13 Times RuPaul Taught Me To Love Myself

Fun Stuff/Lists

01/11/2017
Imogen Downes

Imogen on the times this legendary drag queen made us feel our absolute best.

1. I was 15 years old when I first discovered the queen, goddess, artist, wisdom holder, and fabulous human that is RuPaul. He burst out of my television screen in bright colours, dazzling sequins, and charming catchphrases; but he’s much more than just the face of ‘Drag Race’. He’s been creating a worldwide revolution of acceptance for years, and has taught thousands around the globe the priceless lesson of self love. So in celebration of the glory Ru has gifted us with, here are 13 times he made us all believe we are incredible. Amen.

1. 1. When he taught us we look beautiful
2. ‘Look at me – a big old black man under all of this makeup, and if I can look beautiful, so can you.’

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And it’s true. Ru taught us all to discover our own beauty.

2. When he taught us to give it our all

‘If I fly or if I fall, least I can say I gave it all.’

This amazing line from RuPaul’s song ‘Sissy That Walk’ had us believing that all we can ever do is try our damned hardest. Don’t be afraid of failure, and continue to love yourself even if you do fail.

3. When he taught us to not care what other people think

‘What other people think of me is not my business. What I do is what I do. How people see me doesn’t change what I decide to do. I don’t choose projects so people don’t see me as one thing or another. I choose projects that excite me.’

In this interview with photographer David Shankbone, Ru taught us that what other people think has nothing to do with us. Do you, and do it well.

4. When he was on the Queen Latifa show

Because nothing’s going to trigger some self appreciation than two queens chatting about self love and care.

5. When he taught us to be whatever we want to be

‘The most important thing you can do on this planet is become the realisation of your own imagination.’

Aim high, and don’t let anything stop you.

6. When he taught us not to take life too seriously
‘It’s just a lot of fun and I look damn good in a pair of high heels and a wig.’

That’s right, Ru’s been preaching the same message since day one, and there is no better philosophy for life than this quote.

7. When he taught us with pie

‘If you have goals and the stick-with-it-ness to make things happen, people will feel threatened by you, especially if your goals don’t include them. They believe that if you take a piece of pie, then that leaves less pie for them. Seeing you follow your dreams leaves them realising that they’re not following theirs. In truth, there is unlimited pie for everyone!’

This quote from RuPaul’s book ‘Workin’ It! Rupaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style’ is important to remember both in terms of how people treat you and how you treat others. Don’t become jealous of other’s success; if you work hard, there is always room for you to do well.

8. When he taught us to resist the media

‘Be very careful of what you allow to infiltrate your consciousness and subconsciousness. When you watch too much television, you’ll start to feel inferior from all the commercials hard selling the idea that you’re not complete unless you buy their product […] The ad agencies appeal to your fear of not being wanted or loved. It’s the same with the local news. They get you to stay tuned with a constant stream of fear tactics […] It’s as if our culture is addicted to fear and the flat screen is our drug dealer. Don’t allow that crap into your head!’

Another priceless quote from Ru’s book. Sometimes we just need that reality check.

9. When he walked the runway

Ru walks the drag race runway which such confidence and glamour, it’s impossible to watch him and not feel infected by his self love.

10. When he taught us we are more than we think we are

‘I think drag comes up against opposition because drag queens break the fourth wall, because we say, ‘You are not who you think you are. You are actually much more than that.’

When Ru featured on Wisdom Watch, he didn’t disappoint. Wise, wise words.

11. When he performed with Gaga

These two together make me truly feel like I am looking good and feeling fine. Flawless.

12. When he taught us where our power is

‘You have every right to become bitter. Your mind will tell you, ‘F this. F all of this.’ Don’t take the bait. Continue to love yourself. That’s where your power is right there.’

This video is incredible, not only for Ru’s inspirational life story, but for that beautiful nugget of advice at the end. True power is found in love.

12. When he taught us why we need to love ourselves

‘If you can’t love yourself how the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen?’

Last but certainly not least, it’s the only quote to finish with, the classic quote we all know and love. We need to learn self appreciation to truly appreciate others, because you can’t give what you don’t have. Thank you for your wonderful life lessons, Ru. Amen.

What are your lessons of self love? Let us know @rifemag

If you want a place to chill out and practice some self love, check out Feel Good Fridays at The Station