This is going to be a #DragRace appreciation thread. I apologise for nothing.

I loved the 1st season of #DragRaceUK & was excited for season 2. I was #TeamBimini but happy Lawrence won. I wanted, no needed, more glitter, glam, humour & acceptance, more drag in my life. Found #CanadasDragRace on Iplayer. Yay.

Those Canadian drag stars know how to #LipSyncBattle I mean fierce doesn't even begin to cover it. It's like all the Cannuck politeness just disappears in an instant. And I loved all 3 of the judges.

Where was I to go for my next #DragRace fix? Turns out all 14 US series are on Netflix. Result. Now I'm a completist, I knew I'd have to watch every episode. The 1st few seasons were ropey. I didn't see the point of either Santino or Merle but I'd started so I had to keep going

I've finished season 10 this morning. It's been a sprint and a marathon all at once. I've still 4 seasons to go, plus #DragRaceDownUnder to start for goodness sakes.

I'm not usually a fan of reality TV, #Strictly #SewingBee & #GlowUp the only ones I watch & love. Never seen Celebrity Masterchef, Bake Off, X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, TOWIE, MIC or Love Island. Format doesn't usually do it for me.

There is something about #DragRace that works. It's funny. It's touching. It's silly. It's camp. It's full of fabulous frocks. It's people who've had the courage to be themselves. Ultimately it's a show about loving & accepting yourself. Even if you have to wear mask to do so

That makes it terrifically uplifting & hopeful. They talk about gay history, gay liberation, fear, shame, body image, eating disorders, addiction, being an outsider, being shunned by family for who they are. They talk about finding self love, acceptance & new families in drag.

The end of season 9 gave me goosebumps and made me cry. That's why I'm writing this thread.