When Tuxedo Wearing Men Don Bridal Gowns Instead, Ru Paul is in Charge

One of the latest reality shows to hit the air, “ Ru Paul’s Drag Race” has shed some light on a common component of society: heterosexual weddings. Focused on finding the next great drag queen, Episode 10 of Season 6 paired up the wannabe queens with straight grooms who endured heavy make up, bridal gowns and veils. These makeovers were reflections of the drag queen competitors’ talents. Once the makeovers were completed, each straight couple was brought together in matrimony by Ru Paul. However, when Ru Paul performs a wedding, there is no telling what drama will ensue.

The Prejudice Toward Gay Men Continues

While this episode was meant to reveal the makeover talents of the drag queen contestants, it also brought to light the stigma and prejudice attached to gay men, especially those men who dress in drag. A professional basketball player, Brandon, became filled with anxiety when he underwent his bridal makeover. In fact, it was enough to make him rush off stage and vomit when he feared the reaction he would receive from his teammates when they saw him dressed as a woman.

Brandon’s panic is unfortunately a common emotional response of straight men in the world of athletics. Additionally, gay men who play sports are frequently seen as too feminine to be athletes and are discriminated against in countless ways. However, many believe that a man who can embrace his feminine side is actually more masculine than those who cannot. A man comfortable enough in his own skin to dress up as a woman on national television is a proud and unashamed man willing to let go and just have fun in the moment.

The Battle for Marriage Equality

While this episode has been criticized by some for the lack of light on the battle for same sex marriages, it did in the end, have a winner. Bianca won due to her excellent rapport with her drag daughter and the comfort level she created for the groom suddenly dressed as a bride. The headline, “Ru Paul Performs a Wedding” may not have made the nightly news, but for the LGBTQ society, it was a step towards accepting marriages of all couples.