Maria Elena Fernandez - And Don't F&%k It Up

2023, Drag queen, English, Maria Elena Fernandez, RuPaul,

Full title: "And Don't F&%k It Up: An Oral History of RuPaul's Drag Race (The First Ten Years) " by Maria Elena Fernandez.

"A definitive history and celebration of the groundbreaking show RuPaul's Drag Race in its first decade, from a Burbank basement set all the way to the Emmy's, and every weave in-between, as told by its stars, producers and fans. Told over the first ten years, And Don't F&%k It Up tells a cultural history through the stories of the people who lived it: the creators of the show, the contestants, the crew, the judges, and even some key (famous) fans. It begins with RuPaul's decades-long friendship and business relationship with World of Wonder Productions, the entertainment company that helped launch him into superstardom, and later talked him into giving a drag reality show a chance."

"From there, it follows the growth and evolution of the show—and its queens—through a decade of gag-worthy seasons, serving up all kinds of behind-the-scenes realness. With a history as shady and funny as it is dramatic and inspiring, And Don't F&%k It Up shows how RuPaul's Drag Race is a mirror reflecting the cultural and political mores of our time. Its meteoric rise to becoming a once-in-a-generation success story is explored here as never before, in intimate, exuberant, unfettered detail."

RuPaul, whose full name is RuPaul Andre Charles, is an American drag queen, singer, actor, and television personality. He was born on November 17, 1960, in San Diego, California. RuPaul is often referred to as the most famous drag queen in the world and has had a significant impact on popular culture. RuPaul's career gained widespread recognition in the 1990s with the release of the dance-pop album "Supermodel of the World," which included the hit single "Supermodel (You Better Work)."

He became a symbol of empowerment and self-acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and gained a large fan base. One of RuPaul's most notable contributions to entertainment is his role as the host and executive producer of the reality competition show "RuPaul's Drag Race," which first premiered in 2009. The show features drag queens competing in various challenges to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. "RuPaul's Drag Race" has become a global phenomenon, spawning multiple international versions and spin-offs, as well as earning RuPaul several Emmy Awards.

RuPaul has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility throughout his career. He is known for his catchphrase "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?" and has used his platform to promote self-love and acceptance. In addition to his music and television work, RuPaul has also acted in various film and television projects, including roles in movies like "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" and TV shows like "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." RuPaul's influence extends beyond entertainment, as he has been recognized for breaking barriers and promoting inclusion. He has been an inspiration to many and has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the LGBTQ+ community.

Available via Amazon

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