A Book A Week

At my home, we have a weekly tradition of tuning into the latest episode of the Emmy-winning sensation RuPaul's Drag Race. Our Friday nights often revolve around this show, with both the regular seasons and the riveting All-Stars episodes taking center stage. For those who have yet to become acquainted with the program, it is a captivating competition among a group of drag queens. They take on diverse challenges each week, showcasing their prowess in design, comedy, and production. The lowest-scoring two queens from every challenge engage in a lip-sync showdown, with the loser bidding adieu to the competition. Beyond its commendable representation of LGBTQ+ performers, the show's ingenious fusion of reality show genres has remarkably captured a broad audience, earning it well-deserved critical acclaim. As RuPaul's Drag Race solidifies its place in the cultural lexicon, author Maria Elena Fernandez presents a captivating oral history of the show's inaugural decade within the pages of her book, aptly titled And Don't F&%K It Up.

Centered on the first ten seasons, the book delves into the early years of the show, chronicling its modest origins and gradual evolution into an Emmy-acclaimed sensation. The initial season's unassuming nature struck me profoundly. It was a testament to its low-tech beginnings. Guided by the same production company that propelled him to stardom, RuPaul's initial apprehension towards hosting a reality TV show was palpable. However, as he gradually warmed up to the concept, the production team faced their own challenge: navigating the uncharted waters of reality TV production. Although the debut season may not have possessed the polished veneer of its successors, it unquestionably laid the groundwork and established the blueprint for the program's transformation into the iconic spectacle it has become today.

And Don't F&%K It Up masterfully weaves the rich cultural tapestry of RuPaul's Drag Race, painting a vivid portrait through the authentic narratives of those who brought its magic to life. With a meticulous journey season by season, the book draws from interviews with an ensemble cast: the dedicated production team, charismatic contestants, tireless crew, discerning judges, and even celebrity admirers. This collective chorus of perspectives harmonizes into an intimate insider's panorama, replete with intriguing backstage anecdotes and revelations. The profound impact of the show on its participants and the wider drag community is staggering. Many former contenders have blossomed into accomplished drag performers, while the show itself has propelled the art form into mainstream consciousness. Amidst a backdrop of political discord and attempts to stifle this vibrant queer expression, RuPaul's Drag Race stands resilient—a potent antidote to intolerance. It serves as a weekly testament to embracing your authentic self and shunning societal expectations. As RuPaul's catchphrase eloquently puts it, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?" 

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2023, 51)