by kevin perry –
Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race just premiered. If you hadn’t heard this news until now, then give my regards to the rock you’ve been living under. Honey! This. Is. The. Show.
Thousands of applicants claw their way to the stage every year, but only one can be crowned Queen See-You-Next-Tuesday. Thirteen hopefuls lubed up the airwaves last week, and the results were dragulous. The Thirsty Thirteen are already dazzling millions of fans and scandalizing minds all over the world.
We sat down (watch the tuck!) with one of Season 12’s boldest bitches for a T & A – oops, I mean Q & A. Her arresting style is somewhere between Willy Wonka and a crack baby’s worst nightmare, so we just HAD to talk. Let’s see what makes Gigi Goode so bad …
How would you characterize your brand of drag? Is it pageant, comedy, dance or something try-curious?
My drag is a nutritional mix of glamour, fashion and comedy.
What level of shade can you throw, on a scale of bitchy realness to nuclear hysterectomy?
I am probably the worst shade thrower on planet Earth. I’m just too afraid I’ll hurt someone’s feelings, so my reads are always so lame. But I will be signing the adoption papers for that crown because I am WHAT? Deserving of it.
Convince us why you will be the winner, according to Mama Ru’s patented scales of, say it with us now: Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent.
I believe my charisma lies in my heart, first and foremost. My uniqueness comes from my ability to generate shock value (and never how you’d expect …). My nerve is just that — pushing the boundaries of what a “look queen” should be. And my talent … well I’ll just drop my Instagram handle here so you can see for yourself (@thegigigoode).
Why is California the drag capital of the world?
California, more specifically Los Angeles, is what most people think of when someone says “drag.” But I gotta give it to my New York sisters, because NOBODY does drag like they do it in New York. I just hate the cold and I’m terrified of public transportation, so I live in L.A.!
Give us a preview of the DRAHHMA (drama) you’ll bring to this season.
Listen, ma’am, my drag is not about drama. If I wanted to involve myself in drama, I would have auditioned for The Real World. That being said, if someone tries it with me — it’s gonna be squashed right then and there.
How has RuPaul changed your life?
RuPaul has changed my life solely because she’s allowed me to have a concrete career in the only field that I’m good at. I didn’t have the stamina to stay in college, I’ve never passed a math class, but I’m DAMN good at every aspect of drag — and I can’t thank Ru enough for recognizing that.
There you have it: kind words from a killer kween. So, how will Ms. Goode rack up against the competition? It’s anybooby’s guess. Stay tuned.
Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 every Friday night on VH1. You can also stream episodes at VH1.com. Previous seasons can be viewed on Amazon Prime and Hulu.