RUPAUL (with Paper's Joan Summers)

RUPAUL (with Paper's Joan Summers)

From Pop Pantheon by DJ Louie XIV

June 4, 2026 · 2h 15m

About this episode

The episode features a discussion with Joan Summers about RuPaul's impact on queer culture and his musical career.

PAPER senior editor Joan Summers returns to Pop Pantheon for a special Pride episode unpacking a complex but revolutionary figure who changed queer culture forever, Supermodel of the World RuPaul. Louie and Joan explore Ru’s roots, his rise in New York City and breakthrough with “Supermodel (You Better Work).” Then they discuss the music he made during his initial burst of fame and his second musical act with alongside his hit series, RuPaul’s Drag Race . They tackle the absolute avalanche of music Ru’s released (16 albums + counting!) and rank RuPaul in The Official Pop Pantheon.  Check out our playlist of RuPaul Essentials Buy tickets to Gorgeous Gorgeous Pride in LA on 6/19 and NY 6/26 Join Pop Pantheon: All Access, Our Patreon Channel, for Exclusive Content and More Shop Merch in Pop Pantheon's Store Follow Pop Pantheon on Instagram Follow DJ Louie XIV on Instagram Follow Russ on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: DJ Louie XIV

Guest: Joan Summers

Topics covered

  • Pride
  • queer culture
  • music
  • RuPaul
  • Pop Pantheon
  • interview

Keywords

  • RuPaul
  • queer culture
  • music
  • Supermodel
  • Drag Race
  • Pride
  • Pop Pantheon

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PAPER

Books & works: Supermodel (You Better Work), RuPaul’s Drag Race

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