When RuPaul’s Drag Race first premiered in 2009, the series was classic counterculture, providing a groundbreaking platform for queer artists and entertainers. Thirteen years, over 400 drag queen contestants, and 27 Emmys later, the series has become a cultural phenomenon and an instantly recognizable fixture of the zeitgeist.
AND DON’T F&%K IT UP will follow RuPaul’s Drag Race over its first ten years, encompassing the show’s first 14 seasons and its rise from industry outsider to award-winning, international franchise. Through the narrative of Drag Race, AND DON’T F&%K IT UP tells a unique social history by way of stories from the people who lived it: the creators of the show, the contestants, the crew, the judges, and even some key (famous) fans.
Written by seasoned entertainment reporter Maria Elena Fernandez in collaboration with World of Wonder, the story begins with RuPaul’s 34-year friendship and business relationship with Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato and their production company World of Wonder. Together, Bailey, Barbato, and World of Wonder helped to launch RuPaul into superstardom and later talked him into giving a drag reality show a chance.
From there, AND DON’T F&%K IT UP traces the evolution of the show—and its queens—through a decade of gag-worthy seasons, serving up behind-the-scenes realness ranging from Ongina’s decision to reveal her HIV+ status to the story behind Asia O’Hara‘s butterfly finale fiasco.
One thing that has always been true about RuPaul’s Drag Race is that it takes a village, people. We are so excited that those people have shared their stories and anecdotes, and cannot wait to take readers behind the curtain of Drag Race. The result of all these voices is a tale that is every bit as fascinating as the show itself; joyous, uplifting, honest. We hope readers will both laugh and cry—and laugh again.”
– Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato
