Latest news with #RandyBarbato
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
As brands retreat from Pride, this company stepped up for visibility in rural towns
World of Wonder, the Emmy-winning media company behind "RuPaul's Drag Race," has spent over three decades redefining global pop culture. With international adaptations of Drag Race in more than 15 countries, from the U.K. and France to Brazil and the Philippines, their unapologetically queer empire spans continents. However, the company's reach goes far beyond reality TV. From producing acclaimed documentaries like "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" and "Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures" to launching live events such as RuPaul's DragCon, a Las Vegas residency, and the Drag Defense Fund in partnership with MTV and the ACLU, World of Wonder is no stranger to queer visibility and celebration. Now, as many major brands retreat from LGBTQ+ sponsorships, World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato are doubling down on community and connection by investing in Pride events in small towns and cities across the U.S., including Augusta, Georgia; Buffalo Grove, Illinois; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. "Whether it's ten people or a million, a parade moves forward," Bailey told USA TODAY. "That's what Pride is. Moving forward." The following Q&A was edited for length and clarity. You're known for iconic LGBTQ+ experiences in major cities. What inspired you to support smaller-town Pride parades this year? Fenton Bailey: This year, we're seeing a big walking back of support for Pride from corporations, probably because they're afraid of the current political climate. We realized that while we don't have the reach or deep pockets of those companies, we could still make a difference. Small is beautiful, and these local Prides matter deeply. Randy Barbato: Pride is a time to celebrate our community and our allies, but it's also a time to resist. The LGBTQ+ community is under attack, and a lot of corporate America is buckling under pressure. We felt a responsibility to step in, even in a small way, to support local Pride events. How did you choose locations like Augusta, Buffalo Grove and Portsmouth? FB: Big cities already get a lot of attention. But local communities, that's where people really need to feel supported. And many people at World of Wonder have ties to these towns, so it was personal. RB: Exactly. It's a reminder that these parades are just as meaningful, if not more. These towns are where values are shaped. Love, tolerance, non-judgment – those start at home. Do you see your involvement drawing LGBTQ+ travelers to these smaller Prides? RB: For us, it's not about size. It's about connection. These events are incredibly intimate and powerful. If anything, I hope more people travel to these small towns to experience that kind of community. ... When one community is under threat, we all are. Pride is celebration, but also a reminder that we must keep showing up. For ourselves, and for each other. FB: One example, we sponsored the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade, where Kahmora Hall marched. Through that event, I met a local mom who started a greeting card program for LGBTQ+ folks without family support ... I signed up to help ... That kind of connection – that's what local Pride can offer. What message do you hope this support sends to travelers and companies? FB: I wish more companies would show up. Just look at Budapest Pride. Even with a ban, tens of thousands marched. That same spirit of resistance is needed here. This is not the time to run and hide. RB: It's heartbreaking to see how far we've slid. Visibility has always been at the core of what we do. And now, just being yourself is a political act. So we're going to be more ourselves than ever. What's your most memorable Pride experience? FB: Marching in New York (in the late '80s during the AIDS crisis), we did a "die-in" on Fifth Avenue. Lying down in silence amid the noise of a parade was powerful. It was a moment of clarity – we're here because others fought for us. We have to keep marching. RB: I'd cosign that. Also, the first Pride I brought my kids to ... right on Hollywood Blvd. Watching them wave flags from strollers – that was unforgettable. Any packing tips for travelers heading to Pride events? RB: Sneakers, sunscreen, your black book, your phone – you're going to meet people – and water. Hydrate! FB: And no weapons. The only weapon you need is love.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘We need to be gayer than ever before': ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' queens and producers get political at FYC pool party
Since Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race was dubbed the "splashiest season in herstory," it only made sense for its 2025 Emmys campaign event to be a pool party. The top six queens — winner Onya Nurve, runner-up Jewels Sparkles, Sam Star, Lexi Love, Suzie Toot, and Lana Ja'Rae — reunited on Friday for a panel discussion and meet-and-greet with Television Academy members. They were joined by executive producer Randy Barbato, co-executive producer and resident judge Michelle Visage, and choreographer and guest judge Jamal Sims. Actress and Drag Race superfan Leslie Jones moderated the Q&A at the Skybar pool at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood. More from GoldDerby 2025 Tony Awards: Complete list of winners (updating live) 'Ran' turns 40: How a clerical error and bad blood cost Akira Kurosawa an Oscar 'What's next?': Allison Janney on playing a 'badass' on 'The Diplomat,' 'West Wing' 25 years later One of the themes of the evening was drag vs. politics, with Visage declaring, "In this climate, we need to be louder. We need to be gayer than ever before." The queens also talked about why the art of drag is so important right now, especially with all of the attacks on free expression from people in power. Gonzalo Marroquin / Getty Images for MTV The contestants shared how their own life experiences helped them in the competition and pushed them to succeed, and why RuPaul's Drag Race is so vital for the queer community and for the younger generation. Thanks in part to the show, the ACLU Drag Defense Fund has raised over $2.1 million to help bring attention to, and fight against, anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ attacks. Visage reflected on her time in the Badonka Dunk Tank, and explained how the twist was originally inspired by a Lucille Ball gag. Unfortunately, because of the way the tank was designed, there was no way for her not to go "ass first" into the water — her only request was that it be "warm." Various producers and crew members also took the plunge, and a fun clip package was shown to the crowd. During the reception, members of the Pit Crew, including Bryce and Bruno, mingled with attendees and posed on the lifeguard stand by the pool. Inspiring quotes from Mama Ru were displayed around the space, and guests snapped pics at the Drag Race "Confessional" photo booth. Specialty cocktails included the Badonka Dunk and the Ru-Rita, and food was available at a make-your-own taco stand. Gonzalo Marroquin / Getty Images for MTV Each of the queens shared their takeaways from the season. Onya: 'Getting on RuPaul's Drag Race was a dream of mine. Getting on this show is a testament to betting on yourself. I hope winning this show is a beacon of hope for everyone who looks like me." Jewels: The greatest gift I've ever been given is getting to do the show with my dad [in the makeover episode]. When I got home, my mother showed me clips of him practicing in his heels. It takes a secure man to support their child. If my father can cross dress on national television, the minimum people can do is accept their child." Sam: "Coming from the middle of nowhere, I always wanted to be somewhere. Tears of joy can be just as powerful as tears of sadness." Suzie: "Only 14 queens get chosen out of thousands of applicants. It is the reality competition show of all reality competition shows. There are a lot of theater kids who watch the show and see themselves in me. I wear the women who have inspired me on my sleeve." Lana: "I pull my looks from things that make me happy. The best gift in the world is to make someone smile. My drag is everything people told me I couldn't be." Lexi: "My vulnerability has allowed me to accept life. The show has unlocked everything." Barbato: "The show is a drag queen. All the producers are like drag queens. We go into our closet to create." Visage: "This competition is different from any of the others on television, because our queens are different from any other star on television. They live for the art of drag." Sims: "I'm always nervous, but what I look for is confidence in a queen. Can I give them the information they need to succeed? I always ask: what do you need from me?" All episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race are streaming now on Paramount+. The main series has received 71 Emmy nominations and 29 wins, including 14 total for RuPaul Charles (eight for hosting, six for producing). SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby 'Say Nothing' star Anthony Boyle on playing IRA activist Brendan Hughes: We 'get to the humanity as opposed to the mythology' The Making of 'The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day': PBS variety special 'comes from the heart' From 'Hot Rod' to 'Eastbound' to 'Gemstones,' Danny McBride breaks down his most righteous roles: 'It's been an absolute blast' Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WOW Presents Plus Greenlights "Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale" for a 2025 Release
This New Twist on the Drag Race "Vs. The World" Format Will Premiere Globally on the WOW Presents Plus Streaming Service Later This Year LOS ANGELES, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmy-award winning media company World of Wonder announced today a brand new series entering the Drag Race universe: "Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale." A twist on the "Vs. The World" format popularized by "RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs The World" and "Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs the World," "Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale" will see fan-favorite queens from previous seasons of "Drag Race Philippines" take on Asian queens from across the global franchise in a battle for the crown. The new series is set to premiere worldwide exclusively on WOW Presents Plus later this year. "Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale" will build off of the wildly popular "Drag Race Philippines" format. Across three seasons, the originating series has been praised for its unique twists on fan-favorite challenges and tropes, all while celebrating the distinctive Filipino drag culture and community. Most recently, reigning season three winner Maxie won the title of the Philippines' Drag Superstar, joining the Winner's Circle alongside previously crowned queens Precious Paula Nicole and Captivating Katkat. Co-Founders of World of Wonder, Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, said: "This new version of Drag Race shines a spotlight on Asian drag as never before, celebrating its culture, its history and creativity in a unique battle royale." "Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale" is the latest addition to the Emmy-award winning Drag Race franchise. The record-breaking global phenomenon, produced by World of Wonder, has seen successful adaptations in over 16 countries, including Chile, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Down Under (Australia / New Zealand) and more. Drag Race Philippines is produced in the Philippines by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. in conjunction with World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles, Alex Godinez - Lopez and Maricel Ticar Santos serve as Executive Producers on the series. About World of WonderWorld of Wonder (WOW) has reshaped international pop culture, earning 33 Emmys, inspiring two Oscars, creating global network WOW Presents Plus across 190 territories, and bringing drag culture to the world stage via RuPaul's Drag Race and DragCon. SVOD WOW Presents Plus, the exclusive home to the global Drag Race franchise and hundreds of WOW Original series, saw 35M hours of content watched in 2023 with 77% subscriber growth in the same year. WOW's pioneering television portfolio includes other smash-hit franchises like Million Dollar Listing. Their film division WOW Docs produces groundbreaking documentaries including Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, Party Monster, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye. WOW also operates YouTube channel WOWPresents, music label World of Wonder Records, the WOW Podcast Network, and year-round international live events. Co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato have been profiled in Variety's Reality TV Impact Report and Hollywood Reporter's Most Powerful Producers in Unscripted. Honors for their trailblazing work include the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen's Global 100 list, Banff's Impact Award, and the OUT 100. In 2022, World of Wonder was ranked #2 among film and TV powerhouses in Fast Company's World's 50 Most Innovative Companies. About Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Asia Production Studios, Inc. is a boutique production company specializing in content development, production management & cross-platform execution for feature film, television commercials and series, digital content and live events such as concerts, musical theater productions & on-ground activations. With more than 300 unique and global projects, Fullhouse Asia is comprised of dedicated individuals who are keen to producing dynamic, relevant, innovative & award winning shows. For more information, visit Media Contact: wow@ View original content: SOURCE World of Wonder
