OK, a sizeable subset of the country knows you're gay and a drag queen, but your mother doesn't? Certainly a lot more people than know what I just got tattooed on my right shoulder (and my mother doesn't know) but I haven't been on a reality show.

Also, Ru clearly tends to prefer queens who demonstrate a knowledge of gay/drag history.

And it's Ru's show, Ru's rules, and Ru's decision. Kim Chi made top 3, but wasn't going to get the win and this factored in to that, I think.

I'd like that more than once if I could!

Kim Chi was top 3—but she wasn't gonna win and this was part of the reason. C'mon, everyone in the country knows you're gay and a drag queen except your mother?

Saw them perform together right after they broke up (and due to technical glitches, hadn't seen Season 5 yet). We went for Sharon, but Alaska is an AMAZING performer, and coming in not knowing much about her, I was absolutely floored.

Shoulda been Raven.

I am sure it did influence Ru's decision, and I understand why it might.

I agree. There's a reason why Kim Chi is an INSTAGRAM sensation.

Did anyone notice Sharon's advice? Something along the lines of "you should just be yourself—unless nobody likes you, and then you should be Alaska." What was THAT about? (kernel of truth in there, though)

As soon as Kim's lip sync started I was sure she wasn't going to win… and as soon as the interview started, I thought, well, congratulations for sticking to your guns, Kim, but this is NOT what Ru wants to hear. Ru's show, Ru's rules, Ru makes the decisions. You may think she's being culturally insensitive, but I can…

I spent a lot of time heavily identifying with Tina in this episode, as I took riding lessons when I was about her age and was ALSO given a horse that was kind of a jerk (because I was a "bold" rider according to the instructor). When I was trying to get him to canter, he threw me. Nothing dangerous, I bounced.

I had to go look Lumbee up. That's really interesting to know, thanks!

I saw Alaska and Sharon at a show together just after they broke up, and I agree—Alaska is amazing! I hadn't actually seen her season at the time, so didn't really know what to expect, but she was incredible.

I take your point. I saw the Rolodex of Hate tour and really enjoyed it, but I can see where it would get to be too much. And I do think Kim Chi would fit in well on a BOTS tour, where on her own it might be a problem.

Right—what I meant was that Bob might fill the "clown" spot on the BOTS tours, because Bianca is otherwise occupied (which has been pointed out this season!)

AHHHHHH!!! "TENET" not "TENANT"!

If the UNT fits…

Agreed. Her drag has been so lopsidedly amazing that some people are ignoring her "just good ENOUGH" performances. Also, I don't feel like she has the charisma to really command a room. (Yes, her OUTFITS do, but SHE doesn't)

Also, if you look at who actually goes on the BOTS tours, it's not Bianca. She has a lot of other stuff going on. Bob on the BOTS tours would be a big draw (although you don't have to win to go on the tour),