RuPaul Charles, the renowned celebrity drag queen and fourteen-time Emmy winner, has recently delved into his upbringing in his upcoming memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings.
Born to his mother, Ernestine ‘Toni’ Charles, in Louisiana on July 24, 1927, RuPaul grew up with three sisters – Renetta, Renae, and Rozy.
Ernestine, a mother of four, including RuPaul, was a strong and proud woman, who worked at Planned Parenthood in 1970. RuPaul fondly remembers his mother’s dedication to her job at the nonprofit organization, where she started by answering phones and eventually transitioned into counseling.
Despite facing a divorce in 1967 from her husband Irving Andrew Charles, Ernestine persevered and found solace in her work at Planned Parenthood. RuPaul shared in an interview how his mother’s job at the organization was a significant breakthrough for her during those challenging times.
In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, RuPaul has also used his platform to support causes close to his heart. In 2020, he helped raise $100,000 for Planned Parenthood during an episode of The Price is Right, where the popular game show matched and donated the value of the prizes won.
For fans eager to learn more about RuPaul’s journey to fame and success, his memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings, will offer a unique insight into his life. Set to be released on March 5, 2024, the book will be available for purchase at various retailers. RuPaul’s story is not just one of glitter and glamour but also of resilience, family, and the impact of important social causes.
