Lana Ja’Rae, a contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race, recently opened up about the feedback she has received regarding her performances and fashion choices. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly published on March 22, 2025, Lana shed light on why certain remarks about her appearance impacted her more than others, while also discussing the significance of drag and how to navigate criticism.
“Drag is a way to love my body. When people say things about my body, they’re not attacking my drag persona, but me as a person,”she explained.
Lana faced elimination during the March 21 episode of season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Competing against Sam Star in a lip-sync performance of Dua Lipa’s “Illusion,”Lana aimed to make a memorable impression on the judges but ultimately fell short, being asked to “sashay away.”
Addressing Criticism and Embracing Self-Love
In her candid interview, Lana addressed the critical feedback surrounding her Naomi Campbell-inspired look and the “boy body”aesthetic she opted for. She elaborated on her creative process for each of her outfits, describing drag as a personal “love letter”to herself.
“I was never allowed to be feminine, so my drag is high femme, and I was never masculine enough to be a man, so I focus on the feminine body.”
Lana shared that her vision of beauty was largely influenced by her mother, who had a different body type. This insight helped her embrace her own body despite the negativity she faced growing up. Emphasizing the transformative power of drag, she remarked that it enables her to express self-acceptance.
Aspiring to make her mark in the fashion industry, Lana expressed her desire to participate in New York Fashion Week and to evolve into a muse for designers. She aims to become the “best supermodel in the world,” turning the negative criticisms she has faced into motivation to succeed.
From Clowning to Drag: An Unexpected Journey
Lana also reminisced about her early career as a party clown in New York City, where she entertained at children’s birthday parties. Living with her brother and his friend, she embraced the joy of performing.
“I’d travel throughout New York City, go to children’s parties, and do balloon tricks and magic shows with live bunnies. It was fun and fulfilling,”she recalled.
Additionally, she touched on her decision to borrow a dress from fellow drag queen Kandy Muse for a “ugly runway”challenge in the latest episode. Although Lana did not inform Kandy beforehand that she would be using the outfit, she shared her thoughts on the judges’ previous reactions to that particular look.
“I still have it. I haven’t looked at it since Drag Race. I don’t think she wants it back, but if she does, I’ll make sure she gets it.”
New episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race are available every Friday at 8 PM ET on MTV, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic world of drag culture.