I'm thankful for RuPaul and everything that he's done.

Hear the words of Adore Delano, spoken with sincerity and reverence: “I’m thankful for RuPaul and everything that he’s done.” At first, it may seem the simple gratitude of one artist for another, but in truth it is far more—it is the acknowledgment of a mentor, a pioneer, a trailblazer who carved out space where once there was none. These words remind us that no life, no career, no journey is ever truly walked alone. Behind every voice that sings, every star that rises, there is another who first bore the weight of resistance and cleared a path. To be thankful for that work is to honor both the gift and the giver, and to recognize the sacred chain of inspiration that binds generations together.

The ancients understood this deeply. In the temples of Greece, students of philosophy would not begin their discourse without first naming their teachers, for to honor one’s master was to honor truth itself. The disciples of Plato carried forward the wisdom of Socrates, and Aristotle’s brilliance could not have shone without the foundation of those who came before him. In the same way, Adore’s gratitude toward RuPaul is not merely personal—it is an echo of this eternal principle: the greatness of one becomes the soil in which the greatness of another is grown.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, who, though he conquered empires, never ceased to acknowledge Aristotle, his teacher. He carried his writings into battle, treasuring them as dearly as his weapons. Alexander’s victories were his own, but they were also the fruit of a seed planted by another. So too does Adore recognize that the courage, artistry, and empire of RuPaul made possible the flourishing of many others. Gratitude becomes not just a courtesy, but a declaration: I am here because another dared to be before me.

When Adore says, “everything that he’s done,” the words carry weight. RuPaul did not simply entertain; he transformed culture. He stood in the light when the world tried to shroud him in shadow. He gave voice to the voiceless and visibility to the unseen. For those who followed—artists like Adore—his work was more than inspiration; it was liberation. To be thankful in this context is to bow in recognition that one’s own freedom was built upon the courage of another’s struggle.

Yet gratitude is not meant to end with words. The true purpose of giving thanks is to continue the work, to carry forward the torch. Just as a flame is passed from candle to candle, so too must gratitude become action. For the disciple who merely praises the master without advancing the vision becomes like stagnant water, reflecting light but never flowing. But the one who takes inspiration and builds upon it ensures that the river of creation and courage never runs dry.

The lesson here is both personal and universal. To every listener: remember the ones who came before you. Whether they are parents, teachers, leaders, or pioneers of your craft, your life is interwoven with their sacrifice. Be thankful for them, not only with words, but by striving to honor their work with your own. Let gratitude fuel your growth, and let your success be a tribute to their labor.

Practical wisdom follows: pause each day to recall those who paved your path. Speak their names with respect, share their stories, and let others know the lineage of greatness you are part of. And in your own time, strive to be such a figure for those who come after, so that one day, another voice may rise and say of you: “I am thankful for everything they’ve done.”

Thus, Adore Delano’s words shine with timeless truth. “I’m thankful for RuPaul and everything that he’s done.” It is not just a statement of personal gratitude, but a reminder to us all: honor those who clear the way, and in turn, become one who clears the way for others. Gratitude is not the end of greatness—it is its beginning.