Was Rupaul in Paris Is Burning?

By Alice Nichols

When it comes to the iconic documentary “Paris Is Burning,” many people wonder if RuPaul was involved in the project. The film, which explores the ball culture of New York City in the late 1980s, has become a cult classic and an important piece of LGBTQ+ history.

Despite popular belief, RuPaul was not featured in “Paris Is Burning.” While RuPaul is often associated with ball culture and drag, he did not make an appearance in the film. Instead, “Paris Is Burning” focuses on the lives of several black and Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals who are part of the ball scene.

The film, directed by Jennie Livingston and released in 1990, provides a glimpse into the world of ball competitions. These events were a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals who faced discrimination and persecution outside of this space. At balls, participants could showcase their talents and strut their stuff on the runway in front of judges.

Some may be confused about RuPaul’s potential involvement because of his own drag career. In 1992, RuPaul released his hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work),” which helped propel him to fame. He also hosted his own talk show called “The RuPaul Show” from 1996-1998.

While RuPaul did not appear in “Paris Is Burning,” he has expressed admiration for the documentary and its impact on drag culture. In fact, he has even cited it as an inspiration for his own work.

So while RuPaul was not directly involved in “Paris Is Burning,” his influence on drag culture cannot be denied. The documentary itself remains an important piece of LGBTQ+ history that sheds light on a marginalized community and their love for self-expression.

In conclusion, while many may assume that RuPaul was a part of “Paris Is Burning,” this is not the case. However, the documentary remains a significant cultural artifact that is worth watching for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history and drag culture.