Start your engines--for the fun, controversy and life lessons of RuPaul's Drag Race and its spinoff, RuPaul's DragU. This international collection of original essays critically examines the shows' representation of drag within the contexts of the reality TV genre and LGBTQ issues. Contributors focus on the structure of the two programs, the subversive nature of drag itself, the treatment of trans contestants, the issues of race, the language and the shows' handling of LGBTQ political issues. A comprehensive discussion is provided of the shows' premise, the host and the contestants through six seasons of Drag Race and the three seasons of DragU.

Includes 10 illustrated punch-out paper dolls of the winning contestants from the first 8 seasons, including the winners from the first 8 seasons of the Emmy® Nominated RuPaul's Drag Race, and the winners of the first 2 seasons of Drag Race All Stars. 8 Winners - BeBe Zahara Benet, Tyra Sanchez, Raja, Sharon Needles, Jinkx Monsoon, Bianca Del Rio, Violet Chachki, and Bob the Drag Queen. 2 All-Star Winners: Chad Michaels, Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 Foreword by Michelle Visage. Featuring 10 board pages and 64 regular pages.

Start your engines--for the fun, controversy and life lessons of RuPaul's Drag Race and its spinoff, RuPaul's DragU. This international collection of original essays critically examines the shows' representation of drag within the contexts of the reality TV genre and LGBTQ issues. Contributors focus on the structure of the two programs, the subversive nature of drag itself, the treatment of trans contestants, the issues of race, the language and the shows' handling of LGBTQ political issues. A comprehensive discussion is provided of the shows' premise, the host and the contestants through six seasons of Drag Race and the three seasons of DragU.

This book identifies and analyzes the ways in which RuPaul’s Drag Race has reshaped the visibility of drag culture in the US and internationally, as well as how the program has changed understandings of reality TV. This edited volume illustrates how drag has become a significant aspect of LGBTQ experience and identity globally through RuPaul’s Drag Race, and how the show has reformed a media landscape in which competition and reality itself are understood as given. Taking on lenses addressing race, ethnicity, geographical origin, cultural identity, physicality and body image, and participation in drag culture across the globe, this volume offers critical, non-traditional, and first-hand perspectives on drag culture.

The only lie told more often than "No, that looks totally cute on you" and "I got AIDS through oral" is "It gets better." Well, a lotta times it don't. Sometimes it just sucks less. But I promise you: where there's a Willam, there's a way. But this isn't all about me (for once). It's about you and how you can Suck Less at a variety of things drag queens are so much better at than the average person. I've got clap backs and life hacks and tips on classing up a simple grab-and-run lifting spree to the much more dignified act of larceny. Super-important life stuff with my own special, secret fag- swag sauce. So welcome to Willam's School of Bitchcraft and Wiggotry. Class is in session. With a foreword from Neil Patrick Harris.

This edited volume is an exploration of the social, cultural, political, and commercial implications of the trailblazing reality television series RuPaul's Drag Race. Going beyond mere analysis of the show itself, the contributors interrogate the ways RuPaul's Drag Race has affected queer representation in media, examining its audience, economics, branding, queer politics, and every point in between. Since its groundbreaking and subversive entry into the reality television complex in 2009, the show has had profound effects on drag and the cultures that surround it. Bringing together scholarship across disciplines--including cultural anthropology, media studies, linguistics, sociology, marketing, and theater and performance studies--the collection offers rich academic analysis of Ru Paul's Drag Race and its lasting influence on fan cultures, queer representation, and the very fabric of drag as an art form in popular cultural consciousness.

Prepare for a RuPaul's Drag Race herstory lesson like no other - as this book celebrates all the queens from seasons 1 to 10, plus so much more! Buckle up hunties, as we spill the T on the greatest reality show! This ultimate guide celebrates all the queens that have sashayed the runway from seasons 1 to 10 and All Stars seasons 1 to 3 - all 127 fierce performers are included and all are illustrated by talented artist Paul Borcher! Author John Davis also gives the reader an insider's guide to drag terms, and includes inspiring quotes from RuPaul, and stats and facts on all those sickening lip-sync battles, the mad fashion moments and the feuds and friendships that make this series so exceptional.