Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Im so into the show.
Because its like,wow.
The impact that this show has had is everything I hoped and, really, prayed about.
I mean, 190 countries.
This is the man behind the curtain.
The man underneath the makeup.
The show was highly anticipated byDrag Racefans since it was announced.
Is it exactly what you thought it would be?
Thats just not my thing.
When Netflix was entertaining this idea, they were totally onboard with the idea of this being a docuseries.
I was like, Perfect fit!
You guys can stand in the corner, press record, and dont talk!
Because Beyond Belief is my lifeline.
Its my sacred space.
Its more than just my business.
And the voice that dance gave me as a child?
It might not have been through words, but it was through the art of movement.
Thats the greatest form of communication, in my opinion.
I really hold this very dear to my heart.
Believe it or not, I was kind of a private person.
Before the [Drag Race] season-five promos dropped, I was very scared of being judged.
I didnt know what my hometown Mesquite, Texas, would think of me.
Would I be misjudged as an artist?
And watching the series, Im very proud.
But it was Mesquites opinion that you cared about most.Most definitely.
I always wanted to teach dance.
I didnt know Id have a TV career.
I just want to be the man behind the scenes thats making all the magic happen.
I care because those people in Mesquite were the clients.
They were trusting me with their children.
Or potentially damage or hurt.
There are a lot of things that run through your head.
My journey onRuPauls Drag Race, I didnt feel any of those things.
I knew what I had signed up for.
I was very open with the parents and with World of Wonder that this needed to be done accurately.
There are a lot of moving parts in this that need to be handled with care.
And I think they did a beautiful job.
How have the parents reacted?
The mothers we meet in the show whose kids are represented?Honestly?
Theyre all like, Justin, weve learned so much more about you.
Youre very guarded about some things in your life.
We didnt know that your family life was so tough.
Oh, all the moms justmovedme.
And then they see me on an awkward date!
Theyre like, For us, youre our hero.
Its so, so interesting, this thing called life.
How it works out.
I remember watchingThe Neverending Story, one of my favorite movies, and hes reading that book?
Thats how I feel!
I feel like my book of life has already been written.
And here I am, chapter 38, and Im alive.
Sometimes I wake up and Im like, Dont dream it.
Youre really living the dream.
You are everything youve ever desired or set out to be.
That expectation to deliver Alyssa Edwards?Look, Im just authentically, unapologetically myself.
In and out of drag, in and out of the gig, in and out of the studio.
Miss Thing Over There wakes up 8 a.m. and shes on.
The sun, the rain, the snow, whatevers going on outside, Im ready.
I seize the moment.
you might see in the show that Im just a high-energy person.
If Im alive, Im on.
Do I have quiet time?
I write in my journal.
But I feel no pressure.
Dont be anything youre not.
And people will either celebrate that or say, Its not for me.
Speaking to that image, a lot of the other Ru girls are critical of you in public.
Why do you think the other girls feel comfortable talking about you this way?
Beyoncedoesdefine it and wrote a song about it a female version of a hustler.
If that intimidates anybody, that is something that is none of my concern.
I dont think Im adark-sideddiva.
I think Im fun, a good-time person.
And anyone whos ever worked with me, they cant say Im adark-sideddiva.
Now, I do have this Joan Collins air about me.
Which we love.You know, my shoulders arebackand my chin isup.
And yall saw onDrag Racethat Im a diva.
I am my biggest fan!
From a little introverted gay boy, I created this character from scratch.
When I put that wig on, every insecurity, every doubt?
Thats the magical power that Alyssa gave me.
I dont have a rider.
I dont have these demands or these needs, honey.
Ive done drag shows at pools.
I dont need a million backup dancers or grapes or fruits in my dressing room.
As far as unprofessional?
Im very gracious and generous and giving, and Id rather be judged on that.
What Ive learned is, when you get on this ladder of success, you keep climbing.
You focus on you and what could be ahead.
And to any of my peers out there: Its more important to celebrate each other.
And in life, its harder to be the bigger person.
Im curious if youve seen Shangela inA Star Is Born.
There you go!Finally found my missing piece!
When Shangela comes out …
I just smiled so big.
This is hard work.
This is never giving up or giving in.
Its a prime example of that.
I cant tell you how proud I am of him.
It is so strong.
Before we wereanyof this, we were homeys and best friends who supported each other.
We lifted each other up.
And I left that movie so happy.
