By Karen Joy Pangantihon
June 27, 2020
2020 in America has forced us all to sit with ourselves. The times have held a mirror up to each individual and has created dialogue within where we’ve had to address who we are, the thoughts that we’ve pushed to the wayside in perpetuating lives of constantly being on the go, as well as the relationships we’ve had with the people we consider in our close circles, and the relationship with ourselves.
During months of unemployment surging, BLM, and politics, all during a pandemic we’ve been figuring out how and if our roles are evolving. 2020 has been the longest year of my life and it’s only halfway through. Happy Pride Month by the way!
Like many of you, I’ve turned to film and television to educate myself, find comfort, or even escape for an evening. Season 12 of Rupaul’s Drag Race found it’s way into my curation of healing with TV as well it’s way into my heart.
I think it is safe to say that the Queens of season 12 were exceptional as a whole, and surpassed any expectations I’ve had as an audience member with the level of “uniqueness, nerve, and talent” served. From the execution of the looks to the performances, this newest season gave me a reason to dress up again in the time of Covid-19 and shelter in place. I wanted to approach each day with intention and towards the goal of becoming the woman that I wanted to be in this world, and RuPaul’s girls helped me remember that effort put into self love and celebration of self is an act of rebellion and revolution.
Here are twelve lessons from RuPaul and their girls from season 12, though I know I could find way more than that ***SPOILERS AHEAD***:
STAY WEIRD.
Crystal Methyd, who came to be a top three finalist, proved that what she had to offer as an artist and performer pushed the mainstream art of Drag forward, and the strange, cooky, and weird is also beautiful and essential. From serving looks that were influenced by Batman and Robin’s Mr. Freeze, Bert and Ernie,and older, fragile man in his nightgown holding a candle stick, to Freddie Krueger, she had us all “yelling Crystal Methyd” by the end of the season.
“Ross Mathews: You have had a pivot in this competition where you’ve really gone all-in on your weird.
Crystal Methyd: I am weird, so sometimes I feel like people might not like that.
Whoopi Goldberg: F*** ‘em! Doesn’t matter. As long as you’re having a good time, we want to go where you’re going”
2. You might give it 110% but that doesn’t mean you’re going “To rule the world” (at least not as the next Drag superstar) . Safe isn’t always good.
3. Be Goode.
Gigi Goode. GGGGGGG Gigi Goode. The queen was 21 when she filmed this season, and it astounds me how strong of a performer she was at such an early age. I mean, she’s so young she doesn’t know who Patti LuPone is...yet. Her looks were consistently flawless.She’s polished, and has star quality (and legs) for days. For Snatch Game when RuPaul questioned her choice to be Maria the Robot, they replied with “I understand your concern, but I do not have the same concern”, and continued to deliver the best performance in the game. I cannot wait to see how Gigi evolves in the years to come.
4. If it’s already been done, do it better, or don’t do it at all.
Manila Rice season 3 Brita season 12
5.Celebrate your Culture and Heritage. Wear them on your sleeve, and on the runway.
There’s so much to love about Jackie Cox. Witty. Intelligent, and in my eyes season 12’s sweetheart, she gave us an incredibly moving moment when she wore an Americanized hijab and abaya on the runway and proceeded to don the outfit while giving an epic lip-sync performance of Katy Perry’s “Firework”, a performance piece that not only brought us to tears, but Jeff Goldblum as well.
6. Politics can be funny
Absolutely brilliant, Jaida Essence Hall.
7. “People think congress and government is all about leading people, but ultimately … it’s about following the public will. And the people who change what people think are artists and drag queens… It starts with you. You’re patriots.” - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
8. Broccoli is good for you.
Dahlia Sin was the first queen to be eliminated this season but left a lasting impression .
9. ‘If you can’t love yourself, how in the Hell you gonna love somebody else?” - RuPaul at the end of every episode
10. Season 12 was robbed of a decent finale in lieu of the Corona Virus, RuPaul, we love you, but please, bring back your girls.
Thank you and cheers to season 12, you’ve brought so much joy in these times of uncertainty.