15 iconic stories to celebrate 'RuPaul's Drag Race's 15th anniversary

‘Drag Race’ turns 15!

The first-ever episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 1 premiered on February 2, 2009 — exactly 15 years from today. The show, which first premiered on Logo TV, evolved over the years, snatched trophies, and moved to bigger Paramount-owned sister networks like VH1 and MTV, which is where season 16 currently airs.

Besides its flagship series, this franchise has created spinoffs like RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, RuPaul’s Drag U, RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race, and the accompanying series Untucked. International versions of the show have also taken off in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Thailand, Spain, Brazil, the Philippines, Mexico, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, to name a few.

In celebration of this 15th anniversary, Drag Race shared a video featuring its original crowned queen, BeBe Zahara Benet, who delivered a beautiful message about the series. “Happy, happy 15th anniversary to RuPaul’s Drag Race, and here’s to 15, and more 15, and more 15 more years!”

Scroll through to check out some of our favorite RuPaul’s Drag Race stories published across equalpride publications like PRIDE, Out, and The Advocate in celebration of the series’ 15th anniversary — and tune in to watch new episodes of season 16 every Friday on MTV.

25 of the Most Iconic & Gag-Worthy Moments in 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Herstory (Out)

You can read “25 of the Most Iconic & Gag-Worthy Moments in RuPaul's Drag Race Herstory” on Out.

Ranking The Best Lip Sync of Each 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season (PRIDE)

You can read “Ranking The Best Lip Sync of Each RuPaul's Drag Race Season” on PRIDE.

Drag Race Season 15 Contestants Discuss Anti-Drag Hate Across the U.S. (The Advocate)

You can read “Drag Race Season 15 Contestants Discuss Anti-Drag Hate Across the U.S.” on The Advocate.

Ranking the Highest-Earning Queens in 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Herstory (Out)

You can read “Ranking the Highest-Earning Queens in RuPaul's Drag Race Herstory” on Out.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Queens Who Had Different Names Before The Show (PRIDE)

You can read “RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Who Had Different Names Before The Show” on PRIDE.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Stars Who Have Makeup & Beauty Brands (Out)

You can read “RuPaul's Drag Race Stars Who Have Makeup & Beauty Brands” on Out.

10 most heartbreaking 'RuPaul's Drag Race' eliminations ever (PRIDE)

You can read “10 most heartbreaking RuPaul's Drag Race eliminations ever” on PRIDE.

10 of the Best Memes That Made 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Herstory (Out)

You can read “10 of the Best Memes That Made RuPaul's Drag Race Herstory” on Out.

Justin Trudeau Is First World Leader to Appear on 'Drag Race' (The Advocate)

You can read “Justin Trudeau Is First World Leader to Appear on Drag Race” on The Advocate.

10 Drag Mothers From 'RuPaul's Drag Race' To Celebrate Mother's Day (PRIDE)

You can read “10 Drag Mothers From 'RuPaul's Drag Race' To Celebrate Mother's Day” on PRIDE.

18 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Queens Who Became Judges (Out)

You can read “18 RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Who Became Judges” on Out.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Queens Who Changed Their Drag Names (PRIDE)

You can read “RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Who Changed Their Drag Names” on PRIDE.

Every Finalist Queen on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' & Their Track Records (Out)

You can read “Every Finalist Queen on RuPaul's Drag Race & Their Track Records” on Out.

Ranking Every Season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' (PRIDE)

You can read “Ranking Every Season of RuPaul's Drag Race” on PRIDE.

15 Moments That Prove 'Drag Race' Season 7 Was Actually Iconic (Out)

You can read “15 Moments That Prove Drag Race Season 7 Was Actually Iconic” on Out.