If you have yet to commit to the reality TV glory that is RuPaul’s Drag Race I encourage you to get on it. (Seasons 4 and 5 are on Hulu.) Even if you’ve yet to clock the show, I’m sure by now you at least know the premise: a little bit of Top Model, a little bit of American Idol, and a WHOLE lot of shade. But what about the element that ramps up this reality show romp to the next level? If you’re like me, what keeps you coming back is the titular queen herself. I can not get enough Rupaul. Here’s why…

1. This genuinely beautiful childhood memory –

In an Ask Me Anything on Reddit, RuPaul was asked, “What’s the fondest childhood memory you have?” and his response is such a lovely way of framing drag, performance and his own ability to change people’s perceptions:

The time my sister Renetta took me to the Canyon with a paper bag of cookies and a blanket, and told me “Ru-ru- this is a pic-nic.”

I was 5 years old.

That’s when I first learned about magic. Because to anyone else, it would be a paper bag and a blanket. But Renetta turned it into a magical event by calling it a pic-nic.

2. These videos are a go-to for a pick-me-up or dance party –

3. RuPaul asks the good questions –

When you’ve blazed your way through all available seasons of RDR, there are 34 wonderful webisodes of RuPaul Drives… for you to enjoy! His interviewing skills and rapport with his passengers do not disappoint.

4. So much knowledge –

RuPaul keeps it real in the best way possible; intelligence, sass, and a dose of life experience all with a light-hearted, buoyant quality. Basically, life-lessons that are RUHL. These words are speaking to me at the present moment…

“When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.”

“When the going gets tough, the tough reinvent.”

“My goal is to always come from a place of love …but sometimes you just have to break it down for a motherfucker.”

5. Always finding delight –

RuPaul is always in pursuit of delight–whether that be a giggle or entertainment or seeing the people she builds up succeed. What a wonderful life approach to try and mimic, don’t you think?

An explanation from the previously mentioned AMA, “The main thing that motivates me is laughter…”

And so in my own attempt to find delight– those words of encouragement, these melodies, the binge-worthy episodes and THAT LAUGH…truly hit the spot.

Have you been sucked in to the Ru-niverse? Why do YOU love RuPaul? Have a favorite queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race? Mine is obviously Alaska…but that’s a post for another day. 

P.S. Has anyone read this book? I would give anything. Why is it a gajillion dollars? Bout to inter-library loan that shit. KBAIIII!