5 iconic moments from RuPaul's Drag Race

With the glitz and the glamour of drag shows, you already know iconic moments are waiting to happen!

Drag has steadily become a pop culture phenomenon. More than a fun show for self-expression, it has given the 2SLGBTQ+ community a spotlight to be seen, heard and celebrated.

This impression rings true to IGNITE as we, in collaboration with Humber’s LGBTQ+ Resource Centre, give the stage to Drag Your A** to School, a drag show happening on Sept. 12 at the IGNITE Student Centre, Humber North Campus.

A large chunk of this mainstream rise is largely part of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which brought the culture to mainstream media. From runway fashion shows to lip-synching battles, this show features drag queens battling it out in a series of challenges. All of this is spiced with a spoonful of drama that makes the mix a flavourful extravaganza.

In all the seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race herstory, nothing spells iconic more than these five highlights of the show.

Sasha Velour and her rose petals

Drag queen Sasha Velour removes her orange wig as red petals fall out from it.

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One thing you’ll always need to remember about drag is how it’s always full of surprises. Sasha Velour is the epitome of this line as she lip-syncs to the song “So Emotional” by Whitney Houston during RuPaul’s Drag Race season nine’s grand finale.

Velour started off by aggressively plucking petals from a single rose. Just when you think she is done in the props department, she unveils more rose petals from her gloves’ compartments. Finally, Velour reveals more rose petals as she removes her wig to cap off the song. Dull moments? Not for her!

Violet Chachki and her two-in-one look

Drag queen Violet Chachki removes her belt, revealing a new outfit.

Via Tenor

Runways are drag queens’ natural habitat. It has since been an avenue to set for an element of surprise. Violet Chachki in season seven made sure to make the most out of it as she features her two-in-one outfit while she struts the catwalk. Talk about drama!

This moment has become such a classic that it became the precursor of all the change-in-the-runway looks in the show. She has set the bar higher for the next generation of drag queens. True royalty, indeed!

Kylie Sonique Love, the first transgender winner

Drag queen Kylie Sonique Love holds her chest as she strikes for a pose.

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Drag is all about inclusivity and diversity. RuPaul Drag Race All Stars season six’s crowning moment is a nod towards this direction. Kylie Sonique Love bested other queens, making her way as the first transgender queen to win in the show.

This feature proves that drag shows know no boundaries and glass ceilings are shattered in the community. There simply are no rules when it comes to self-expression. This win is definitely a part of the drag highlights book!

Nymphia Wind and her boba tea outfit

Queen Nymphia Wind showcases her boba-inspired outfit as she opens her cape to reveal black flying balloons.

Via Tenor

One of the cores of the show is bringing outrageous ideas to life. This expectation can be quite the challenge, but not the kind of challenge drag queens can’t handle. Count on the queens to make mundane things into art. A case in point is Nymphia Wind, the season 16 winner, who made boba tea into couture.

No one can do justice to boba tea better than Wind. The first-ever Taiwanese queen winner of the show recounted that the boba tea outfit was a way of representing her country. Wind definitely did during the lip sync finale as she opened her cape with black flying balloons, resembling the favourite sweet drink from Taiwan. It is regarded as peak creativity, as it made the rounds online for its impeccable execution. It only proves that drag shows’ possibilities are endless! Definitely a highlight!

Vanessa Vanjie and her iconic exit line

Queen Vanessa Vanjie, in a floral suit, walks backwards as she exits the stage.

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Eliminations can be sad in the show, especially when you are the first to “sashay away” from the season. This would have been the case for Vanessa Vanjie when she was sent home first during RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10. But, instead, Vanjie knew she had to make a mark.

Count on Vanjie to see this as an iconic opportunity. Instead of simply walking away, she said her name three times in different intonations. Then she proceeds to walk backward out of the stage.

This grand exit left all the judges and her fellow queens with question marks on their faces. She later became a world-phenomenal meme for the act. In an interview, actor Andrew Garfield recounted it as “one of the iconic moments of drag race history” that left him bewildered and changed at the same time.

Drag queen saying "Can I get an amen up in here?"

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Drag is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get! Surprise is a drag queen’s way of life. That’s why experiencing a show is an exciting chance to immerse into the culture and have the best time of your life. There’s just always something to look forward to and a must-add to your bucket list!

Want to witness highlights unfold right before your eyes? You’re in for a treat! Make back-to-school less of a drag – with drag! IGNITE, in partnership with the Humber College LGBTQ+ Resource Centre, presents Drag Your A** to School at the IGNITE Student Centre, North Campus, on Sept. 12, at 12 p.m. This is your chance to see an iconic show. Plus, if you’re one of the first 15 students in line, you’ll get to meet iconic queens! See you there!

Featured image courtesy of Freepik.

Getting ready for the drag show event? Check out IGNITE’s guide to using 2SLGBTQ+ language!