In a candid conversation, Jujubee, the beloved drag performer, shares her reflections on her career and life beyond the stage of "RuPaul’s Drag Race." At 40, Jujubee, whose real name is Airline Inthyrath, feels a newfound sense of peace and autonomy. "I have complete control over what I choose to do," she says with a calm assurance, contrasting the fiery persona she became known for on television.
While she built her fame on witty one-liners and fierce competition during her four appearances on "Drag Race," Jujubee is now stepping away from the competitive spotlight. "I’m totally done competing as a drag queen," she reveals, expressing a shift towards more personal creative endeavors.
This change comes as no surprise to those who have followed her journey from season two of "Drag Race" in 2010, through multiple All Stars seasons, and most recently "UK vs The World." Despite reaching the finals in each appearance, she never clinched the crown, yet she remains a fan favorite.
Jujubee’s next chapter involves hosting a new show, "Drag House Rules," where seven legendary drag queens live together, navigating alliances and rivalries in a format reminiscent of reality TV comedies. "It’s a parody of the reality competition world," Jujubee explains, highlighting its satirical nature.
The show features a vibrant cast, including Silky Nutmeg Ganache and Manila Luzon, and aims to blend reality competition with sitcom-style satire. "We’re creating something real yet fairytale-like," she says, underscoring the whimsical essence of the show.
Beyond entertainment, Jujubee reflects on broader social issues, particularly the experiences of Asian-American and LGBTQ+ communities. She acknowledges feeling like a token at times in an industry still grappling with diversity. "Whenever I see an Asian person succeed, it fills me with pride," she shares.
The conversation turns to the political climate, and Jujubee voices concerns over policies that have marginalized LGBTQ+ and Asian communities. Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic and grounded in her identity, focusing on what she can control. "I can’t control others, but I can live my life fully," she asserts.
Returning to her artistic roots, Jujubee is embracing theater, her first love, with roles in productions like "Death Drop" and "Drag: The Musical." "Theater was always my passion," she reminisces, grateful for the opportunities drag has afforded her.
Reflecting on her career trajectory, she sees "Drag Race" as a springboard that allowed her to explore diverse facets of performance. "Because of drag, I’m living my dreams," she says, noting how the landscape has evolved since her early days.
With "Drag House Rules" launching new episodes weekly, Jujubee is excited to explore this new medium while continuing to advocate for representation and unity within her communities. "We need to support each other," she urges, focusing on the collective strength against external challenges.
In closing, Jujubee expresses gratitude for her journey and the freedom to chart her path. "I’m absolutely living my dreams right now, and I owe it all to drag," she praises.
"Drag House Rules" is streaming now, offering a fresh and comedic take on the drag competition genre.
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