Most young people today know RuPaul for his iconic, worldwide hit, reality competition series, RuPaul's Drag Race. The real tea, though, is that RuPaul has been a legend for quite some time, and that he was, in fact, struggling in many ways. He never gave up, though, as proven by his power and influence today. Unfortunately, people like RuPaul often become so much larger than life that people forget that they're human and that they, like everyone else, had their moments when they were less than what we'd hoped or expected.
These moments below, give fans a brief look at what RuPaul was like before he became the supermodel of the world. And, to be clear, I'm saying 'he' not out of shade to RuPaul the Drag Queen, but to recognize the man behind RuPaul who too often gets left out of the equation, as if RuPaul the Drag Queen could exist without him.
1) RuPaul's encounter with some homophobes at the Kevin Larmee Gallery show
It's hard to find words to describe this video. It feels almost like a movie about these fascinating complex characters navigating this secret world they've managed to create in a place as difficult as New York City. What's more perplexing, however, is to see homophobes throwing slurs at the one and only RuPaul. We're so used to him being on top that it's odd to see people talking to him in such a way. Above all else, Ru and his friends seem...free. Free in the kind of way that makes us all envious because we wish we could let go too. That's how Ru was and still is — a person who lives life with little to no restraint.
Throughout the video Ru is sort of quiet and reserved, making one wonder what was going through his mind. What was he thinking about? How did he feel? And how in the hell did he look so absolutely stunning with a t-shirt on his head?
2) RuPaul nighttime tour of Manhattan's Meatpacking District
This video mixes humor with a dark reality. Ru is as charming as ever, talking with each person calmly and respectfully, where a lesser person may have been uncomfortable and/or shunned them. The jokes may not be funny to everyone, and some may be particularly triggering, but overall, it shows that Ru's time was definitely different. Can you imagine something like this on TV today?
3) RuPaul's life at New York City's Jane West Hotel
A closer look at what Ru's life was really like back in the day. Again, it is a sharp contrast to the luxurious reality he lives now. He has come quite a long way.
4) RuPaul explaining his decision to move to New York in 1984
Seriously, how cute is Ru? You can see, in this video and the others, how a star was just waiting to be born. His passion, motivation, and dedication are clear whenever he starts to talk about what he's doing and what he wants to be doing in life.
