Keeping It Real? Dynamics of Authenticity and Branding in RuPaul’s Drag Race

Abstract

The author explores the contemporary logics of branding and authenticity among contestants in the reality television show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. In the chapter, the author points to the inherent tension in performing a drag persona that is perceived as authentic by audiences whilst at the same time looking to take advantage of any financial opportunities that being on the show may generate. This tricky balancing act is examined in relation to the case of the drag persona, Tina Burner, who was criticised for not being authentic enough and overbranding herself. The chapter highlights the competing demands that contestants on a high-profile reality show must deal with and the difficulty of deciding ‘when to keep it real in reality TV’.

Citation

Andersen, M.M.T. (2022), "Keeping It Real? Dynamics of Authenticity and Branding in RuPaul’s Drag Race", Heřmanová, M., Skey, M. and Thurnell-Read, T. (Ed.) Cultures of Authenticity, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 193-205. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80117-936-220221014