“We knew there was no going back,” she said.

“SO Drag racing happened and our friendship remained despite everything.”

Slowly but surely, RuPaul’s Drag Race became a reality television phenomenon that lasted 16 seasons in the United States and spawned 16 international versions and multiple spin-offs like Stars And Drag U by RuPaul.

When she’s not judging alongside Ru and a rotation of guest judges, Visage is known for being a fierce advocate for LGBTIQA+ rights and equality. She has won numerous awards for her alliance and although she says she has “always been an advocate and an ally”, the 56-year-old can pinpoint the moment things changed for her.

“I absolutely know when it happened,” she said.

“I was in high school and there was a boy who was being bullied and it had been going on for years… the jocks were picking on this kid and I just faced them and said enough is enough” , she continued.

“I’m not going to tell you the language he used. I’m from New Jersey. It wasn’t good language. I put the finger in his face and just went at the kid (about of a boy) I didn’t. We weren’t friends, we ran in different circles and I was a very loud theater kid, but I knew he was. needed a voice.

Face and the bullied student were taken into custody but she has no regrets. “I didn’t know what possessed me, but I knew someone had to stand up for this child,” she said.