WHEN he was born, cross-dressing was a punishable crime in America. Men had to dress like men, and in New York they could even be arrested for wearing fewer than three pieces of clothing.
Back then it would’ve been unthinkable that a drag artist – a black, gay one at that – would become a household name.
Yet RuPaul Charles has done that and more. He recently made history when he won his 11th Emmy award – the most by a black artist – for his long-running show RuPaul’s Drag Race. The 60-year-old hosts the series and acts as a mentor for aspiring drag queens, and it was them he thanked when he accepted his record gong at the recent Emmy Awards.
“Thanks to all of our lovely children on our show from around the world,” he said. “They’re so gracious to tell their stories of courage and how to navigate this difficult life. This is for you and for you kids out there watching. You have a tribe that’s waiting for you, baby. Come on to Mama Ru!”
He also acknowledged his milestone victory meant a lot to him. “I have all the scars to show you from a career in show business. It’s been a long, hard road but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
“I dig being creative and music and colours and shapes and the laughter from people and discovering something really beautiful in these contestants, every season. So the history sort of means other people are keeping track of things.”
Esta historia es de la edición 7 October 2021 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición 7 October 2021 de YOU South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Kourtney Kardashian and other celebs are honouring the glory of new moms' postpartum bodies
LEON'S ORDEAL IS NO JOKE
Pain has dominated entertainer Leon Schuster's life after a serious back injury landed him in bed. But despite being depressed he remains hopeful he will recover so he can get back to work
'BREAK THE SILENCE'
That's the message of the Scottish comedian who turned his experience of stalking and sexual abuse into a hit Netflix show
A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Damaged people and abused dogs find a safe haven and a chance to start again at this farm in the Cape Winelands
FROM SPERM DONOR TO DAD OF 37
Peter Ellenstein's life took an unexpected turn when a message from a daughter he never knew he had led to him meeting dozens of his children and exploring what it means to be a father without ever having raised them
GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BREATH
A double lung transplant has given this chef a second chance at life - and he'll never forget the young man who made it possible
THE GAMES ARE GO!
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
We break down what the new rules are and what to expect for the seventh national elections later this month
TOM'S A TOP GIFTER
He's known to go ALL OUT for his movies and stunts, so it's no surprise TOM CRUISE also PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS for his friends when it comes to GIFTS
TAMING THE BEAST
Recognising and managing your anger can make for a happier and healthier you
