JADAR

RuPaul, aka the Mother of Drag, requires no introduction. His influence transcends the boundaries of drag culture, extending into mainstream media with his hit reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race. However, last week, he graced the stage of the Opera House Manchester not as a drag superstar but as a storyteller, promoting his latest memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings.

The audience that filled the venue was a vibrant mosaic of drag queens, devoted fans, and individuals spanning generations. Each attendee paid homage to the indomitable spirit of RuPaul, who has become synonymous with self-love, acceptance, and empowerment.

The event, reminiscent of an inspirational TEDx talk, unfolded over the course of 60 minutes. RuPaul delved into the depths of his own journey, sharing poignant anecdotes from his upbringing, navigating trauma, and battling substance addiction. Yet, amidst the weight of these topics, his trademark humour shone through, weaving levity into his narrative.

The show commenced with his immortalised mantra: “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”. A phrase that has resonated through countless Drag Race episodes, but here, it set the tone for an exploration of self-compassion and kindness.

One of the most poignant moments of the evening occurred when RuPaul encouraged the audience to set their childhood selves as their phone wallpapers. It was a simple yet profound gesture, a visual reminder to extend the same love and protection to our inner child as we would to any cherished loved one.

Throughout the talk, RuPaul imparted wisdom on various facets of personal growth, from the transformative power of meditation to the humility found in prayer. He emphasised the importance of stripping away ego, allowing space for true connection and empathy.

Ru also delved into his personal struggles, reflecting on how even after achieving success, he still felt like an imposter. He admitted to seeking validation from others repeatedly and acknowledged the toxic power dynamics he sought in his personal relationships, mirroring those with his father. It was through decades of therapy and self-reflection that he was able to truly embrace his success, serving as an inspirational and motivational testament to the power of personal growth and acceptance.

Surprisingly, Drag Race and the realm of drag itself remained conspicuously absent from the conversation. Instead, RuPaul chose to delve into universal themes of resilience, friendship, and the quest for authenticity. It was a departure from the glitz and glamor of the runway, a deeper dive into the core values that underpin his philosophy.

RuPaul’s candour extended to his personal life, as he opened up about his marriage and the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships. It was a reminder that behind the larger-than-life persona lies a person who, like most of us, grapples with the complexities of love and connection.

The attendees were gifted with a copy of his new memoir, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve deeper into RuPaul’s journey. The book promises to be a treasure trove of insight and inspiration, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

RuPaul’s stop at the Opera House Manchester was not merely a promotional event; it was a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Through humour, vulnerability, and unwavering authenticity, he reminded us of the importance of self-acceptance, kindness, and love. It was an afternoon that transcended the boundaries of drag, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance.

Additionally, RuPaul shared his affection for Manchester, recounting the time spent here during Covid lockdown when one of the Drag Race seasons was filmed at Media City. He shared anecdotes about walking around Arndale, where he saw “girls wearing more makeup than [he does]”.

RuPaul’s talk was not merely a showcase of his literary work, but a profound journey of self-discovery and reflection. Through his candid storytelling, he illuminated the path to self-acceptance, resilience, and love.

As the audience left the venue, they carried with them not only a copy of his book but also a renewed sense of empowerment and inspiration. RuPaul’s message resonates far beyond the realms of drag, touching the hearts and minds of all who have the privilege to hear it. It was an event of laughter, tears, and ultimately, a celebration of the human spirit in all its complexity and beauty.

Photo: Robert Gyorgyi @ JaDar