Top 10 RuPaul's Drag Race Moments That Made Us Ugly Cry

This may not be the first time a “Drag Race” queen has come out as transgender on the show, but it is arguably the most emotional. The Season 14 queens have an “Untucked” chat about transitioning, and Jasmine takes the opportunity to open up. Her fellow contestants are all gathered around her while she sobs and shares her identity with us. Jasmine vents about the show’s impact on her journey and the inspiration she finds in Kerri Colby. It’s hard not to tear up too when you see just how much love and support the other queens give her.

#9: Detox in the Crying Game Season 5

Also in:

Top 10 Detox Moments on RuPaul’s Drag Race

The mini challenge for this week tested the acting skills of the competitors. RuPaul tasked the queens with making up sob stories while trying to deliver their best performance. However, it was not so simple for Detox. The game resurfaced some difficult memories of trauma she had experienced only a couple years earlier. Everyone’s fictional tales of lost love brought up some very real emotions for her. Grief is such a terrible thing to deal with, and it can show up at the most unexpected times. Luckily, it is a little easier when you have amazing sisters like Roxxxy by your side.

#8: Charlie Hides Talks About the AIDS Crisis Season 9

Also in:

Good Luck Charlie Cast: Where Are They Now?

With the outstanding progress we have made since the epidemic, it can be easy to forget just how devastating it was for those who were there. Charlie shares the terrifying reality of what it was like to be gay during the crisis. Their story is heartbreaking just to hear, so we can only imagine how difficult it must have been to live through. Moments like this remind us why it is so important that younger members of the LGBTQ+ community have the opportunity to listen to the experiences of their elders.

Not long before Season 9 was filmed, a tragedy occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The two performers talk about the close connections they have to the club. They were both fortunate enough to not have been there when it happened, but knew many people who experienced the devastating incident. It was a terrible tragedy that will always be remembered. And while it may be a difficult topic, it is still a crucial discussion for the queens to have, for many reasons. Chief among them is the important point about not living in fear and how the drag community helps keep them strong, even in times of peril.

#6: Blair Shares Her Story Season 10

Also in:

Top 10 Serena & Blair Fashion Moments

After some judges’ critiques about her being too sweet, Blair St. Clair opens up about her experience with assault. She explains how the occurrence has shaped her self-perception and affected the way she presents herself. Something like this can be very frightening to open up about, so we can only imagine how it felt to share it to the whole world. Blair’s story is unfortunately something that a lot of people can relate to. Needless to say, it was very brave of her to speak about it, and now so many others can know that they’re not alone.

#5: The Rujubee Lip Sync All Stars 1

Also in:

Top 10 RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 7 Moments

After landing in the bottom for the “Dynamic Drag Duos” challenge, team Rujubee delivered what might be the saddest lip sync to hit the main stage. This is a pair of friends that are truly inseparable. They sob and hold each other, not wanting to have to face the rest of the competition without the other. Jujubee takes it especially hard and has difficulty keeping her composure. Her amazing bestie Raven consoles her and helps her calm down. The performance left Mama Ru with a very tough decision to make. With this, team Rujubee had us believing that, contrary to popular belief, this may actually be “RuPaul’s Best Friend Race”.

#4: Alyssa Edwards’ Makeover Challenge All Stars 2

Also in:

Drag Race Recap: Girl Group Challenge with Lip-Sync Guest Alyssa Edwards | MsMojo's Drag Race RuCap

In this season, contestants were tasked with giving members of their family a drag transformation. Alyssa is partnered with her sister, and the two reunite almost exactly a year after their mother’s passing. This forces Alyssa to finally confront her emotions and results in her realizing that grief is not something that one can run or hide from. The siblings’ time together on the show is filled with tears and so much love. It is very bittersweet, but still just as heartening to see them get the chance to support each other, right in front of the entire world.

The maxi challenge in this episode centered around the MAC Viva Glam charity, with the queens filming their own screen test for the brand. Ongina dazzled the judges with her upbeat and celebratory outlook. Upon winning the challenge, she completely breaks down crying, leaving her fellow contestants and the judges puzzled. She explains why this win is just so meaningful to her and bravely shares her status with the others. This made her the first queen in “Drag Race” herstory to do so. Although many great medical advancements have been made, living with HIV can involve many challenges. Ongina serves as an inspiration to all those in the same boat.

#2: Chi Chi DeVayne’s Tribute Season 13

Also in:

Top 10 RuPaul's Drag Race Season 14 Moments

In the summer of 2020, the drag community lost one of its beloved sisters. Her memory was honored at the Season 13 finale, where many “Drag Race” veterans gave their messages of love and remembrance. Chi Chi DeVayne was an incredible performer who made the most of the little she had. While she is dearly missed, we can at least hold on to the wonderful memories of her exceptional talent. Who could forget that stunning “And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going” lip sync? It was incredible to see all these people come together to celebrate her. Times like this remind us just how much of drag is about building a loving community. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Katya & Miss Fame’s Heart-To-Heart, Season 7 The Duo Share Their Feelings About the Challenges of Sobriety Monica Beverly Hillz Comes Out, Season 5 Her Truth Is Tearfully Spoken on the Main Stage Sasha, Valentina & Shea Have a Heartfelt Discussion, Season 9 The Girls Take a Moment to Get Real About Struggling With Body Image Willow Pill’s Cystinosis, Season 14 Our Season 14 Champ Opens up About the Difficulties of Life with Chronic Illness & Pain Sasha Colby’s Tic Tac Chit Chat, Season 15 This Queen Shows Her Vulnerable Side & Speaks with Ru & Michelle About Her Father’s Passing

Many of the competitors on “Drag Race” have shared sad stories about their family life, but this one is exceptionally tough to hear. Although this moment has become a bit of a running joke in the fandom, it’s still one truly heartbreaking tale. After an intense lip sync against Alyssa Edwards, Roxxxy gets emotional and opens up on the main stage about her childhood. Tears well in everyone’s eyes as they listen to her story. The response from the queens and the judges is an important reminder that sometimes your chosen family are the ones who are really there for you.