On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., my friend pried me out of his apartment the evening I stepped off the long train ride through Carolina and Virginia to attend a “Project Runway” party put on with fabulous D.C. gay style. The great RuPaul sat as a judge as designers fought the clock — and the every whim of their drag performers’ wishes — to create the best and most imaginative drag outfits.
Just days later I found myself sitting right back in my Charlotte office speaking over the phone with RuPaul at her offices on the West Coast. Since her last exclusive interview with Q-Notes, the nationally-renowned drag performer has been busy with movie and TV appearances, including a role on the hot “Another Gay Sequel,” also starring young porn star Brent Corrigan. He’s also produced his own film, “Starrbooty,” taking roles as actor, writer, director and more. Currently, he’s working with MTV’s LOGO to create “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” debuting in January 2009.
RuPaul, who will headline this year’s SC Pride Parade and Festival on Sept. 20, took the time to speak about his latest adventures and, despite my best efforts, resist my need to know of any juicy gossip from the set of one of his latest movies.
The last time you gave an interview with us it was back in 2006. You spoke to our former editor David Moore and talked a little about your CD, “RuPaul Reworked.” You’ve done a lot since then, including two movies and TV appearances. Tell me a bit about your work with your film “Starrbooty.”
I’m so proud of that movie. It’s like my little baby and it’s just hilarious. Of course, I sat through all the editing and the post production. The movie is my gift to the politically correct and the religious right.
I haven’t yet been able to see “Another Gay Sequel,” but I absolutely loved the first one. I couldn’t imagine being on set with all those beautiful boys, especially Brent Corrigan. Personally, I’m a fan. With a cast like that, with you and Brent Corrigan, things must’ve been pretty crazy. Any on-set gossip and gayety you can share?
Oh, there was lots of that. (laughs) The most fun was that we shot it in Florida in December. It was cold everywhere else in the U.S., but warm down there. The weather was so lovely. We did it in Ft. Lauderdale, which is like the gay capital of Flordia. I think I spent two and half weeks down there filming my part of the movie. It was just pure joy.
You have a show coming up on LOGO in January and you’re shooting it now. Tell us a bit about “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Anything exciting to look out for?
We are looking for America’s next drag superstar. We have the hottest, most sensational show girls this country has to offer. It meets all our expectations in terms of excitement and talent. Everyday we go to the set there is another bombshell of fun or drama we could have never anticipated and it’s all caught live on camera. I think it’ll be just another part of my legacy.
I was recently in D.C. a friend took me out to a “Project Runway” watching party at a fabulous little apartment in Dupont Circle. It was great seeing you on the show. What was it like to work with the “Project Runway” folks and what were some of your real thoughts about some of the drag outfits made by the designers?
Honestly, I haven’t seen the show yet, so I don’t know what the final edit was like. It took about seven hours to tape the part of the show I was in. It was difficult, I know, especially for the girls. I definitely said everything I thought, though, even if it didn’t make it into the final cut. I didn’t hold back. I had a wonderful time and all the people were lovely.
You’ll be speaking at South Carolina’s Pride festival Sept. 20. What do you expect from the Palmetto State?
I’ve spent a lot time in South Carolina and I think it’s lovely. Southern people are really wonderful people. It has a lot to do with their acceptance of eccentric behavior, you know. I lived in Atlanta for years and you always hear about the radicals, but you never hear about the warm and loving and accepting people the South has. People up north have an idea about the South that isn’t always right. My experience in South Carolina has always been pure warmth and enjoying all the people who love beauty.
What about the heat?
Oh, I prefer the heat over the cold. I’ve been doing this so long its really about having a good time. And, you know, (laughs) the makeup is on so heavy and the wig is tied on it’s not going to slide anywhere.