Very exciting news today! Our very own RuPaul has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. The magazine released their annual list of pioneers, icons, leaders, leaders and artists today.
“The iconic host, advocate, drag queen, singer, model, actor and author is a trailblazer who continues to break down barriers.”
Writes Supermodel Naomi Campbell:
I first met RuPaul in the ’90s, when I was doing a shoot on 14th Street in New York City. As soon as I saw him, I wanted to know where he was going, because that was where I wanted to be.
Ru was different. Not just because he had perfect, precise clothes and makeup, or because he was the only man I knew who could look that good in a wig and heels. There were no rough edges to be found. But as I got to know him better, I got to experience firsthand his wit and his intelligence—he’s like an encyclopedia. And his beauty is far beyond skin-deep.
Now, through RuPaul’s Drag Race, which recently premiered on VH1 after eight seasons on Logo, millions more people are getting to know Ru like I do. It’s incredible what he’s done for the drag queens who compete on that show—bringing them out, introducing them to a mainstream audience and letting them be proud of who they are and what they want to be.
I am blessed to know Ru. We all are.
Also on the list this year: Viola Davis, doe-eyed rapper and actor Riz Ahmed, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, philanthropist Melinda Gates, Emma Stone, Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Jones, Margot Robbie, Sarah Paulson, James Corden and Demi Lovato.
On the Pioneers list: Samantha Bee, Chance the Rapper, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner (YUCK) were a few of the big names on the “Pioneers” list.
Once again, Pope Francis and President Donald Trump (really, Time?) made the list in the “Leaders” category, while Tom Brady and Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel nabbed coveted space in the “Titans” section. The “Icons” category ranges from Olympic sensation Simone Biles to plus-size model Ashley Graham.