RuPaul, iconic drag superstar and creative mind behind VH1's RuPaul's Drag Race, has been named one of Time Magazine's Most Influential People of 2017. Even more fitting, he's under the 'Icons' section of the list.
After decades of working to make the art of drag mainstream and fighting for equality and acceptance in several different industries, RuPaul has finally gotten (some of) the credit he deserves.
Time Editor-in-Chief Nancy Gibbs said in a statement, "Each year our Time 100 list lets us step back and measure the forces that move us. One way or another they each embody a breakthrough: they broke the rules, broke the record, broke the silence, broke the boundaries to reveal what we’re capable of.”
In the editorial, which was released yesterday, Ru is profiled by none other than the Blackberry-yielding ageless model/actress/diva Naomi Campbell. Why her? Because if you're a badass bitch who just got added to one of the most prestigious lists in the world, who better to talk about you than another (slightly less) badass bitch?! Personal opinion: I think they're the same person. I don't have proof, but I've never been in the same room with both of them at the same time. Have you?
"Ru was different. Not just because he had perfect, precise clothes and makeup, or because he was the only man I knew who could look that good in a wig and heels. There were no rough edges to be found. But as I got to know him better, I got to experience firsthand his wit and his intelligence—he’s like an encyclopedia. And his beauty is far beyond skin-deep," writes Campbell. "I am blessed to know Ru. We all are."
RuPaul joins other major influencers, including U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, First Lady/Daughter Ivanka Trump (Idk why either), and actress Leslie Jones from SNL.
I hope I speak for every boy and girl out there who grew up knowing they were different - and also knew that they deserved to be loved, respected, and admired - when I say "Condragulations, Queen!"