Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"I feel most confident when I'm not distracted by other people's bullshit." — RuPaul
"I look at the darkness, but I don't stare, because it will suck you in." — RuPaul
"If they paying your bills, pay them bitches no mind." — RuPaul (quoting his mother)
In this episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper interviews RuPaul, delving into the profound themes of his memoir, "The House of Hidden Meanings." RuPaul begins by discussing his early sense of destiny for fame, contrasting his public persona as an extrovert with his true nature as an introvert who conserves energy by spending time alone. He emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and the realization that inner peace is paramount, even if it means putting on a facade for social or professional gain.
The conversation then shifts to RuPaul's challenging childhood, marked by parental discord and his mother's world-weariness, which he attributes to past hardships. He reflects on his mother's pragmatic and unpretentious approach to life, including her candid advice about not caring what others think if they aren't financially supporting you. RuPaul also details his feelings of abandonment by his father and the complex dynamic it created, which ultimately informed his romantic relationships, leading him to seek out unavailable partners as a subconscious reenactment of past experiences.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around RuPaul's journey with addiction, both his own and witnessing it in those around him. He describes his 30-year relationship with substances, initially seeing them as a means to cope and endure until he was strong enough to confront his trauma. His eventual sobriety, facilitated by a 12-step program, is presented as a pivotal rebirth. The episode highlights RuPaul's evolving understanding of love and partnership, particularly his relationship with his husband, George, who offered a rare experience of kindness, trust, and unwavering support, enabling RuPaul to finally embrace genuine intimacy and self-acceptance. The interview concludes with reflections on drag as an art form that playfully challenges societal facades and the liberating power of embracing one's true self, free from the judgment of others.