RuPaul

Linked to RuPaul

Share Feedback

In 1996 RuPaul became the first drag queen and the first openly gay person to host a national television show with the debut of The RuPaul Show on VH1. The show that launched RuPaul into superstardom, RuPaul’s Drag Race, aired its first episode in 2009. The show’s popularity has helped destigmatize the LGBTQ+ community and provided a platform for gay people to publicly discuss experiences of conversion therapy, becoming HIV positive, and coming out to their families and loved ones, among other important issues.

Courtesy of Paula Gately Tillman

A young RuPaul looks into the mirror to prepare his makeup for a photoshoot in his Atlanta apartment in 1996.

Updated Recently

Thomas Spalding

Thomas Spalding

3 weeks ago
Walker County

Walker County

3 years ago
Fort Benning

Fort Benning

1 month ago
Olympic Games in 1996

Olympic Games in 1996

3 months ago

A More Perfect Union

The New Georgia Encyclopedia is supported by funding from A More Perfect Union, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.