Khushboo Malhotra

[This article features excerpts from an interview with Michelle Visage conducted by Chris Tompkins.]

With an impressive repertoire as a singer, actor, television host, author, and radio DJ, the iconic diva Michelle Visage has established her presence in the entertainment world with her unwavering authenticity and indomitable spirit.

Michelle Visage’s career boasts a rich tapestry of achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry. Today, she is best celebrated as a beloved judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and its spin-offs—thanks to her quick wit and insightful critique—which has garnered her immense acclaim, accolades and a revered status.

Beyond the screen, Michelle Visage has emerged as an influential advocate and award-winning ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Her journey has been an extraordinary one, exemplified by resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the LGBTQ+ community which serves as a beacon of inspiration to all.

In an exclusive Q&A session, Michelle graciously shares her invaluable life lessons and her unique definition of drag with candour and humour. She imparts wisdom gained from her own experiences, and her words struck a chord with the audience, offering a refreshing perspective on embracing authenticity, disregarding external opinions, and embracing a life lived to the fullest.

Age as the Greatest Teacher

Michelle Visage is no stranger to life’s teachings. With a career spanning decades and a vibrant personality that captivates millions, she has embraced the art of constant learning. When asked about her most important life lesson, Michelle reflects on the valuable wisdom that has come with age.

“It’s all about how you feel about yourself at the end of the day.”

“In life, I’m constantly learning,” Visage shares. “I’m over 50 and I’m still learning life lessons because every day, especially with the way the world is right now, there’s something to be learned, even if it’s something small.”

Having lived through innumerable experiences and personal growth, Visage shares a sage piece of advice “not to take life too seriously and to be unfazed by the opinions of others”. “Loosen up and stop worrying so much about this person and what they think of you,” she advises. “It’s all about how you feel about yourself at the end of the day.”

“You know your truth, and the truth always, I promise you, always reveals itself.” She encourages others to focus on their inner selves, emphasizing the significance of self-acceptance and cherishing self-esteem and self-love.

“It might not be in your lifetime, but trust me, karma is real.”

Another important life lesson that Michelle highlights is the power of karma. Although sometimes it may seem that good things happen to undeserving individuals, she reassures that karma will eventually expose their true nature. “Karma is real,” Visage asserts. “Those people will be exposed, that is one thing I can guarantee. Sometimes you won’t see it immediately, but they always happen. It might not be in your lifetime, but trust me, karma is real.”

With her powerful voice, Michelle Visage reminds us to embrace authenticity, release self-imposed pressures, and trust in the journey of life.

Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Through her journey, Visage serves as a beacon of resilience and encourages others to prioritize their well-being.

“For me, in the dark times – there have been some and there will be some – my struggle is anxiety. Not as much depression, but panic attacks, I’ve gone to A&E for panic attacks, not knowing what it was over the years,” Visage shares candidly about her struggles with anxiety and amidst challenging moments, she draws on her resilience to persevere.

“It was always about the way I treated myself, both mentally and physically.“

“I always had the pressure of, ‘you have to get better, you have to get better, you have to get better,'” she remarks on the pressures of being the sole provider for her family of four. “It was always about the way I treated myself, both mentally and physically.”

To navigate the shadows, Visage embraces various coping mechanisms, and emphasizes the importance of therapy, highlighting its positive impact on mental health. Although therapy may be viewed differently in various cultures, she encourages everyone to seek help without viewing it as a sign of weakness.

Her journey to overcoming panic attacks highlights the importance of self-care and mental well-being. She finds solace in meditation, utilizing apps to calm her mind during stressful moments. She acknowledges the significance of leaning on others, underscoring the importance of community and support systems.

“What gets me through is that I love life, I love people, and my community pulls me through,” Visage shares. “It’s okay to lean on others. Don’t be afraid to get some help online. Don’t think of it as a failure.”

Defining Drag: A Powerful Expression of Identity

As a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Visage has witnessed the show’s meteoric rise and the impact it has had on drag culture. She has become an instrumental figure in championing the drag community and amplifying their voices.

“It’s for all the people who never felt like they fit in.”

Visage offers her unique perspective on the role of a drag queen, noting drag is a powerful expression of individuality and defiance against societal norms. “A drag queen to me is giving a big ‘FU’ to society,” she declares. “It’s for all the people who never felt like they fit in. They have a place in drag, and they have a place within the community.”

She expands on the concept, highlighting that drag is not confined to the stage but permeates all aspects of life. It is a form of self-expression, a way to embrace one’s unique identity and uplift oneself. “RuPaul says we’re all born naked, and the rest is a drag. If you think about it, that’s true!” she says.

“It is such a strong power, and that’s why these kids on RuPaul’s Drag Race are superheroes.”

“Drag just picks you up and makes you feel good,” Visage explains. “It is such a strong power, and that’s why these kids on RuPaul’s Drag Race are superheroes. That’s the beauty of it all, and that’s what it means to me.”

The Marvellous Journey of a Superstar Continues

Visage’s multifaceted career and unwavering support for the drag community have made her an icon and a legend, whose vibrant presence continues to inspire those around her. As we celebrate the enduring impact of Michelle Visage, let her words echo in our hearts:

“Don’t take life so seriously. It’s a RuPaul thing, but it’s honestly the best lesson I’ve learned. The better I get at listening to that, the better I feel about myself. It’s all about how you feel about yourself at the end of the day.”

And with that, Michelle Visage continues to light the way, as she thrives as a graceful superstar, inspiring others to embrace their true potential and act as a beacon of inspiration and allyship.

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Image Courtesy of user Lexicon louie via Wikimedia Commons. The image licence can be found here. No changes were made to this image.

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

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