Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorThere’s not enough RuPaul to go around the world. But the drag competition show he created in 2009 along with World of Wonder co-founders Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey continues to spread into new territories with his trademark spirit intact.“Drag Race Philippines” will become the latest spinoff when it launches on Aug.
17 on WOW Presents Plus, joining 12 other international iterations of the franchise, along with all-star offerings. Last month, Jinkx Monsoon was crowned winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 7.“Drag is an Esperanto.
It’s a universal language, and it’s so visual,” says Bailey of the franchise’s appeal.RuPaul hosts “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “All Stars,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.” But fans follow along regardless of who is fronting the competition, sharing their passion on social media. “The first thing that grabs the viewers is the big little secret, which is that drag is universal,” says Bailey. “As our fundamental inspiration and leader says, ‘You’re born naked, and the rest is drag.’ Everything we wear is a statement about identity.”On “Drag Race France,” “Drag Race” Season 12 competitor Nicky Doll serves as the main host, while drag star Paolo Ballesteros will host the Filipino version, with “All Stars” Season 6 contender Jiggly Caliente serving as a permanent judge. “There isn’t another Ru,” Bailey says. “The show needs to be true to its roots, its traditions, and that is how it will be the most authentic.”Language isn’t necessarily a barrier for international versions, given how visual the art form is. “Sometimes you don’t need words, meaning or an understanding to feel the energy that is happening on the stage,” says.
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