Figure 1: RuPaul's Drag Race, My First Drag Kit Prototype
Walk the Runway: A RuPaul’s Drag Race Experience for Children
May 12, 2020
Tina Kramer-Merriken
RuPaul’s Drag Race is a U.S. reality competition television series where men dress in drag to see who will be the next performer in the RuPaul’s Hall of Fame. The series premiered in 2009 and the franchise has since become a hit around the globe for both adults and children, including a few spin-offs, RuPaul’s Drag Race cruises, and DragCon conventions. RuPaul said in an interview he does not do the show for recognition; he does it because of his love for the art of drag (Logo). In 2016, after receiving nominations several years in a row, RuPaul’s Drag Race won an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program. This accomplishment has further put the art of drag on the map, allowing the show to become a voice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning plus (LGBTQ+) community and introduce drag to society as a whole.
The art of drag is no longer only performed behind the closed doors of LGBTQ+ establishments. Prior to the airing of RuPaul’s Drag Race, small conservative towns were not able to experience drag since there were no local LGBTQ+ bars or establishments that existed, as well as children were not able to go to see drag shows due to age restrictions. Furthermore, the television series has given parents of questioning children a look into what their children may be going through. By listening to the stories of the contestants telling about their lives, both good and bad, parents are able to get insights into what it might be really like for their child. It gives the cis-gendered boys or gender-questioning children a chance to express their innermost feelings to their parents and family without having the struggle, as it most often can be. Older generations of LGBTQ+ people would typically have to keep this side of their self a secret.
It would be a dream come true if these children had another outlet other than just visually watching the show. RuPaul’s Drag Race has created many memorabilia like adult makeup, t-shirts, action figures, and paper doll kits. You name it, they probably have it, but they come up short with their child fan base. These children are the generation currently struggling through life who need this show now more than ever with the current state of our political and social climate. The Trevor Project states suicide attempts by LGB youth and questioning youth are 4 to 6 times more likely to result in injury, poisoning, or overdose that requires treatment from a doctor or nurse, compared to their straight peers (Facts About Suicide).
LGBTQ+ children need an outlet to feel more like themselves. Those children’s ally friends could also benefit from literally walking in their LGBTQ+ friends’ shoes for the day. As a drag pageant promoter and past backstage manager, I feel drag is a meaningful way to break out of your shell and be yourself while creating structure in your life, and therefore, we have come up with a way to bring RuPaul’s love for the art of drag to kids at home by giving them a chance to dress as the contestants through the first-ever, RuPaul’s Drag Race, children’s drag kit.
The purpose of the “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Walk the Runway, My First Drag Kit” is to show children that dressing up however they want is okay, beautiful, and an extension of themselves. Whether the child may be struggling with who they are and may want the kit to explore becoming drag performers later in life or are they are straight allies or just fans of the show who may want to play dress up, this kit is suitable for children ages 6–12. The adjustable clear sparkly clear heels allow them to walk the runway in style for years to come. The “Walk the Runway, My First Drag Kit” will be debuted at DragCon, where drags fans of all ages and genders gather over Labor Day Weekend. In perfect timing for Halloween, so children can debut and showcase their outfits to the neighborhood if they choose.
This kit allows children to become even more stunning than RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants, Courtney Act, Adore Delano, and Violet Chachki combined. The “Walk the Runway” ensemble also includes a 4-way stretch pink fabric dress, pink wig, extensive makeup, and the aforementioned adjustable heels. The color pink was specifically chosen for this kit because it is the color of universal love of oneself and of others. Pink represents friendship, affection, harmony, inner peace, and approachability (BournCreative), which is everything we hope this kit will provide to all children, both questioning and not. This drag kit will make the children feel complete and possibly alleviate their feelings of emptiness and depression, turning them into harmony and inner peace.
Works Cited
Logo. “Behind the Rise of RuPaul's Drag Race, the Realest Show on TV.” Vulture, 22 Aug. 2017, www.vulture.com/2017/08/behind-the-rise-of-rupauls-drag-race.html.
“Facts About Suicide.” The Trevor Project, 20 Sept. 2017, www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/preventing-suicide/facts-about-suicide/.
BournCreative, Jennifer, and Digital Strategist · WordPress. “Meaning of The Color Pink.”
Bourn Creative, 4 June 2016, www.bourncreative.com/meaning-of-the-color-pink/.