In an emotional turn of events on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Ivory Glaze, a Sydney-based drag queen, unveiled a striking runway look that never saw the stage lights. The vibrant ensemble, which Ivory would have showcased on the “Bad Girls Gone Bad” runway, paid homage to a modern queer cinematic masterpiece – Everything Everywhere All At Once (EEAAO). This sci-fi-action-drama, produced by A24, introduces Jobu Tupaki, portrayed by Stephanie Hsu, a compelling Asian queer character that profoundly resonated with Ivory. As Ivory explained, “I really wanted to reimagine the character as if she had grown up, matured, and owned her power.”
A Series of Unfortunate Events: Ivory’s Journey on Drag Race
Reflecting on her Drag Race journey, Ivory candidly likened it to the plotline of a dramatic film – “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” She recounted a pivotal moment when, on episode two, she faced an unexpected fainting incident just before a scheduled lip sync performance. The incident prompted the postponement of the lip sync to the following episode, where, regrettably, Ivory’s journey on the show came to an end. Ivory shared her experience, “I’d forgotten a few essential things, and I started spiraling. As much as it was a pleasure, it was an explosion nonetheless.”
Resilience and Support in the Face of Adversity
The fainting incident shed light on Ivory’s struggles with insomnia and the toll it took on her well-being. She acknowledged her reliance on energy drinks to compensate for sleep deprivation and the delirium it brought. However, Ivory remains optimistic and has been actively working on improving her sleep patterns. The incident also showcased the supportive atmosphere within the Drag Race community. Ivory expressed her gratitude, “Watching it back, I could see that everyone cared and wanted the best for me.”
Celebrating Queer Expression on the Runway
Ivory Glaze’s journey on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under might have ended earlier than anticipated, but her spirit and creative expression continue to shine. Through her unseen runway tribute and heartfelt explanation, she celebrated not only the cinematic brilliance of Everything Everywhere All At Once but also the resilience of queer individuals who navigate complex relationships and personal growth. Ivory’s story is a reminder of the power of self-expression, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the unwavering support that can be found within it.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under continues to captivate audiences, streaming every Friday on Stan.