He’s the face of fierce. The queen of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. But now, RuPaul Charles is taking off the lashes, the heels, and the bravado — to show fans the man beneath the makeup. In an emotional livestream watched by millions, RuPaul revealed his deeply personal upcoming memoir: The House of Hidden Meanings — a title that promises to unearth the raw truths behind one of entertainment’s most carefully crafted personas. “People know the glam. They know the glitter. But they don’t know the ghosts I’ve lived with,” Ru said, tears welling.

RuPaul, the Emmy-winning host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, is about to share a deeply personal account of his early life in a new memoir titled The House of Hidden Meanings. The book, slated for release on March 5, 2024, will delve into the first 40 years of the drag superstar’s life, chronicling his journey before becoming the global icon that millions know and love today.

In an emotional video shared on Instagram, RuPaul, 62, expressed both excitement and nervousness as he reflected on the experience of writing the memoir. “After two-and-a-half years, it’s finally here. My memoir,” he shared with his followers, his voice trembling slightly. “I’m so excited and so anxious at the same time, because I reveal so much of myself. You know, this world today feels so hostile and it’s such a scary place to be vulnerable in, but I did it. So, get ready.”

RuPaul announces new memoir. World of Wonder/Paramount+; Dey Street Books

A Journey Stripped Bare

The House of Hidden Meanings promises to be a raw and honest reflection of RuPaul’s life, offering fans a glimpse into the world of the man behind the persona of “Mama Ru.” The book will cover his early years growing up as a queer Black kid in San Diego, where he navigated complex relationships with an absent father and a temperamental mother. RuPaul will take readers through his transformative years in the punk and drag scenes of Atlanta and New York, as he forged his identity and honed his craft in the world of drag.

RuPaul’s story of personal growth and self-discovery is as inspiring as it is intimate. The memoir will explore his journey to finding enduring love with his husband, Georges LeBar, and his process of achieving self-acceptance through sobriety. The synopsis promises that the book will excavate new truths and insights, revealing parts of RuPaul’s personal history that haven’t been shared publicly before.