Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Drag Race at World of Wonder: The View from Outside

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

Tonight RuPaul's Drag Race premieres on LOGO. World of Wonder in Hollywood threw a wild opening party for the show last week filled with drag-themed artwork. The turnout was tremendous and the room quickly went from "SRO" to Fire Marshall at the door". The event was at capacity and under threat of being shut down even before the red carpet was finished. Which left the stars of the show, RuPaul, A-list invitees and certain (cough) photographers stranded outside.

There was a back patio for those who couldn't make it in the door with "prom photos" including lots of drag outfits with which to dress yourself for the photos. They were serving strong Absolut vodka drinks and had swag bags (Hair products, false eyelashes, and woohooo - Mac cosmetics!!!)

Eventually even the patio reached capacity, and the street outside became one big party. RuPaul wins the mensch of the year award for hanging outside with his fans, posing for pictures and greeting everyone like old friends. The rumor was that he couldn't get in. But even when people came out an tried to usher him inside, he said, "I'm fine out here." He was the one everyone was there to see and it was touching to see the disappointed would-be partygoers' faces light up when they spotted him. RuPaul is one class act.

Previously: What it looked like inside the party

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today