This was the episode that revealed the top three and, therefore, who would make it to the season finale.
Let’s stop right there. You know as well as I do that whatever RuPaul and all them producers were gonna make these queens do this week wouldn’t make a damn difference as to who’ll be in the finale. The big fun, then, will be watching to see how they manipulate this week’s challenge to fit the game plan (or if they even have to). The final four is…
Kim Chi
Bob the Drag Queen
Chi Chi DeVayne
Naomi Smalls
Heading into the episode, I was like, “Kim Chi, bye!” and here’s why. It was really a process of elimination. They’re all very qualified to—um… make the top 3. Let’s leave it at that and, setting Kim Chi aside a moment, take a closer look at the remaining three individually.
Bob the Drag Queen has had this race all locked up since episode one. You know — and I mean YOU KNOW — RuPaul loves Naomi Smalls; there’s something very Violet Chachki about her (it may just be her skinniness). And as for Chi Chi, it seemed that RuPaul delighted in feeling she was bringing her up, that presenting her to the live audience during the finale, all these months later, would make for a great “take a look at my protégé” moment.
Kim Chi hadn’t struck me as having personality enough to outshine (at least one of) the other three. Having said that, she’s very witty, if you listen closely and, of course, the make-up and wardrobe designs are perfectly on point.
That’s my pre-episode assessment.
This week there was no Mini Challenge. RuPaul showed up, introduced them to Jayson Whitmore, a film director who you know is great because he was like, “I’m just gonna wear a tank top!” and then they got right to the Maxi Challenge.
Jayson directed them through various scenes for the video of RuPaul’s new single, “The Realness.”
The first set-up was called “floatography.” Each queen had to play like she was floating, laying on a box and it seemed the hardest part was lifting their legs to maintain the façade. Kim Chi fell of the two foot high box they each laid upon and, when Bob mentioned that she’d fallen more than anyone in drag queen history (and I knew that I’d only seen it maybe once, and even then it was on Untucked), I couldn’t help but wonder why editors chose not to share that comedy gold with us.
The second set-up was called “avant garde,” which is what Jayson defined as “all about self-expression: movement, face, and art.” They all took their turn dancing for the camera. Chi Chi wore a gown that looked like pleather netting and kept stepping in one of the loops. Jayson asked, “have you danced in gowns before?” and it was surprising when she said no because Chi Chi defines herself as a dancing drag queen.
The third set-up was “a scene between you and your biggest competitor: you and the mirror.” A strange one, here they all literally sat or stood in front of a mirror like it was for the cover of a book jacket or the gatefold on a vinyl record from the late 1970s.
In the werk room, each queen assessed their growth in the competition. The biggest revelation came from Chi Chi, though he’s hinted at it before. “I never realized how much I hated where I was from, and how I talk,” she said.
There were apparently no rules for the final runway. Bob wore a glittery business suit. Chi Chi went for a pageant look with about three big buns on top. Kim Chi wore black, “a corset covered in goose and pheasant feathers” and a mask. Naomi wore a pink pantsuit and ass-length straight hair.
Then came the “talk to your younger self in this photograph” section. A lot of “it gets betters.” No big surprises. Kim Chi in particular broke down as he spoke. It was the emotional highlight of the episode.
Judges included RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews. Compliments all around. Then came the chance for each to explain why she should win and not the others. Again, no surprises. The judges deliberated alone. And you know they’re closing in the top three when they have equal parts compliments and criticism regarding each.
Everybody participated in the lip synch this week because, again, it didn’t matter. The song was RuPaul’s new “The Realness.” None of them was really trying to outperform any of the others. In voiceover, each queen took her turn telling us why they need to win. And when it was all said and done, RuPaul eliminated Chi Chi DeVayne.
And I said “WHAT?!?!”
I thought RuPaul LOVED Chi Chi.
The surprise for me, then, was assuming the rules that carried the entire season would extend into this episode. We all know Kim Chi can’t dance (may God help her to simply walk) so all along I was thinking, “if she ever lands in the bottom two and has to lip synch for her life, she’s gone!” It was an inevitability that she would leave at some point. She couldn’t win because she’ll never pass that hurdle. WRONG. Also: she’s more a make-up artist and personality than a performer, so I figured it another reason she couldn’t make the final three. Again, I was wrong.
I think where Chi Chi failed, and where the editors refused to reveal it explicitly, was during the Shady Politics challenge. Remember when she went in to create that commercial with Thorgy Thor? Thorgy had all those ideas—so many, that she lost focus and ended up going home—but Chi Chi didn’t seem to have much of any idea. She started with her commercial and Michelle and Carson shut her down. They told her to highlight her Louisiana roots and the subsequent commercial SCREAMED Louisiana. I loved it. It was my favorite but the more I considered the about turn that the ad took, it struck me that maybe Carson and Michelle sat down and wrote that commercial for Chi Chi. And I suppose it’s that sort of thing, the (in)ability to think on her feet and lead a crowd, that became the tipping point which sent Chi Chi packing just one episode away from the finale.
See also:
RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE recap: "Shady Politics" (season 8 episode 7)
RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE recap: "Book Ball" (season 8 episode 8)
RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE recap: "The Realness" (season 8 episode 9)
Rumble Boxing Gulch, Nashville
Rumble Boxing, the boxing-inspired group fitness studio, opened its doors for the first time in Nashville on June 20 at 609 Overton St, Nashville, TN. The hottest workout on the block is hosting its official grand opening from August 4th-7th with daily classes, membership specials, and prizes from local vendors. The new Rumble Boxing studio is currently offering a buy one class, get one free promotion for the Nashville community.
Rumble Boxing delivers 45-minute, 10-round, strength and conditioning group workouts, crafted around teardrop-style aqua boxing bags and high-intensity strength training circuits. This brings all fitness levels together to experience what Rumble is known for: combining the sweet science of boxing with high energy and positive vibes.
Boutique Fitness
Rumble Boxing Fitness Studio
Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing Gulch Nashville
This boutique fitness brand offers serious benefits like increased stamina and strength, with cardio that’s actually fun. The seasoned trainers at the new studio are thrilled to serve their local community while offering this fun, new modern approach to boxing and welcome members of all fitness levels to the Rumble family.
The new Rumble Boxing studio is owned and operated by Blake Baskin and Antonio Compton. With their background in the fitness industry, this dynamic duo is excited to bring their passion for boxing and group fitness to Nashville. As business and life partners, Blake and Antonio aim to create a strong community within their new Rumble Boxing studio and share their message of non-apologetic inclusivity.
Black and Gay-Owned Business
Rumble Boxing Store with Dolly Parton Mural
Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing Gulch Nashville
“We own who we are, and this brand aligns with that perfectly,” said Antonio. “This is what we want to create and bring to this community: a fitness class that is designed for anyone and a place for people to be who they are. As a Black and gay-owned business, we want to help lower the division we see in the world right now. Our goal is to bring people together through Rumble, set everything aside, and have fun.”
To echo their message of acceptance and inclusion, Blake and Antonio commissioned a local Nashville artist to paint an 11 X 6-ft. mural of Nashville icon and philanthropist, Dolly Parton. The massive portrait features the country star in Rumble Boxing gear in the lobby of the studio.
The excitement and buzz around Rumble allowed Blake and Antonio to recruit top-tier trainers to head up the new studio, including Head Trainer Oronde Jones, a well-known celebrity trainer in the Nashville market.
Rumble Boxing Fitness Studio
Photo courtesy of Rumble Boxing Gulch Nashville
“Compared to other fitness classes, Rumble is a class you can truly get lost in for 45 minutes. With the dark room, you don’t have to worry if anyone is paying attention to you. The music is awesome and inspiring, and the beat drops right when you need it the most. Also, with boxing being a sport you can never truly master, you’re always improving and crafting your skill. On the floor, you’re consistently doing something new, which prevents you from ever hitting a plateau.” Said Oronde Jones about his favorite part of Rumble.
Rumble has massive brand loyalty and widespread appeal, partly thanks to attracting top names like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Jason Derulo, David Beckham, and Kevin Hart to its studios.
About Rumble Boxing
Founded in New York City in 2017, Rumble is a group fitness concept delivering a mix (or combination) of boxing-inspired circuits and the transformative power of resistance training. Pro and amateur fighters glove up together, no matter their fitness level or skill, to reveal their inner fighter. The experience is a 45-minute, 10-round, full-body cardio and strength workout crafted around specially designed water-filled, teardrop-style boxing bags. Rumble was founded by Noah Neiman (former Barry’s Bootcamp Master Trainer, and cast member of Bravo’s Work Out New York), Eugene Remm (Co-Founder of Catch Hospitality Group (Catch Restaurants, CATCH STEAK, Lexington Brass), Andy Stenzler (Co-Founder Cosí, Kidville), and Anthony DiMarco (13-time IRONMAN, former Managing Director, Google).
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Post-Covid travel planning
Who would have thought that we would have to get through a pandemic in order to appreciate the small things we have, such as the ability to simply pack our bags and hit the road?
For two years, there’s been nothing left for us travel junkies to do but sit at home and try to find new destinations that we will conquer once we defeat what appears to be the biggest villain of the 21st century. But once that happens, hold your bags tight because we will be up for some of the most interesting travel experiences. Take a look at some ideas for your post-COVID traveling plans:
A Gay Cruise
One of the best options to have in mind when all of this passes is a good, nice and long (pun intended) gay cruise. Or cruise in general, for that matter. Bear in mind, social distancing will still be a thing in the post-COVID world. But COVID-19 likely doesn’t mean that cruises will cease to exist. On the contrary, though cruise ships will probably keep the number of passengers smaller than before, it is believed that they will become an even bigger hit in the following period, especially because they are all going to go a lot more environmentally-friendly. On the bright side, is there any better way of celebrating the end of the pandemic than by cruising around some magnificent seas, stopping by at great cities and having romantic dinner nights at nice restaurants?
A getaway in nature
On the other hand, there is always the option of stepping away from the hustle and bustle of large cities, and spending some time in a place that’s not only healthy, but also beautiful. Some of the destinations that plenty of people will look for are the ones that can cater for both peace of mind and amazing things to see or do. One such destination is New Zealand, one of the greenest countries on Earth right now. Not only will you be visiting the magnificent country that gave us the beautiful Shire from Lord of the Rings; this is also a destination that’s excellent for everyone who prefers relaxing to partying. If you’re up for some partying, you will be able to hit Auckland, while if you’re for something calmer, there’s plenty of amazing places that you can see and visit.
Dancing Around at Pride
Pride parades are also events that you want to have in mind for the post-COVID world. Such events have always been quite important, but it seems that they are now more important than ever. The virus has canceled more than 75 Pride parades all around the world, which is one of the reasons why we must support the ones that will see the light of day once the pandemic stops. Truth be told, the upcoming Prides will perhaps be the best Prides ever organized. Give the gays a couple of weeks of quarantine, then let them outside and see what kind of party they are able to throw!
A road trip
If you’re, as well, waiting for the day to wake up and say “long gone are the days when we were not allowed to go wherever we wanted?”, and if staying at one place gave you a lot to think about, then your first post-COVID travel experience should definitely be a nice road trip. You can practically choose which country you want to tour, and you can either take your own car (you have probably missed it so much), or rent one at your destination. Australia is an amazing country for this, though, as it offers the possibility of seeing the Great Ocean Road, which is an amazing thing to see and experience. On the other hand, if you do not want or cannot leave your country, you can also choose to go on a domestic road trip – there are amazing things to see in your vicinity as well.
Holiday for a single guy
If you’re single, or you’re traveling someplace with another single friend, then you should definitely organize a nice vacation for yourself or for you and your single friend, and hit one of the best European cities. Europe has been greatly affected by the virus, which means that now it’s time to pay it back and get it back on its feet by traveling there and seeing all the amazing things it offers. Any city you choose in Europe – you will not make a mistake. Apart from being able to see great landmarks, you will also have the chance to have a drink at great gay clubs and pubs, and join unforgettable gay parties. And if the gay scenery is not your forte, worry not, as Europe indeed has to offer so many different and magnificent things.
This article has been republished from Out & About Nashville, and was part of a series of first-person pieces written by the late Bobbi Williams.
When I was 14 years old, I surreptitiously made my way through the stacks in the local library until I came to the Psychology section. One after one, I took down the books whose titles I thought would provide an answer, went to the table of contents and, if there were any, I flipped to the pictures.
Eventually, I landed on one with a word I had never seen or heard: Transvestite. And on the next page there was a black and white photo of a man wearing a dress, looking like he had just crawled out from under a rock. I can still see the expression of guilt on his face.
Not long after that, the newspapers and TV broke the story of Christine Jorgensen, a former member of the U.S. Army who had gone to Denmark to have Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS). Of course, the majority of the reports were always accompanied by some sort of joke, such as “Christine Jorgensen went abroad and came back a broad!”
America's First Trans Celebrity: Christine Jorgensen youtu.be
But those two events rescued me. I learned that I was not the only person in the world with this “affliction,” this sense that something wasn’t right. And I got a word I could apply to it and maybe even hope for a cure. But it was too early. I knew that to say out loud, even maybe, that I should have been born a girl, would mean being ostracized, becoming part of the joke, so I chose the path followed by most transgender people of my generation. I put all of my energy into making sure that no one knew.
And that wasn’t easy. For no matter what I did, I couldn’t match the image of the all-American boy, so I became the class clown. If I wasn’t the John Wayne male, at least I could be Lenny Bruce. It was my way of deflecting the mismatch, and, to some extent, it worked.
Others like me took varying escape routes, becoming athletes, businessmen, or whatever role they could slip into and hide behind. Most married, had kids, and did whatever was necessary to survive, with varying results, but never with happy endings.
Segue to the present. The scenario I described above is, to a great extent, still being played out, but now there are exceptions. Transgender kids today can find some consolation on the Internet. They can learn early on that they aren’t “afflicted.” They can make contact with others like themselves. And they can read about transgender people who are proud of themselves and what they have accomplished as well as hearing about transgender children whose parents accept them and allow them to be who they are.
But the information highway is not all smooth driving. And naïve youth can get lost on detours and take wrong turns, winding up as prey to the trolls, predators, and religious zealots—as well as various other kinds of bullies—who inhabit the virtual world.
So is it any better today for our transgender youth? Most still have parents who reject them and peers who bully them. Nearly half of transgender teens have seriously thought about taking their lives, and one quarter report having attempted suicide [1] compared to a rate of 1.6 percent for the general population.
It’s far from a perfect world. But I believe it is definitely better than the one I grew up in, because it’s a world where the President of the United States has condemned “the persecution of women, or religious minorities, or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender”; it’s a world where the parents of transgender children have publicly supported their sons or daughters and stood up to schools that would try to discriminate against them; it’s a world where the medical and psychiatric professions have come to recognize that being transgender isn’t a disease. All these things were inconceivable possibilities on the day I sneaked into the library.
Nina Simone To Be Young Gifted And Black youtu.be
When I was a teenager, Nina Simone had a hit record titled “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black” that has since been covered by artists as diverse as Elton John, Rah Digga, and Faith Evans. A portion of the lyrics say, “We must begin to tell our young / There’s a world waiting for you / This is a quest that’s just begun.” That same message applies today.
To be transgender is not a curse; it’s a gift. As Derrick Moeller, a graduate student in Education at Iowa State University and a transman explains, “Having to contemplate what your gender identity and gender expression looks like is a privilege that most folks don’t have to go through” [2]. Rather than being rejected they will know that they have been blessed, so that their plea “Why was I made like this?” will be replaced by a prayer of gratitude: “Thank you for making me like this.”
[1] Grossman, A.H. & D’Augelli, A.R. (2007). Transgender Youth and Life-Threatening Behaviors. *Suicide and Life-Threatening Behaviors* 37 (5), 527-37.
[2] Tiffany Herring, January 28 2015 Iowa State Daily [goo.gl/YSL3SC].