Say what you will about RuPaul (I know quite a few gays who live under rocks and are not fans for some reason), but he slayed last night at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
That's right, it took 70 fucking years, but LGBTQ Emmy history was finally made. RuPaul himself won for best host of a reality competition series earlier this month, and then RuPaul's Drag Race took home the award for Best Reality Competition Series. This was the first win for the show, and the first year it took home the award in both categories. Prior to RPDR's big wins last night, only four shows had ever won in the Best Reality Competition Series category in its 15-year history.
Accepting the award RuPaul said, "This is so lovely. To the Academy, this is so lovely; we are so happy to present this show." He thanked many of those who had supported him and contributed to the success of the show, as well as "all of the dreamers out there."
HERSTORY has been made, kitty girls! 👑 @rupaulsdragrace just snatched the Emmy for Best Reality Series and after @rupaul’s win for Best Host, it’s the first time EVER a show has won the Emmy for both! 🏆 We’re floored, gagged, humbled, and honored.👏 Come THRUUUU! 👏 pic.twitter.com/LnKvmdEJZf
— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) September 18, 2018
Once his speech was done, the drag legend ended in true RuPaul fashion by saying, "If you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else."
Fellow judge Michelle Visage posted later on social media about what the win meant for many in the community.
After the win, RuPaul celebrated with the cast and crew backstage, where he hung out with RPDR super fan Leslie Jones. After tweeting about the series this summer, Jones has become a huge supporter of the show (and hopefully joins next season as a guest judge). The two also presented an award together.