RuPaul, “Sissy That Walk” | LGBTQ Bopz

In the 1^st edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2023), we highlight the song, “Sissy That Walk” performed by RuPaul.

Be prepared to #SLAY! LGBTQ Bopz embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians or allies.  In this column, we provide background and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome while the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 1^st edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2023), we highlight “Sissy That Walk” performed by RuPaul.

Sissy has been considered a derogatory term in the past. Merriam-Webster defines sissy as ‘an effeminate man or boy,’ also describing the term as informal + disparaging.  That sounds about right.  While the term does not offend to the same degree as the f-slur, if you’ve had the unfortunate opportunity of being called a sissy, you understand it implies you are GAY. However, formerly offensive terms like queer and sissy are being reclaimed and repurposed by the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, like any community, the LGBTQ+ community is not monolithic, meaning a record like “Sissy That Walk” may not appeal to everyone.  Still, even if the word irks select membership, isn’t it hard to deny how sickening RuPaul is on the second track from his 2014 album, Born Naked?

RuPaul embraces queerness on “Sissy That Walk,” and we wouldn’t have it any other way. With badass production (Lucian Piane) fueling the fire, Mr. Charles is locked-in – autopilot, bi-otches! Speaking of bitches, the word is serves as a key lyric, one that many – hetero-, homosexual, or otherwise – should heed: “Unless they paying your bills,  pay them bitches no mind.” #FACTS! “Sissy That Walk” thrives off being uplifting and being unafraid to embrace self-truth.  Why not opt for fierceness, after all? Whether it is the runway or life in general, “Now sissy that walk!” Another example of fierceness arrives in the second verse, where RuPaul asserts, “I’m a femme queen, mother of the house of no shame.” It’s a lyric with plenty to unpack, encompassing ball culture, drag, fashion, but it also speaks, again, to being true to self.  Sissy will always be polarizing, but in the hands of RuPaul, honey, it’s giving – it’s fierce!

RuPaul • Born Naked • RuCo, Inc. • 2013

RuPaul, “Sissy That Walk”: LGBTQ Bopz No. 1 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; RuCo, Inc.; Anna Shvets, Monstera, Polina Tankilevitch, RODNAE Productions, Spencer Cooper, Uriel Mont via Pexels; Jim, Kurious via Pixabay; Hugo Herrera on Unsplash]