‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Star Kennedy Davenport’s Biggest Accomplishment Lies Outside the Show
Since she came out twirling and doing literal acrobatics across the catwalk on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Texas queen Kennedy Davenport has solidified her spot among the crème de la crème in Drag Race history. Her successes didn’t come without a few hurdles though. Iffy editing, acting challenges, and fellow All Star Shangela being eliminated from their season too early made for some sharp comparisons. But that’s in the past now, because Kennedy is finally competing how she’s always wanted to and is fully ready to give fans a glimpse into her universe in her episode of World of Wonder’s Werq the World doucuseries, which follows impressive Drag Race alums on tour.
Talking to Cosmopolitan, Kennedy opened up about why she’s not bothered about being “second best” (to some, don’t get it twisted!), her and Shangela’s friendship, and the scariest thing about being on tour.
Cosmopolitan: What can viewers expect from your Werq the World episode?
Kennedy: I just keep it real, and the audience can definitely expect the real side of me, especially when I’m working. I am very, very serious when it comes to my job and my profession. But I’m funny, I like to keep things going, and I’m sure you’ll probably see a lot of Latrice [Royale], because we were together a lot. Me and Detox were really close, and Shangela, of course. I love Shangela. We are very close.
A post shared by Kennedy Davenport (@kennedyddoftx) on Feb 22, 2018 at 5:33pm PST
What was it like touring overseas?
Our biggest fan base is outside of the country, and they are more ecstatic. I mean, they almost go crazy. It’s a humbling experience, you know. I guess what surprised me was the fans showing up at the hotel, like, waiting on us. Like, waiting in the lobby or waiting at the airport. You know, it was kind of shocking. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any security, but we kind of made it work.
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?
Miss Gay USofA is something that I have been wanting to be since I started my career. It’s not national television, but it’s definitely a goal I’ve always wanted to reach and accomplish. [When I won], baby, I was crying. Honey, I cried like a baby. That was the most humbling experience. I mean, I held that statue like it was precious because it was a precious moment for me.
Nobody could ever understand that you really always wanted to be something and you never really had the means to compete like you’ve always wanted to compete. But then you get to a point in your life where you are able to compete how you’ve always wanted to compete and finally be victorious. That’s the best of both beautiful feelings.
You once mentioned you felt like you were the second choice during some meet-and-greets with other Drag Race queens. Do you still feel that way?
I mean, it could still be possible because let’s be honest—because I’m honest. You know, being in a room with a lot of the Drag Race girls, I mean, the fans are forced to pick and choose when we’re all in a room, and I may not be the most favorite. And you know, I’m cool with that because I really, really worked hard on my own fan base and the true people who really, really love Kennedy Davenport.
What are your other career goals for the future? You’ve tweeted about wanting to work with Lizzo.
I would love to get into the movies and do some film work, and I’ve always wanted to be a video girl, honey. And I’ve always wanted to show my abilities and what I do on the stage behind somebody famous. Baby, wearing it out, okay!
It would be nice, but I don’t see myself doing drag forever. I see myself behind the scenes and being more helpful to the younger queens in pageantry. I do see myself doing a lot of nonprofit work dealing with homeless gay teens.
But right now, I’m touring as Miss Gay USofA and bringing more awareness to pageantry, and I want to be the bridge between RuPaul’s Drag Race and younger drag queens who really don’t know much about pageantry.
You can catch Kennedy’s Werq the World episode starting tonight at 5 p.m. PST on Wow Presents Plus.
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