10 Most Inspirational RuPaul Quotes to Brighten Up Your Day

It's hard to believe, but it's been over 16 years of RuPaul being an inspiration for all of us and a caring mother for a drag family that spans continents through the most successful drag franchise, RuPaul's Drag Race.

And throughout countless seasons, we've witnessed many facets of Ru's personality. But one thing has remained consistent: her genuine compassion and understanding for not only the queens, but all people at large.

Behind all that glamor is a philosopher who inspires and will inspire generations to come.

Kindness Above All

When BuzzFeed Celeb asked RuPaul about the most vital aspect of doing drag, her answer wasn't something about perfecting your makeup or designing an outfit. She put a lot more thought in her response, saying:

“Your kindness. I like a kind drag queen, ‘cause first of all, you gotta understand, people who gravitate toward drag are sweet, sensitive souls who have uncovered the mystery of our society, which is it's all a hoax. Our society is a matrix. It's all an illusion. Don't become bitter. That's the biggest challenge you'll have when you get into drag.”

Honestly, this goes to anything you're doing, not only the drag queens. Be kinder even if it's hard.

Not Everyone Has to Like You

The thing about Ru and interviews, you know she's gonna be very vulnerable and candid. Thus, when she talked with NowThis Impact, he shared:

“Worrying about what other people have to say takes a lot of energy. I remember turning 30 and it really dawned on me that not only do I not–not have to like everyone, everyone doesn't have to like me. And you being fine with that is such a revelation.”

The Philosophy Behind a Catch-Phrase

If you ever wondered what's a deeper meaning to our favorite "You're born naked and the rest is drag," then read carefully (and we gotta be honest, we teared up a little bit by that one). In the same interview, the mother of drag explained it herself:

“I've always said, 'You're born naked and the rest is drag.' And that philosophy is important for everyone to hear because it helps people understand that it's important to not take life too seriously. These personas we put on, you know, I'm a banker, I'm a basketball coach, or I'm a news presenter, you know, we get too caught up in what that means and it becomes too heavy. So if you understand it's just like an outfit that you wear, like drag, it helps you navigate the world.”

Your True Identity Goes Beyond the Material World

In her 2010 book, Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style, Ru dives even deeper into the concept of identity:

“Whatever you proclaim as your identity here in the material realm is also your drag. You are not your religion. You are not your skin color. You are not your gender, your politics, your career, or your marital status. You are none of the superficial things that this world deems important. The real you is the energy force that created the entire universe!”

Breaking Free from the Fear-Based Media Cycle

RuPaul also doesn't shy away from calling out the toxicity of our media landscape in the same book:

“The ad agencies appeal to your fear of not being wanted or loved. It's the same with the local news. They get you to stay tuned with a constant stream of fear tactics...It's as if our culture is addicted to fear and the flat screen is our drug dealer. Don't allow that crap into your head!”

Coming from someone who's built a career in television, this critique is that more valuable. It's refreshing that someone from the industry talks about it.

Making Space for New Beginnings

In her more recent memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings, RuPaul reflects on the necessity of letting go:

“And life reminds me, again and again: You have to dismantle the old to make the space for something new.”

Finding Joy in Life's Absurdity

Another gem from her latest book cuts through the heaviness of existence with humor:

“Life was just one big f– joke. Anyone who was taking it seriously was missing the point.”

And this perspective is so freeing, particularly for the overthinkers and perfectionists among us.

How Your Ego Blocks Your Growth

Now The House of Hidden Meanings is too good to mention only twice. In the memoir, Ru also reflects on the obstacles we place in our own paths, writing:

“Your ego stands in the doorway of every good idea, keeping them from you. We avoid the pain. We put our blinders on and stay focused on what's right ahead, turning away from the thing we need to see in our periphery, because we know accepting it will force us to question everything we hold so tightly.”

The Unspoken Rule of Adulthood

When asked about adulting on TED's On The Spot segment, RuPaul offered us the hilariously practical advice:

“To be an adult, you have to keep your mouth closed [laughs]. Because there's a lot of things you want to say in situations. But an adult knows better...You can't say everything to everybody...I wish we could, but we can't.”

Embracing Life on Life's Terms

In a vulnerable moment during an ABC News interview about her memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings we've mentioned earlier, RuPaul reflected on revisiting dark periods of her life:

“Well, because I am still in a 12-step program. It has prepared me to accept life on life's terms and so all of that stuff led me to where I am today.”

The Ultimate Message: Self-Love as the Foundation

Throughout all of these quotes, we can see a consistent message: the critical importance of self-acceptance. RuPaul’s philosophy boils down to living authentically, practicing kindness, and releasing the need for universal approval.

Perhaps no quote captures this essence better than her iconic one-liner:

“If you don't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”

This is a catchy tagline that we came to love from Drag Race, sure, but deeper it's the foundation of RuPaul's outlook on life. Self-love is the necessary foundation for meaningful connection with others and first of all, yourself.

Today often feels increasingly divided and judgmental, but you can always come back to these little reminders when you're feeling down.

Now can we get an amen up in here!