Edge Hill University<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This presentation introduces Ruligion, a spiritual and cultural framework which emerges from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Developed over six years of doctoral research into queer spirituality and meaning in popular culture, this research examines how Camp, performance and vulnerability act as sites of healing and resistance for queer communities. Rather than solely viewing drag as entertainment, Ruligion reveals how seemingly frivolous aspects of drag culture and sensibilities hold deeper significance to the queer community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through a combination of personal reflection and critical discourse analysis, this presentation examines how drag performers offer spirituality and communal care to each other and their audiences. Through joyful performances, drag queens harness Camp to develop resilience in struggles emerging in their own lives and of those in their communities. While contemporary dominant discourses often increasingly target queer joy and inclusion as being ‘woke\u2019, this presentation defends queer joy and Camp as offering sacred radical pathways to belonging and healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considering the concept of Ruligion contributes to research and approaches that value the significance of minority philosophies, values and world views. This is particularly critical when such minorities offer transformative perspectives in the face of growing cultural hostilities in the West. Beneath the rhinestones, Ruligion reveals how resilience emerges in the most unexpected spaces. Faith flourishes in a drag queen’s tears, wigs and the nerve it takes to survive. Ruligion offers a new lens to understand how queer culture cultivates faith, care and community strength beyond traditional boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Althaus-Reid, M. (2003). The Queer God<\/a>. London: Routledge.
Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. <\/a>New York: Routledge.
Greenough, C. (2020). Queer Theologies: The Basics.<\/a> London: Routledge.
Greenough, C. (2022). Theology in a Salsa Bar: Christian Faith, Belonging and Queer Experience<\/a>. London: SCM Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n