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How RuPaul’s Drag Race Heals Racial Divides, Elevates LGBTQIA+ Voices, and Inspires Us to Thrive

  • Writer: Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
    Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
  • 1 day ago
How RuPaul’s Drag Race Heals Racial Divides, Elevates LGBTQIA+ Voices, and Inspires Us to Thrive

In a world that often teaches us to separate, RuPaul’s Drag Race dares to unite. From the glittering runway to the emotional werkroom confessions, this show is more than a competition—it's a cultural classroom, where race, gender identity, and mental health intersect to teach us something revolutionary: everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.


Race and Reality: More Than Just Makeup


Race isn’t a side topic on RuPaul’s Drag Race—it’s center stage. With queens of all backgrounds competing, the show doesn't shy away from the real conversations: colorism, racial bias, and the deep emotional scars that racism leaves behind—even within the LGBTQIA+ community.


Black queens have often carried the cultural weight of drag, bringing depth, humor, history, and heart. But they also bring stories of exclusion and struggle—both outside and within queer spaces. Drag Race lets these voices speak boldly, finally receiving the validation and recognition they've been denied for too long.


White queens, too, are challenged—not shamed—to grow. When they listen, when they support, when they choose empathy over ego, the show becomes a powerful example of what true interracial allyship looks like. Not performative. Not passive. But intentional and accountable.


It's here, in this messy, colorful, and honest space, that we begin to see what's possible: healing between Black and White—not through silence, but through shared experience, visibility, and growth.


Educating Beyond the Binary: Drag as a Living Curriculum


RuPaul’s Drag Race goes beyond entertainment—it's education in eyeliner. Every season, every queen, every strut down the runway becomes a lesson in breaking binaries and dismantling harmful norms. The binary—man vs. woman, straight vs. gay, Black vs. white—has long been the default lens of the world. But the show dares to ask, What if we stop choosing sides and start choosing truth?


Viewers meet nonbinary, trans, gender-fluid, and agender individuals—not as caricatures, but as real people with stories, pain, joy, and dreams. And for many watching at home—especially those from rigid, conservative, or racially divided backgrounds—these are the first LGBTQIA+ people they’ve ever truly seen.



In those moments, drag becomes a bridge. Not a costume. Not a performance. But a radical, joyful act of rebellion and education.


And it's not just about gender identity—it’s about breaking all binaries. Between toughness and tenderness. Between masculine and feminine. Between being celebrated and being silenced.


Drag says: You can be both. You can be neither. You can be you.


This opens a door for deeper empathy—not only for queer and trans people, but for all those who’ve ever been put into a box they didn’t choose. It invites Black and white audiences alike to examine how rigid gender and racial norms have hurt everyone, and how breaking free benefits us all.


Survival Isn’t Enough—Thrive, Baby


For many queer people—especially queer people of color—survival has been the standard. Make it through the day. Dodge the stares. Endure the microaggressions. Hide the pain. Show up anyway.


RuPaul’s Drag Race flips that narrative. On its glitter-drenched stage, queens who once felt invisible now own the spotlight. They don’t just survive—they thrive out loud. They bring their trauma and their talent. Their scars and their sequins.


From candid confessions about homelessness, addiction, and rejection, to stories of triumph, resilience, and self-made success, the show proves that thriving isn’t a fantasy—it’s a birthright.


It tells viewers:

💫 You are more than your trauma.

💫 You are worthy of love, joy, success, and rest.

💫 You don’t have to “man up” or “tone down” to make it.

💫 You deserve a life that honors your full self—Black, white, queer, trans, neurodivergent, disabled, everything.


And for those who don’t share those identities? The show offers a wake-up call: if these queens can thrive in the face of systemic oppression, you can do better than tolerate—you can uplift, protect, and celebrate them.


Because when one of us thrives, we all rise.


A Mirrorball for the World


RuPaul’s Drag Race is often called a mirror for the culture—but maybe it’s more than that. Maybe it’s a mirrorball: a shattered thing that still reflects light.


It reflects what’s possible when Black and White people meet with honesty, when queer identities are fully embraced, and when mental health is treated with compassion, not shame.



It doesn’t promise perfection. But it offers progress.


So here’s the question: If drag queens from every race, background, and identity can come together to love, learn, and lift each other—what’s stopping the rest of us from doing the same?


 

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Baby Reindeer: A Darkly Hilarious Look at Trauma, Power, and Redemption

  • Writer: Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
    Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
  • Mar 29
Baby Reindeer: A Darkly Hilarious Look at Trauma, Power, and Redemption

Netflix's 2024 British black comedy-drama thriller Baby Reindeer is a gripping and unpredictable miniseries that has taken audiences by storm. Created by and starring Richard Gadd, who also adapts his autobiographical one-man show for the screen, this miniseries delves into the complexities of trauma, vulnerability, and the thin line between comedy and tragedy. Directed by Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch, Baby Reindeer is both a sharp commentary on the impact of sexual assault and an exploration of how we process pain, guilt, and healing. The series has garnered critical acclaim, winning six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, and two Golden Globe Awards, affirming its powerful impact on viewers.


Exploring the Dark Side of Comedy


At the heart of Baby Reindeer is Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian and bartender who becomes entangled in a disturbing cycle of trauma and unhealthy relationships. The show’s blend of comedy and drama makes it unique—Donny uses humor as both a shield and a coping mechanism, much like many people do when faced with trauma. His dark humor serves as an escape from the horrors of his past, yet it is clear that beneath the laughter, he is desperately struggling with his own pain and shame. This contrast is both poignant and unsettling, forcing us to question the ways in which humor can mask deep emotional scars.


Gadd’s portrayal of Donny is compelling, showing a man attempting to reclaim his life while grappling with memories of abuse and betrayal. The character's struggle is painfully relatable for many who have experienced trauma but still try to "move on" or "laugh it off" in order to survive. The series is a reminder that trauma doesn’t neatly fit into societal narratives of healing—it’s messy, complicated, and often masked behind a veneer of normalcy.


The Intersection of Power and Control


A major theme in Baby Reindeer is the abuse of power and control. Through Donny’s experiences with Darrien O'Connor, a TV writer who mentors him, we see how the manipulation and violation of trust lead to long-lasting psychological damage. Darrien’s sexual assault of Donny during drug-induced blackouts highlights the insidious nature of power dynamics and how victims often find themselves trapped in cycles of guilt, shame, and manipulation. This aspect of the series challenges viewers to reflect on how easily power can be exploited in intimate and professional relationships, especially when there is a disparity in status, influence, and trust.


The series also explores how abuse can be hidden behind layers of denial, normalization, and the desire to avoid confrontation. Donny’s initial reluctance to confront his trauma or speak out about his experiences is a painful portrayal of how societal pressures and personal fear can keep victims silent. Baby Reindeer speaks to those who have ever felt powerless, urging them to understand that speaking out and seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but an essential step toward healing.


The Stalker: A Symbol of Unresolved Pain


Another key storyline in Baby Reindeer revolves around Martha, a woman who becomes obsessed with Donny after he offers her a cup of tea at his pub. Martha's fixation on Donny becomes an invasive, unsettling force in his life, leading to stalking and violent threats. On the surface, this might seem like a typical narrative of obsession or an unhealthy relationship. However, when viewed through the lens of Donny’s trauma, Martha’s behavior takes on a deeper, symbolic meaning.


Martha is a reflection of the lingering, unresolved pain that Donny carries with him from his past experiences. Her obsession can be seen as an external manifestation of the internal chaos that Donny cannot escape. In many ways, Martha’s stalking mirrors the psychological trauma Donny endures from his prior abuse—unwanted, invasive, and relentless. The show cleverly uses this dynamic to emphasize the notion that trauma doesn’t disappear; it continues to haunt the victim in different forms until it is properly confronted.


Healing and Redemption


Despite the deeply troubling and disturbing nature of the events in Baby Reindeer, the series also speaks to the possibility of healing and redemption. Donny’s eventual decision to report Martha to the police is a small but significant step in reclaiming control of his life. It symbolizes the importance of boundaries, self-respect, and acknowledging the damage that has been done, no matter how difficult it is to face. Even more significantly, when Donny reunites with Darrien, he is faced with the uncomfortable possibility of returning to the very situation that caused him so much harm. This is the most difficult crossroads—where healing requires not just confronting past trauma but learning how to break free from toxic patterns.


The series is a powerful reminder that the road to healing is often not linear, and sometimes redemption doesn’t come from external validation but from taking ownership of one’s own story. Baby Reindeer offers a refreshing, albeit challenging, narrative that invites viewers to explore the complexity of healing and reclaiming one's life from the depths of trauma.


Conclusion


Baby Reindeer is a darkly comic, emotionally charged series that explores trauma, abuse, and the aftermath of surviving such experiences. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the intersections of power, vulnerability, and healing. As we watch Donny’s story unfold, we are reminded that trauma doesn’t simply go away, but with courage, self-awareness, and support, it is possible to begin the journey toward reclaiming control over our lives and healing.


Eye-Opening Question: How do we recognize when our past trauma is influencing our present relationships, and what steps can we take to confront it in healthy, supportive ways?


 

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Miss Congeniality: 25 Years Later – A Look at Perfectionism, Societal Judgement, and Women Thriving in a Male-Dominated World

  • Writer: Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
    Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training
  • Mar 21
Miss Congeniality: 25 Years Later – A Look at Perfectionism, Societal Judgement, and Women Thriving in a Male-Dominated World

When Miss Congeniality first graced theaters 25 years ago, it became an instant favorite, combining humor, action, and the magnetic presence of Sandra Bullock as the unlikely FBI agent, Gracie Hart. On the surface, it’s an entertaining story of transformation and crime-solving, but looking deeper, the film offers an insightful commentary on the societal expectations placed on women. From the pressure to be perfectly polished to the idea that women must conform to certain ideals, Miss Congeniality touches on themes that are still deeply relevant today. Watching it in 2025, it’s evident that many of the struggles Gracie faces continue to resonate with women everywhere. What can we learn from Gracie's journey of self-acceptance in a world that constantly judges women?


Navigating Society’s Expectations


At the heart of Miss Congeniality is the tension between a woman's individuality and the pressures society places on her to conform. Gracie, a tough, no-nonsense FBI agent, is forced to undergo a dramatic makeover and charm school training to infiltrate a beauty pageant. Through this transformation, we see the expectations women face in the media, workplaces, and everyday life: be graceful, smile often, and always be polished. The film sheds light on the harmful expectations that women are often expected to be perfect in both appearance and demeanor. It’s not just about looks; it's about the “right” type of woman—one who is pleasant, compliant, and fits into traditional gender roles. Gracie’s struggle to fit into this box highlights how society’s standards of perfectionism are an ongoing battle for many women, even in modern times.


Thriving in a Male-Dominated World


What makes Gracie's character so relatable is how she navigates a male-dominated world where judgment often overshadows capability. The beauty pageant world, a microcosm of societal beauty standards, is at odds with Gracie’s true nature. However, she quickly realizes that her success doesn't come from conforming to the ideal of perfection but from staying true to herself. Whether she's working in the FBI, where her no-nonsense attitude sets her apart, or participating in the beauty pageant, where she challenges the superficial norms, Gracie proves that women don’t have to change who they are to succeed. The film shows that women can thrive by embracing their strengths and vulnerabilities, demonstrating that there’s power in authenticity—no need for perfection to make an impact in a world that often tries to silence them.


A Timeless Message: Authenticity Over Perfection


As we revisit Miss Congeniality 25 years later, the film’s message about women, perfectionism, and societal judgment still holds true. In a world where women are expected to excel in every aspect of life—career, family, and appearance—while conforming to strict beauty standards, Gracie's journey is an empowering reminder that perfection is not the answer. True success comes from embracing who we are, flaws and all. Gracie's story teaches us that women can—and should—thrive in a male-dominated world, not by fitting a mold but by embracing their authentic selves.


What if the key to success for women lies not in striving for perfection, but in celebrating their authenticity?


 

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