The RuPaul's Drag Race Mantra That Was Inspired By RuPaul's Mom

It's a rite of passage of sorts that, as time goes by, many of us subconsciously begin saying things we heard our mothers tell us while growing up. If you've been fortunate enough to be raised by a great mom, you might notice that you've not only adopted her quirky and sometimes hysterical phrases, but you've embodied her ways of thinking and being in the world. It's something that RuPaul, host of "RuPaul's Drag Race," can attest to wholeheartedly.

RuPaul has hosted the reality-competition series known for stunning transformations since the show's inception back in 2009. "RuPaul's Drag Race" is rooted in finding the best superstar drag queen each season. While the show supplies big and small challenges to contestants to showcase their talent in areas like singing, dancing, and comedy, there's much more to it than that. 

Although competition reigns large, one of the things we don't often get to see on "Drag Race" is how friendships are formed as contestants share their vulnerable sides while also working on their inner selves — and that's where RuPaul's famous mantra comes into play.

Fans of "Rupaul's Drag Race" know that at end of every show, RuPaul says, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?" It's a short self-love motto that reminds us all to look inward and connect with and take care of ourselves before we do anything else.

RuPaul shared with NPR that the idea of saying a consistent, positive phrase was inspired by his mom. "It's a mantra. You need touchstones and totems. And, actually, it's a tradition my mother passed on to me, which is having sayings that can help realign you in this life." He continued, "These mantras are set to align you with the truth of who you are, which is — you are love, and you cannot give something that you do not have."

RuPaul's mom died of cancer in 1993, but it's evident that her memory lives on in her son, "My mother was my first inspiration; she was totally a drag queen," he told The Washington Post. "She taught me strength and how to be my own self."