It was a spooktacular finale for RuPaul’s Drag Race season 4. Sharon Needles, the goth queen with a heart of gold, took the crown after facing off against drag veteran Chad Michaels and feisty newcomer Phi Phi O’Hera in a finale that never seemed to end. While the race was tight and could go to anyone, it was Needles and her legion of fans who won host RuPaul over.
Needles will make her Mile High City debut when the Absolut Drag Race Tour stops by the EXDO Event Center June 15 for Drag Nation. Here, Needles shares her opinion on drag in 2012. Oh – and she wanted me to pass on her apology in advance to everyone who plans on seeing the show.
How do you feel about winning RuPaul’s Drag Race season 4?
I haven’t had time to sit down and process it all. One day, I’m going to be taking a shit and it’s going to hit me all at once.
Your boyfriend Alaska applied for Drag Race multiple times, but was never selected. Now you’ve won. Has it put a strain on your relationship?
Isn’t that wild? I’m blessed to have a dude in my life who completely lacks selfishness and jealousy. He’s my best friend – the love of my life. He’s also a great employee. He does all my hair, all my merchandise. And he has a huge dick!
You’re coming to Denver! Have you ever been?
I lived in Boulder for a year in my early 20s. It was an art collective, punk houses near Nederland. I love how the mountains make you feel. I’m excited to come back. The weed [in Colorado] is so good. I get higher than Pikes Peak.
How has being on the show changed your life? You’ve become a role model.
I never planned on being a role model. I don’t like the idea of dictating how people conduct their lives. But I can’t deny what my presence has done for disenfranchised LGBT youth. When I went on the show, I just wanted to show what drag really is as opposed to what TV is trying to make it. It’s a good time. We can let you forget about the stress of gay living.
You know, you really are a smart cookie.
Beyond being a drag queen, I’m also a historian of this industry. History is something we lack. [A lot of drag queens] just want to be like Lady Gaga or Nicki Minaj. They don’t know who Divine is. They’ve never seen Paris Is Burning. They’re unaware. The industry has taken a turn – we’re over painted, exaggerated, examples of consumerism that can just make fun.
Tell me about your relationship with Willam.
Me and Willam are tight. A lot of people perceive him to be an uncaring bitch, but Willam never said anything that wasn’t A: true, or B: funny. That’s exactly what I look forward to in a friend and collaborator.
Willam has released a single. Can we expect a Sharon Needles LP?
I would love to follow in those footsteps. It’s becoming a tradition [for past Drag Race contestants] to stay relevant by putting out club music. I guess I’m going to take my time. Some of the competitors of past seasons have put out terrible music. I’m not prepared to put my name on anything I can’t back.
What’s the one thing we didn’t learn about you from the show?
I’m a really flawed human being. Don’t bow to me and worship me. Bow and worship yourself. I’m selfish and jealous at times. I apologize to anyone who thinks I’m perfect.
What did you learn about yourself from the competition?
Back in the House of Haunt, I always had the chance to make my girls and friends laugh, but never thought in a million years my humor would resonate with millions of people. You know, my humor was my machine gun, my shield from all the bullying.
Have you had any downtime since the show ended?
Nothing yet. I’m a drag queen for the people and by the people. I like to compare it to a campaign. I’m going to be on the trail for the next year. My body and soul, heart and being, are no longer mine. They’re for those who stood up for me.
Have you decided how you’ll use the $100,000 you won?
I haven’t. Maybe I’ll just spend it on plastic surgery. I want so much plastic surgery I’ll make Chad Michaels look like a natural girl. ]
