Jujubee's journey: finding freedom and a fresh start in drag
Jujubee seems completely at ease these days. "I have complete autonomy over what I do," she tells me during our morning video chat, her voice calm and soothing. It's quite a shift from her fiery persona on *RuPaul's Drag Race*, where she was famous not only her sharp wit but also her unforgettable one-liners, like telling a fellow contestant, "Just get yourself some manners so you won't look so damn stupid!"
Now, she's embracing a peaceful vibe that comes with age and experience. "I really am getting older," she confesses with a chuckle. "I've started saying, 'No' as a complete sentence. It's amazing being able just make my own choices." This newfound independence signals her move away from competing in drag TV shows.
Stepping away from rivalries
"Yeah, I'm totally done competing as a drag queen," she says, clearly relieved. After making her mark on *RuPaul's Drag Race*, she feels ready jot let go and move on. But don't worry, she's not leaving showbiz entirely. Jujubee's diving headfirst with her new show, *Drag House Rules* on OUTtv. It features seven fabulous drag queens living under one roof, where they'll face off until just one remains.
Born Airline Inthyrath, Jujubee became a true fan favorite during *Drag Race's* second season in 2010. Although she reached finals multiple times across four seasons, she never nabbed that crown. But she's taken it all in stride, using her sense humor and joining fans in light-hearted jokes about her return trips through drag TV.
Her new gig on *Drag House Rules*
"I've got this love-hate thing with competition," she says thoughtfully, "but now, I make rules." In *Drag House Rules*, you'll find a mix reality TV antics with some satire that might remind you *The Office*. "It's real," she insists, "but also bit like a fairytale — and that fairytale's amped up!"
She's sharing spotlight with vibrant drag performers such as Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Manila Luzon, Rock M Sakura, Biqtch Puddin, Laganja Estranja, and Tammie Brown. "I adore Tammie Brown," she gushes, reflecting on their friendship over past decade.
The importance representation and overcoming challenges
Jujubee's notes there's strong representation among cast, with nearly half being Asian-American. Reflecting on her experience as Asian drag queen on *Drag Race*, she acknowledges racial challenges she faced. "Whenever I see an Asian person doing anything, I feel proud," she says, "because I've often felt like token Asian, dealing with sense tokenism."
With political pressures looming, Jujubee emphasizes focusing on what she can control. She speaks about need community support, especially given recent political actions against transgender and non-binary individuals.
Returning theatre and embracing full-circle moments
Drag wasn't Jujubee's first love; it was theatre that captured her heart as a child. Now, she's come full circle, back in theatre, with roles in West End's *Death Drop* and musicals like *Cinderella* and *Drag: The Musical*.
Thinking about how much drag has transformed, Jujubee's grateful. "I'm thankful I was on season two because we had no idea what we were doing," she remembers, noting that back then, catchphrases and merchandise weren't even a thought.
Living her dream life
Jujubee wraps up by sharing her gratitude. "I'm living my dreams right now, constantly savoring every moment, and it's all thanks drag," she beams. "Life's really good."
Tune in Fridays on OUTtv in US and OUTflix in UK catch new episodes *Drag House Rules*. Share your thoughts in comments, and remember, let's keep conversation fun and respectful!
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