Reading Drag Race

The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Thermostat (AS5E5)

It's the most important of all the Drag Race holidays: SNATCH GAME! They decided to stick with Snatch Game of Love for the All Stars season, and we are happy to report that it went much, much better this time around! After trying for a love connection, the girls dance down the runway serving prom queen fantasies, or at least some of them do. Hersula and Conde Nasty welcome returning guest Valkyrie for her unique and insightful brand of judgmental critique.

And though it's not Pride Month anymore, the work continues and still needs your help. Brave Space Alliance (https://www.bravespacealliance.org/) is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ Center located on the South Side of Chicago. They were the leaders of the protests that took place in lieu of the parade in Chicago last week, and they still deserve your time, your attention, and, if possible, your money.

 

 

Camo Toe (AS5E4)

Last week's improv challenge was a such a smashing success, they apparently couldn't wait to do another one! This time, our dolls have to perform as scandal-plagued celebrities hounded by the paparazzi. Then the gurls stomp the runway, literally, in some camouflage-inspired couture. Watch Conde Nasty, Hersula, and special guest That Gurl be extra-judgmental bitches this week, because the quarantine is clearly getting to us all!

It's also the weekend of what would have been the Pride Parade, and the world is rightfully spending it focusing on the injustice that continues to be faced by Black and queer communities, and we want to use this space to help highlight and amplify the people doing the work to make the world a better place. Brave Space Alliance (https://www.bravespacealliance.org/) is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ Center located on the South Side of Chicago. They were the leaders of the protests that took place in lieu of the parade in Chicago this weekend, and you should give them your time, your attention, and, if possible, your money.

Drag Queens Check In But They Don't Check Out (AS5E3)

The quarantine is clearly getting to the girls because Conde Nasty, Hersula, and bestie Buffy Cummers are all over the place this week. But what they lack in focus, they more than make up for by being enthusiastic and right. Join them as they break down all the queens runway looks, break down exactly which acts of public sex the CDC says are socially responsible, and just generally break down.

Everybody Say Love (AS5E2)

Conde Nasty and Hersula, with socially-distanced friend Dandelion, are back for another episode of "Just Give Shea the Fucking Crown Already"...I mean "All Stars Season 5."

At the top of this week's show, we are resharing the audio of Shea Coulee at a protest in Boystown this weekend. It's an important message and everyone should listen to it. The last three weeks have seen some progress that would have felt impossible three weeks ago, but the fight is by no means over. The people and organizations doing that work still need your time, your support, and your money.

https://www.blacklivesmatterchicago.com/

The Queens We Need But Don't Deserve (AS5E1)

As one season ends, another begins. It's still early, but I don't think I'm exaggerating when I suggest that this crop of queens has a good chance of rivaling All Stars 2. Before we dive into the episode, Conde Nasty and Hersula, along with returning bestie Oblivia, take a moment to talk about the difficult but important time we are all living through. 

All Hail the Queen (S12E14)

In light of the ongoing protests in response to police violence against black people, and in light of it being the beginning of Pride Month, a commemoration of another riot against police brutality, instead of my usual pun-filled episode description, I'm using this space to share two things.

First is a list of links to just a few of the resources that need our help right now. A lot of these are local to Chicago since that is where we are and could get the most info, but leave links to other organizations in the comments.

Black Lives Matter Chicago - https://www.blacklivesmatterchicago.com/

George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd

Chicago Community Bond Fund - https://chicagobond.org/

Campaign Zero - https://www.joincampaignzero.org/

Ujimaa Medics - https://umedics.org/

The second thing I am sharing is a link of a parade of cars driving by the home of this season's winner to celebrate her win. It's beautiful and joyous to watch, and it's important to remember that taking your happiness where you can find it and celebrating your well earned victories where you can is its own act of defiance.

https://twitter.com/LynKream/status/1266893306421788672?s=20

Slumber Parties and Small Towns (S12E13)

Conde Nasty and Hersula are visited by the ghosts of Drag Race Past (complete with Crystal Methyd serving Ebeneezer Scrooge realness) in a charming reunion episode. Then we buckle up for a deep dive into HBO docuseries "We're Here" and even Hersula's shriveled, black heart is forced to experience a genuine emotion.

The Only Final Four I Care About (S12E12)

It's time to narrow our final four to a final three, and to do so, the girls will stage a Las Vegas show before coming down the main stage one last time in their eleganza extravaganza. It's a tight race and these talented bunch of queens will not make it easy on the judges. Just remember that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas (because no one can leave their houses yet.)

Too Much Woman for a One Man Show (S12E11)

After last week's double shantay, the race remains locked at six queens (well...five queens and one formless void the editors keep having to cut around). To help separate the tops from the bottoms, Ru turns to perennial favorite: PUPPETS! Then the dolls have to perform in a one-drag queen show and serve purple eleganza on the runway, aided by none other than WHOOPI FUCKING GOLDBERG! I'm sorry, I normally try to avoid all caps on the internet, but I think you have to agree, in this case it's entirely justified.

Join Conde Nasty and Hersula with recurring BFF Valkyrie for another round of strong opinions and stronger cocktails!

Drag U Vibes (S12E10)

Conde Nasty and Hersula are back with another episode as the field narrows and the race tightens. It's perennial classic, the makeover over challenge. The queens are tasked with making over a group of six very happy female Drag Race superfans. Remembering to carve out time for a quick therapy session where they help their partners get their grooves back, the girls have to get ready to walk the runway while showing off their family resemblance.

And as an aside that will make sense once you've watched the episode, if anyone knows the number for the Sesame Street PD, please leave it in a comment. We need to report a robbery.