RuPaul's Drag Race Fans Are Sick & Tired of Beauty Bias

The latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race has sparked a heated debate among fans about whether some queens put too much hope on their runway looks over other talents. As Season 17 continues to unfold, viewers are continuing to be vocal about their appreciation of the shifting perspective from looks to the actual Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent (yes, we're referencing that RuPaul song).

The controversy has particularly intensified during the current season, with some queens expressing frustration over what they see as inconsistent critiques of runway presentations.

At the heart of the debate are Suzie Toot and Onya Nurve, whose fashion choices have sparked discussions among contestants. Both of them have received praise from the judges not only for their overall performances, but also for their runway presentations as well. Yet, some of their competitors argue that the positive feedback isn't entirely warranted.

Breaking Down the Beauty Bias

This season has marked a notable shift in how runway looks are being evaluated. While previous seasons often seemed to favor the most elaborate or expensive-looking costumes, Season 17 appears to be prioritizing originality and character over conventional glamour. And we're here for it!

The change hasn't gone unnoticed by fans, and they are over the queens who just can't accept the new order.

"Trying to drag Suzie’s outfit just because “it isnt something you would wear” was definitely giving trying to discredit unconventional drag," Redditor SecurityExcellent534 wrote.

And they are not the only ones who think that way.

Onya Nerve prophetically predicted this drama at the start of the latest episode, saying: "A lot of girls were thinking that good drag alone was going to win in this competition. And they're now realizing that they have to have a full package."

What makes this season especially entertaining is the way it challenges traditional notions of drag excellence.

The success of queens like Suzie Toot and Onya Nurve suggests that RuPaul and the judges might be looking beyond the surface, emphasizing the total package rather than just visual appeal. Their wins, despite criticism from some fellow contestants, highlight an important shift in the show's evolution.

“I love seeing the generic girls mad over Susie standing out. God forbid anyone actually having a personality and talent, and not just copying mean girls and opening a wallet,” another Redditor added.

Where to Watch the Latest Drag Race Episodes?

As the debate around judging criteria continues, this season of RuPaul's Drag Race is proving to be worth tuning in to. You can catch new episodes on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.