Overview

In this episode, we delve into the significant impact of RuPaul's Drag Race on queer identity and culture. Opening with an overview of the podcast's focus on reality TV's influence on the queer community, the discussion highlights how Drag Race merges humour with serious themes, serving as an educational platform for queer history and evolving audience demographics, including an influx of straight viewers. The episode further examines Drag Race's contributions to local drag scenes, addresses ongoing criticisms and reflects on RuPaul's legacy and the show’s role in advancing trans representation. With an emphasis on chosen family and its broader implications for queer culture, the conversation underscores the lasting influence of queer reality TV on mainstream society.

Notes

Introduction to Get Queer Podcast (00:03 - 08:38)

• Podcast focuses on reality TV's effect on queer identity
• Discusses RuPaul's Drag Race and its impact on queer culture
• Highlights the show's ability to balance heavy topics with humour
• Introduces key terms and concepts from Drag Race

Impact and Evolution of Drag Race (08:39 - 20:06)

• Explores Drag Race's role as an educational show for queer history
• Discusses the changing audience demographics, including straight viewers
• Examines the show's influence on local drag scenes
• Compares Drag Race to other cultural phenomena like Taylor Swift
• Addresses criticisms and controversies surrounding the show

️‍ Representation and Legacy (20:06 - 30:45)

• Discusses trans representation on Drag Race and its evolution
• Examines RuPaul's career and impact on drag culture
• Highlights the show's influence on online queer cultures
• Explores the concept of chosen family in the Drag Race universe
• Reflects on the broader impact of queer reality TV on mainstream culture

Guest

Hunter Hargraves (any pronouns) is an intellectual bon-vivant and boldly queer social media presence. He teaches cinema and television arts at California State University Fullerton and he is the author of Uncomfortable Television published by Duke University Press in 2023.

Are you ready for the next best pop culture podcast on all things reality TV? Get Queer is here.

A product of Xtra magazine, Get Queer questions and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ representation in pop culture. For the show's first season, reality TV fan and host Mel Woods takes you through a candid analysis of unscripted television’s history in a bid to answer a central question: “How has reality TV shaped queer identity in the community, in the world and in the mirror?"

Through interviews with stars, experts and fan favourites, including Zeke Smith (Survivor), Wes Culwell (Boy Meets Boy), and Racquel Chevremont (The Real Housewives of New York City), Get Queer takes listeners behind the scenes of reality TV’s most shocking and compelling moments to unravel how they were made and their lasting impact.

Show Credits

Host Mel Woods (they/them) is a journalist, editor and content creator. They are currently the Senior Editor Audience Engagement at Xtra, a digital magazine covering culture and politics through an LGBTQ2S+ lens. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.

Producer Daniel MacIvor (he/him) is a writer, producer, director and performer. They are currently Creative Consultant with Pink Triangle Press and Artistic Director of reWork a Toronto-based production company for new theatre and film.

Cover photography by Celina Koops