Windy let out an audible gasp, and, as I soon discovered, for good reason.
While I licked my wounds fresh from a divorce and relocation back into Minneapolis I was asked to sit down with Windy and her daughter to watch my first episode ever.
It was Season 14, Episode 1. The drag queens were to show off their talents for Mama Ru, and I watched and gagged as I experienced Bosco perform a gorgeous burlesque number as a living breathing rose, pulling off each petal and with ease, grace and confident sensuality.
Then I watched Willow Pill doing what Willow does, which is leaving us saying “What the !#$% did I just watch?!”
Over the next few months I watched every single episode of every single season. And beyond the magic of the performances (and HOLY HELL these queens are talented) what really stole my heart was the way RuPaul shows up for these queens.
He leads by inviting them to see how incredible their craft AND their life experiences can be if they allow themselves to be vulnerable.
This is not an easy feat for any of us, let alone drag queens, who have been the target of a lot of anger, hatred and fear.
I’ve coached many leaders throughout the years who think the best way to get shit done is to apply pressure, create stress and even sometimes shame and humiliate their people.
This ain’t it, folks.
Cruelty doesn’t work. It doesn’t inspire.
In fact, it’s a very expensive way to do business.
As I watched every season of Drag Race I continued to find my jaw in my lap as I watched RuPaul navigate queens who were struggling to perform or show up as their true selves. And he did so with true radical candor: practicing empathy and challenging directly.
And so, I invite you to sit back, relax, and dive into the world of RuPaul’s Drag Race. These are the ways that his leadership and emphasis on vulnerability helps lead humans to not only grow themselves, but also improve their craft and connections with others in their community.
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