We're Here premiered on RuPaul's Drag Race will recognize a few familiar faces. Former Drag Race contestants Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O'Hara, and Shangela serve as hosts for this heartwarming new documentary miniseries about acceptance and -- of course -- drag culture.
In each episode, the queens visit a different town in America. Their goal: showcasing the beauty of drag culture while pushing residents to challenge their biases about this instrumental form of creative queer expression. On par with Netflix's Queer Eye, We're Here is a testament to self-love, dismantling homophobia, and looking fabulous. Here are all the behind-the-scene facts you need to know before you binge-watch We're Here.
It Features Contestants From RuPaul's Drag Race
For those unaware, RuPaul's Drag Race is a groundbreaking reality TV series where drag queens compete to become the next drag superstar. 12 seasons and two spin-off series later, Drag Race is a staple of contemporary television. The series has opened numerous doors for both people who identify as queer and those who participate in drag shows.
We're Here is an extension of Drag Race. Instead of focusing on a competition though, We're Here focuses on the stories of people across America, diving into their relationship with or understanding of drag culture.
One Of The Hosts Is Bob The Drag Queen
Bob the Drag Queen won season eight of Drag Race. This 33-year-old Georgia native and activist takes a unique approach to drag. Bob often incorporates comedic elements into his performances, reveling in theatricality and humor while maintaining perfect delivery.
Bob is also a musician who has released a few singles and appeared in music videos. Bob identifies as non-binary but prefers either he/him or she/her pronouns.
The Second Host Is Eureka O'Hara
Tennesse native Eureka O'Hara competed in the ninth and tenths seasons of Drag Race. After placing in the runner-up position in season 10, Eureka moved on to new ventures, but they continue to perform in drag.
Eureka is an outspoken anti-bullying activist who uses their platform to raise money for the cause. Eureka identifies as genderfluid and uses they/them pronouns.
The Final Host Is Shangela
Shangela participated in three seasons of Drag Race. Despite not winning any of them, Shangela is a fan favorite who continues to perform all over the United States and Canada. Shangela appears in various fictional television series, including Community.
Shangela uses she/her pronouns. She is known for the catchphrase "Halleloo," as well as for her comedic drag persona, Laquifa.
The Hosts Visit Small Towns Across The United States
The three hosts of We're Here spend one episode each in six different small towns: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Twin Falls, Idaho; Branson, Missouri; Farmington, New Mexico; and a final location yet to announced.
Instead of big cities where residents are more likely to be familiar with drag culture, We're Here ships these drag stars to more isolated places where people are less familiar -- and potentially less accepting -- of drag queens. The queens arrive in each new location intent upon learning all they can about the locals while figuring out ways to engage them about queer issues, transphobia, and homophobia.
In Each Episode, The Trio Organize One-Night Drag Shows
Each episode of We're Here culminates with a one-night drag performance featuring locals in each town. The queens spend a week working with their amateur recruits to pull together fun, educational performances. The locals also have time to talk about their experiences with the queens.
The queens fliers around town in order to raise awareness about the show. Everyone who can fit into the venue is welcome to attend.
Each Drag Queen Mentors Drag Show Participants
Bob, Eureka, and Shangela each play drag mother for a different person (or people) in each town. In drag culture, new queens are mentored by older ones. Drag mothers provide their children with all the knowledge, wigs, and duds they need to become their own beautiful drag queen.
Although each episode spans a week, the producers of We're Here do a wonderful job showcasing the unique bonds between the experienced drag queens and their recruits.
Both Queer People And Queer Allies Perform In The Drag Shows
One wonderful aspect of We're Here is its focus on making drag culture accessible to everyone -- regardless of their sexual identity. The performances in each town aren't only reserved for of the queer community; the queens work with straight residents who want to experience life outside of their bubbles.
The tales of the straight allies who engage with drag culture make up some of the more compelling storylines in the series.
The Series Explores The Ins And Out Of Drag Culture
We're Here is a primer on drag culture for anyone who doesn't know much about it. The series details the great lengths each performer goes through to bring their various drag personas to life.
We're Here proves drag isn't just about wearing dresses and high heels; it's a complicated art form that deserves respect.
It Also Explores The Lives Of The Everyday People Who Take Part In The Drag Shows
We're Here also details the lives and backstories of both the drag queens and the residents of each town. Highlighting the human element adds to the show's goal of normalizing drag.
Drag is a profound, transformative form of self-expression. While some people refuse to welcome drag or those involved with it into their lives, We're Here shows drag queens leave the door open for everyone.