Earlier this week I saw RuPaul on a talk show, not in drag but in his own everyday wardrobe, an elegant black silk suit with a fire engine red polka dot ascot, black patent leather lace up shoes (minus the socks). He looked fierce and fabulous.
Last night I settled in for one of my favorite Friday night rituals: "What Not to Wear," a makeover TV show. Each week hosts Stacy and Clinton invite someone to surrender her entire wardrobe and body to them for a complete overhaul. I love love love this show, but I am also aware that it is essentially a fashion showcase for the gender police.
This week's guest rode out on her motorcycle in some baggy jeans, a multicolored do-rag and a badass beat up leather jacket. You could tell she loved that jacket. She was cool. (haven't let go of the cool theme completely) She was, by her own admission, stuck in 1980s butch fashion (or lack thereof). Her gorgeous girly wife was there too, cheering her on and encouraging her to go along for the ride.
From the get-go they were chomping at the bit to put this guest in a dress and some heels. And it broke my heart.
She strolled into the 360 degree mirror hiding her petite, slim body under oversized androgynous clothes. They called her out on national TV under the guise of updating lesbian fashion chic. They called themselves "all for gay rights," but described her as "drab and overly masculine." (the drab part was true, unfortunately) By the end of the show, she was sporting pink lip gloss, girly sequined flats, and yes, a purse.
There was one redeeming moment: she let go of the mullet.
"We are all spiritual beings having a human experience."
–RuPaul
When you were a kid, did you gravitate toward a particular kind of clothing? Maybe it was sporty style, or glitter girl, or hippie shmattas. Maybe you drooled over natty suits or haute couture. Maybe you didn't give a damn about fashion.
How many people have been forced or shamed into wearing clothes that do not reflect their authentic selves? And what about those children and adults who have been subject to violence and bullying because of their non-conforming fashion?
May your outsides match your insides and your wardrobe reflect the truth of who you really are.
Random drag queen out on the town