This story was created by Xtra's branded content team alongside Fife House, separate from Xtra's editorial staff.
Spotlight, Fife House’s annual fundraising gala is back for the largest (and shadiest) rendition in the event’s 16-year history.
Four of the most notorious alumni from RuPaul’s Drag Race (Bob the Drag Queen, Alaska, Willam and Courtney Act) will perform in concert and dish behind-the-scenes dirt at the Danforth Music Hall on Oct 11, 2016.
All proceeds from the event will directly go to Fife House to provide supportive housing and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto. The night also marks the first time the American Apparel Ad (AAA) Girls will perform together in Toronto, and is also Bob The Drag Queen’s first return to the city since his Season 8 coronation.
In anticipation of all the shade that’s sure to be thrown, here’s a look at some of the most noteworthy moments the shady ladies of Drag Race have given us:
Tyra who?
(fuckyeahrupaulsdragrace.tumblr.com via giphy.com)
Widely considered a misjudgement on Ru’s part, Tyra Sanchez was crowned in the Season 2 finale over fan favourites Raven and Jujubee. In response the show, fans and seemingly RuPaul, promptly forgot all about Tyra to focus on the real breakout stars of the season. Raven and Jujubee later appeared as professors on Drag U, competitors in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and more recently as judges for the All Stars 2 snatch game. Sanchez on the other hand has been keeping busy offending people on Twitter.
Mimi vs. Everyone
Mimi Imfurst had it tough on All Stars right from the start, getting paired with Pandora Boxx, who wanted nothing to do with her. Tensions were made even worse in Untucked, when some contestants expressed that Mimi didn’t deserve to be there. Even Yara Sofia snuck in a solid zing, explaining Mimi’s casting with, “They need someone to go home first.” However, after her rough run on Drag Race, Mimi has grown tremendously, releasing some decent music and proving her comedy chops.
Low blows from down under
They say you should never meet your heroes, but clearly nobody informed Joslyn Fox. From episode one, Fox was enchanted by Australian singer and drag icon Courtney Act. For her part, Act seemed to pay Fox little attention and gave us one of the best reads of the season, referring to Fox as, “A low rent version of Courtney Act.”
Sashay sashay
It isn’t often RuPaul flips the script, but sometimes it’s called for. Twice in the show’s run, lip syncs have been deemed so unimpressive that both queens have been sent home. While the decision may be harsh, the real nail in the coffin is how blunt Ru defends it when looking back. “If you watched the lip-synch, you’ll know why I did it. Because it was fucking awful.”
Do I have something on my face?
An uncomfortable work room confrontation led to one of season seven’s most iconic moments. What seems like an earnest question from RuPaul puts Pearl on the defensive, leading to a painfully uncomfortable staredown. Pearl later explained in a Facebook post that post-production edits toned down Ru’s comments, which justifies Pearl’s heated response in the clip.
Everything Willam has ever said
Willam is notorious for his loud mouth and rapier wit, along with being the first and only queen to be kicked off Drag Race. But there’s no need to RuPaulogize; Willam is doing just fine with his endorsement deals, acting gigs and a thriving YouTube channel. Willam’s most popular video, Boy is a Bottom, has upwards of 21 million views (RuPaul’s top video, “Sissy That Walk,” is sitting around 7 million).
Spotlight: Shady Queens
Oct 11, 2016
Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave, Toronto
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