Why RuPaul Called Madonna ‘a Drag Queen’

RuPaul knows a thing or two about drag queens, and he said Madonna is one. Here's why fans might agree with his assessment of the Queen of Pop.

RuPaul knows a thing or two about drag queens and he said Madonna is one. He said the same thing about two other 1980s/1990s celebrities. Here’s a look at why fans might agree with his assessment of the Queen of Pop.

RuPaul said Madonna and 1 First Lady were drag queens

During a 1992 interview with Out, RuPaul discussed the idea of becoming a pop star as a drag queen. “In fact, I think it’s really time,” he said. “Everybody who hears about the whole thing ultimately says, you know what, it’s about time. Because really every pop star who’s ever walked the face of the Earth is a drag queen. And now, this is one of the most honest, up-front signings to ever happen because I am an unabashed drag queen. Everybody is.

“You’re going to tell me Madonna is not a drag queen?” he added. “Bryan Adams, he’s in drag, doing the jeans look. And Barbara Bush, she’s a drag queen. [laughter]. It’s true. Everybody I talk to says it’s about time. And I think it is.”

RuPaul expected to have a warm reception as a pop star. “People at work will be like, ‘Honey, last night on MTV, did you see that, that, it was six feet — and the hair — oh, no, the legs, the legs, and oh, she opened her mouth–funny!'” he added. “‘Funny, funny, funny! Oh, and can sing! And the dancing! Are you gagging on the dancing? Did you see huh? She was too fierce!'”

Is the Material Girl a drag queen?

Whether Madonna is a drag queen or not is a matter of opinion. It’s an easy argument for RuPaul to make, as he has spent decades saying “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” Regardless of how you classify the Quee of Pop, she definitely has a lot in common with drag queens.

Drag is an eclectic art form, but it often focuses on two things: glamour and comedy. Madonna might be one of the most glamorous women who ever graced the radio. She’s given the world numerous iconic looks, including her pink dress from the “Material Girl” music video, her cone bra from “Vogue,” and the “Boy Toy” belt buckle/wedding dress combo from the cover of Like a Virgin.

In the same vein, Madonna knows how to be funny. She’s no “Weird Al” Yankovic, but she’s worked humor into her art. She took on a cutesy golddigger persona for “Material Girl” and “Santa Baby,” made David Lettermen blush with her extremely sexual comments during an interview, and even put out a single with Nicki Minaj called “B**** I’m Madonna.” For these reasons, it’s common for drag queens to take inspiration from the “Like a Prayer” singer.

Madonna received a prestigious award for her LGBTQ advocacy

We don’t know what Madonna would think about RuPaul’s take on her, but we do know what she thinks about the LBGTQ community. She famously championed their rights in her classic documentary film Madonna: Truth or Dare (also known as In Bed With Madonna). In 2019, she was honored with the Advocate for Change Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards for her activism on behalf of LGBTQ causes.

Drag queen or not, Madonna remains an influential LGBTQ icon.