And the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race is Bebe Zahara Benet
By Lawrence Ferber • Photo courtesy Logo
Bebe Zahara Benet doesn’t have to lip-synch for her life anymore—she’s the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race , season one (a second has already been green-lit). Hailing from West Africa’s Republic of Cameroon—Camerrrooooooooon, as Ru frequently bellowed during Bebe’s runway struts—and currently based in Minneapolis, Bebe (aka Nea Marshall Kudi) called just before the climactic episode was aired to dish about the show, those other bitches… er, contestants, and what’s next for America’s next Top Drag Queen.
Lawrence Ferber: Congrats! Now that you’ve had five seconds to think about it, what’s next for you, aside from the Absolut Pride Tour?
Bebe Zahara Benet: There are so many things I want to do. One of my priorities is to create a show for Bebe to share her own experiences and where she comes from with a lot of people. That’s where my mind is right now. And I’m hoping other opportunities come along. I’m hoping I don’t have to stay in Minneapolis for too long, because I’ve done everything I can do there and it’s time to go to different places. It just depends on where my opportunities are.
Did they shoot the show through a layer of gauze? What’s with the soft-filter effect? It looked like a Liz Taylor perfume commercial.
[Laughs] I didn’t get it at all. I wish I could answer that question for you! I think you need to ask the producers, What were you thinking? Were you trying to hide our faces or something? Do you think we’re not attractive enough? Right?
What was the show’s most ridiculous challenge?
I don’t know if I’m going to say ridiculous, but I think it was the [Absolut Drag Ball challenge]. I had to work with raspberries. It’s a beautiful fruit, but so delicate to work with. That was a challenge for me, but when you get in a situation, you do what you have to do to pull through. And it worked.
Was there any on-set drama or sassing we didn’t get to see?
Well, I think a lot of what you saw on the show is how it went. I really appreciated that. Coming in I was skeptical and wanted to make sure drag was represented the way it should be. This is what I do for a living. I want to take it to the highest height. So I wanted drag portrayed with no stereotypes. Everybody came with a professional attitude and respected the art. Obviously, personalities rubbed here and there but generally it was how we were.
Who got booted too early, in your opinion?
Jade. I think she was just coming into her own element. I feel there was more of her we could have seen if she stayed longer,
but then again we’re in the hands of judges who have their own opinions, and we don’t control that.
Who needed to get booted sooner?
Everybody. [Laughs] Is it okay for me to say that?
Who did you become closest friends with? I got along with every single girl, but the one I bonded the most with was Nina Flowers. There were a lot of similarities between us—where we come from, how our cultures are and how they look at men, and how we look at drag and how far we want to take it.
What sorts of secrets can you spill about your fellow contestants? Now’s your chance for revenge!
Honestly, I got along with everyone. I have no hard feelings with anybody. Not even Akashia. You’d be surprised. I talk to her all the time.
Did you sample Victoria “Porkchop” Parker’s famed pork chops?
No, but I’m planning it! I told her they need to be grilled. I love that whole barbecue smell!
Of course, everyone was surprised and moved when Ongina came out as HIV-positive during the show. Can you discuss your own reaction when it
happened?
It was very, Oh my God, very emotional for me, because a lot of people where I come from go through that same experience. Here in America you can go to the hospital and be diagnosed, you can go through treatment and stay healthy and live life. In some other countries, it’s another thing. Some people, they don’t even know [they’re positive] or have opportunities to find out. It brought so much emotion. But I’m happy she’s okay and getting treatment and taking care of herself.
Are there any drag queens in Cameroon?
It’s unheard of. I don’t know of anyone but myself. I was hoping this would be a real awakening, [so they could] see there are people out there like us who think outside the norm, and encourage anyone who wants to think differently. I want to do something for Cameroon. It took me [going] all the way to the USA to explore who I am. It’s a chain reaction. So I need to go back to where I came from and create opportunities for other people.
And how is the drag scene back in Minneapolis — tired queens or fierce talent waiting to be discovered?
There is talent everywhere that needs to be discovered. I mean, you didn’t know who I was until now. Correct? So just find them because they are there.
Did you get to hang out in L.A. and experience its scene a bit while making the show?
No, they had us in prison! We were in chains, and when we were released, they said Go back to where you came from, we are not leaving you here! [Laughs] They said You will be in so much trouble, so I am hoping I can find the time to [visit and] enjoy everything.
Any final words on being the first winner of this title?
I’m just hoping I can be a good role model and represent what drag is all about and can be, and inspire other people who have the passion for the craft.
See www.rupaulsdragrace.com and www.bebezaharabenet.com for more information.
Lawrence Ferber is a regular contributor to OutSmart magazine.
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