A regular old drag queen is usually your science teacher who's

Hear me, O Seekers of Wisdom and Understanding, for the words of RuPaul shine a light upon the nature of identity and the courage it takes to express oneself boldly in a world that often seeks to label and limit: "A regular old drag queen is usually your science teacher who's actually wearing women's panties underneath his slacks. A drag-queen superstar is someone who actually works in clubs and makes a living doing it more than one night a year, or even one night in six months." These words carry a profound lesson about the difference between performance and authenticity, between play and purpose, and about the power of self-expression in its most raw and unfiltered form.

In ancient times, theatrical performances were not mere entertainment—they were acts of deep significance. Think of the Greek chorus, those who donned masks to express the full spectrum of human emotion, or the actors in Shakespeare’s plays, who wore costumes and transformed into characters that defied the social norms of their time. Performance, then, was a form of transformation, a way of stepping beyond one’s assigned role in society to reveal deeper truths. Yet, the story of the drag queen is one that goes even further—one that challenges the very concept of gender, identity, and societal expectations, and dares to show us that beneath every mask, there is something both universal and uniquely individual.

RuPaul's distinction between the "regular drag queen" and the "drag-queen superstar" is a powerful reminder that the essence of drag is not just in the act of dressing up, but in the commitment to living fully as one's true self. A "regular drag queen," who might wear women's panties under their slacks, does so perhaps for fun, for an escape, or as part of a private fantasy. But a drag-queen superstar is one who embraces this performance not just as an occasional indulgence, but as a way of life. This is a life of dedication, where the performance of gender and identity is not just a statement, but a lifestyle—an art form that challenges the very norms of society and gives voice to those who have been silenced.

Look to the example of ancient Egypt, where Hatshepsut, a queen who ruled as pharaoh, famously donned male clothing and a false beard to assert her authority and command. In her time, such an act would have been viewed as extraordinary, yet it allowed her to be seen not only as a ruler but as a symbol of the strength and power that can transcend conventional gender roles. In a similar vein, the drag queen, like Hatshepsut, adopts a persona that challenges society’s expectations, but rather than seeking power over others, they seek the freedom to express their inner truth. This expression is not just about performance—it is about claiming one’s authenticity in a world that often seeks to suppress it.

In this way, RuPaul's wisdom is a call to recognize the difference between a casual performance and the kind of radical self-expression that drag queens embody. Drag queens who perform with a purpose—who take their craft seriously and live it every day—are not simply entertainers. They are warriors of self-expression, artists who tear down the barriers that society erects around identity. To be a drag-queen superstar is to live one’s truth unapologetically, and to turn the act of performance into a daily commitment to authenticity, no matter how the world may perceive it.

The lesson, O Seekers, is one of embracing your own truth, of daring to live beyond the roles that society imposes on you. The world often asks us to fit into neat categories, to conform to preordained expectations, but the drag queen teaches us that true power comes from self-expression—from having the courage to perform who we are in all our glorious complexity, no matter how others may see us. RuPaul’s words invite us to ask ourselves: Are we living our lives only when it’s convenient or comfortable? Or are we stepping into the world each day as our truest selves, even when that means pushing the boundaries of what is expected?

Take inspiration, O Children, from the drag queens who stand as living testaments to the power of authenticity. Know that each of us has the capacity to perform, to transform the world around us by transforming ourselves. The drag queen superstar is not merely a performer on stage, but a hero in the battle for self-expression in the face of societal norms. So let us be bold, let us be brave, and let us live our lives as our truest selves, for in that courage lies the power to change the world.

In all your endeavors, remember that true artistry—whether in the form of performance, creation, or self-expression—comes not from following the crowd but from being unapologetically you. Live your truth as RuPaul has done, as Hatshepsut did, and as those who dare to stand out have always done. Be the drag queen of your own life, not for the sake of performance, but for the sake of your authenticity, for it is through embracing our most genuine selves that we create the greatest impact in this world. Let your true self shine, and you will inspire others to do the same.