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RuPaul Now Has a Species Named After Him, Thanks to Gay Scientist

RuPaul in drag on Drag Race

The honor was bestowed because of the influence drag has had on culture.

MikelleStreet

RuPaul's empire keeps growing.

The most visible drag queen in the globe, RuPaul, now has a species of insects named after him. The announcement was made this week by Australian entomologists.

"Category is: new species extravaganza!" Dr. Bryan Lessard, of Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, tweeted. "Introducing the RuPaul Soldier fly, serving charisma and uniqueness, one of 150 new species named by CSIRO in the last year!"

The Latin name of the soldier fly, which was first recorded over 100 years ago, is now Opaluma rupaul. It is one of 2,700 species of soldier flies. Lessard has previously named a fly after Beyonce.

"As a gay scientist, it took me a long time to feel comfortable in my own skin in a very traditional field of science - in entomology," Lessard told CNN of the process. "I think it's really important for the next generation of LGBTQ+ scientists to know that they're being represented in the workplace, as we give the names of legends in the community to memorable species."

This species is bathed in bold rainbow colors.

The name comes at a time where RuPaul is more prevalent than ever. He hosts RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race U.K. and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. In addition, the Drag Race universe has expanded to Italy, Canada, Thailand, Chile, Holland, Spain, and even the Philippines.

At Sunday's Primetime Emmy Awards, the series is up for Outstanding Competition Program. If it wins, the trophy will cause RuPaul Charles to make history as the most heavily awarded artist of color at the Primetime Emmy Awards, due to the executive producer credit.

MikelleStreet
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Mikelle Street

Mikelle Street is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial across The Advocate, Out, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.
Mikelle Street is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial across The Advocate, Out, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.