Review of RuPaul Book

"Lettin' It All Hang Out"

By Coreen Clark
© 1996 Transgender Forum and Coreen Clark

Finally, after a long wait, I spotted the autobiography of RuPaul on the shelves in a local mall. Not that the book was promised or overdue, or anything like that... it's just that (at least) this reader has been dying to know for quite some time, how the hell she gets herself to look so good, and how she managed to rise to be a star in her own right. She not only reached this fame in the transgendered community, but also in "mainstream" general public.

Though one would hesitate to use many superlatives to descibe the book, it is never the less done quite well. Not masterfully written, but easy to read. Not hilarious, but very funny in spots. Not religious, but philosophical at times. And, unfortunatly, not an indepth "how to" guide, but a good source of "tips and tricks".

The type is big (I had the hard cover version) and the chapters are mostly very short, being organised basically in a chronological sequence, with a few exceptions. It covers from her early childhood up to the present. The first chapter is called "How To Tuck". This is really the only time she gives you the goods on how she transforms herself. She describes her typical routine from bath to makeup to dressing. What I found lacking was much discussion on how she does her breasts. There is a hint to it but that's all. It is also evident from the numerous photos throughout the book, that this routine wasn't used for all her "looks".

In the past, I have seen much discussion on tucking (the genitals), with alot of methods aurgued. Some get to be very complicated, with special "gaff" harnesses, or even surgical tape (!), but the RuPaul method is extremely simple and effective. If you don't believe it, just take a look at her pictures, for what is described as the "fiercest tuck in the business", especially in a bathing suit! I now use it myself, and it can (can't!) be seen in my picture, here on the forum.

Chapter 12 includes her tips on giving a killer lip-sync performance, which she, of course, is a master of. There are some surprising hints here, that are contrary to what certain other experts I have encountered have said.

Her gayness is also left basically without much mention, that is, until the second last chapter where she explores and defines it in much greater depth.

Overall the book was quite enjoyable to read, and certainlky didn't take long to do so. Once she had reached a certain level of stardom, she started to have experiences with many famous people. Some of the descriptions of these encounters were funny, some were surprising. Some were even shocking.

The book is well worth reading (even if you only read chapter-1!). The pictures, alone, are amazing enough, but her life, right from the start, has not been what one would call "normal"! It's a nice way to enjoy some time, curled up your favourite spot!


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