Here’s what Chicago wore to see RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen
A WBEZ Presents stop on RuPaul’s book tour drew drag fans from across the Midwest who wore their best leather and glitter.
Here’s what Chicago wore to see RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen
A WBEZ Presents stop on RuPaul’s book tour drew drag fans from across the Midwest who wore their best leather and glitter.
By Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis, Manuel MartinezAn immediate standing ovation for RuPaul’s entrance at The Vic Theatre was perhaps unsurprising, given the launch into popular culture the influential drag queen has seen in recent years.
In a WBEZ presented, sold-out keynote in promotion of his new memoir The House of Hidden Meanings on Tuesday night, RuPaul recalled personal stories of his childhood and how he applies life lessons to care for his inner child.
Though not in drag, RuPaul interacted with the crowd and laughed at himself (for example, he fumbled over the word “disassociate” in a serious moment, but leaned into the humor when hearing the correct pronunciation from a few audience members) as if in full performance mode.
In a pre-event meet-and-greet, fans of RuPaul dressed to match that exuberant, confident energy. Several spoke to his influence and the freedom of expression that the art of drag offers.
“Her life is a motivation for me as an artist. I’m 35, I just started and she’s giving me hope that I’m going to get somewhere,” local drag artist Dahlia said.
WBEZ was there with a camera to capture some of the fashion and style. Here are some looks we saw.
Viktoria Kay Frost, 30, Chicago
“I was gonna be in drag anyways, I have a show right after this! Local drag is something. Everybody’s different, we all have our niche and styles, different performances. I’m better than most! [laughs] But I love it here, local drag is little bits of everything.”
Kitty Thomas, 72, Westchester
“I look at Ru because I get a lot of things from him and Michelle Visage [a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race] as well. How to put on makeup and learn about new trends. And I’m a nurse — I teach some of my patients about mental health and things that you should learn for yourself, just to be your authentic self.
My granddaughter is going to be in a [drag] competition, and the competition said denim and bling!”
Flynn Elle, 33, and Thomas Elle, 29, Trevor, Wis.
Flynn: “RuPaul has been a big influence on both of us, like our livelihood. I came out as trans recently, and it turned out that my brother here is of the community as well.”
Tommy Holl, 26, Chicago
“It’s not a Klein Epstein Parker, but it is tailored! A sparkly, glittery suit from head to toe. I’ve had this outfit for a couple years, but I finally got it tailored and there was no way I was going to meet RuPaul and not have a tailored suit.”
Dahlia the Caribbean Diva, 35, Chicago
“I’m wearing black because I’m a lady and I’m coming to the theater. But I’m also covering pearls because that goes with my brand. I’m known as the Caribbean Diva. Shells are my passion and pearls. That’s the look where I come from.
What I love from Chicago drag and drag in general, is that I get to see my favorite artists through local artists. And it’s a little bit of a ladder that gets me to my most inspiring and famous musicians. Like, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé. When I see someone performing to those songs to those putting shows together, drag makes me feel like I’m in the shows.”
Matt Legg, 47, Palatine
“Twenty years ago, [RuPaul] did a CD signing at Borders, which is totally outdated! No CDs, no Borders and everything. I mean, he was really not all that popular, he just walked in and literally was doing lipstick while he’s walking up the stairs, and now he’s a global superstar.”
Ryan Marquez, 28, Wheeling (left)
“I really like the freedom and the expression that [drag] gives people. No matter the hurdles or the fear that it takes to do it in certain parts of our country and around the world, they still find a way to do it.”
Kade Putnam, 27, Wheeling (right)
“I think the freedom of expression and how queens are so confident and how they carry themselves, that really inspires me. It’s really cool to see, I’m more laid back and shy.”
Ellyn Marmaduke, 31, Detroit, Mich.
“Drag is a really empowering art form. It really teaches us to be better humans, better allies, better people in our communities. And then for myself, it really helped me step into my feminine power and just be the best human I can be as well.”
Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis is a digital producer for the Arts & Culture desk. Manuel Martinez is WBEZ’s photojournalist.