The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir

Written by RuPaul

Narrated by RuPaul

***An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!***

From international drag superstar and pop culture icon RuPaul, comes his most revealing and personal work to date--a deeply intimate memoir of discovery, found family, and self-acceptance. The House of Hidden Meanings is a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag.

Central to RuPaul’s success has been his chameleonic adaptability. From drag icon to powerhouse producer of one of the world’s largest television franchises, RuPaul’s ever-shifting nature has always been part of his brand as both supermodel and supermogul. Yet that adaptability has made him enigmatic to the public. In this memoir, his most intimate and detailed book yet, RuPaul makes himself truly known.

In The House of Hidden Meanings, RuPaul strips away all artifice and recounts the story of his life with breathtaking clarity and tenderness, bringing his signature wisdom and wit to his own biography. From his early years growing up as a queer Black kid in San Diego navigating complex relationships with his absent father and temperamental mother, to forging an identity in the punk and drag scenes of Atlanta and New York, to finding enduring love with his husband Georges LeBar and self-acceptance in sobriety, RuPaul excavates his own biography life-story, uncovering new truths and insights in his personal history.

Here in RuPaul’s singular and extraordinary story is a manual for living—a personal philosophy that testifies to the value of chosen family, the importance of harnessing what makes you different, and the transformational power of facing yourself fearlessly.

A profound introspection of his life, relationships, and identity, The House of Hidden Meanings is a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag. “I've always loved to view the world with analytical eyes, examining what lies beneath the surface. Here, the focus is on my own life—as RuPaul Andre Charles,” says RuPaul.

If we’re all born naked and the rest is drag, then this is RuPaul totally out of drag. This is RuPaul stripped bare. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Mar 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9780063263932

RuPaul

RuPaul Charles is a Tony Award-winner and the 12-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning executive producer of one of the world's largest television franchises, RuPaul's Drag Race. He holds the Guinness World Records title for most Emmy wins for Outstanding Host of Reality/Competition Program, and most Emmy awards of any Black artist in history. A San Diego native, RuPaul became a popular fixture on the New York City nightclub scene and achieved international fame with the song "Supermodel (You Better Work)" from his 1993 debut album. He has written and recorded 18 studio albums to date. RuPaul gained notoriety as a captivating and influential figure known for breaking down barriers and promoting self-expression and acceptance. In 1995, he became the first face of MAC Cosmetics, raising millions for the MAC AIDS Fund and becoming the first man to land a major cosmetics campaign. The next year, he landed a TV talk show on VH1. In 2017, RuPaul was named one of the TIME 100 list of the world's most influential people. RuPaul has appeared in over 50 films and television shows both in and out of drag. As an author, he has published three books: GuRu (Harper Collins, 2018), Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style (Harper Collins, 2010), and Lettin' It All Hang Out (Hyperion Books, 1995).

Reviews for The House of Hidden Meanings

[Thomas Cunningham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing story, and author. I LOVED EVERY WORD. So much of it spoke to me. But, this was only half the story. I can't wait for his next book covering the Drag Race days.

[robin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

RuPaul is as rare a talent and human as is possible. One in a million, Ru is so well spoken, so open, and has a sense of humor about the journey. I couldn’t stop listening. So many kids could learn from his work ethic, tenacity, polish and humanity. What a rarity at this time in our culture. He blames no one, expected nothing, and worked so hard to rise above it all and to blaze this path and legacy. What a joy. During the last four dark years, RuPaul and all of his shows have provided constant joy. On top of everything else, he’s a writer and what a narrator. Shining star and what a bright light. I pray this never dims. Thank you, RuPaul for sharing your light with the world.

[Steven Stankevitz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was great read. Could not put it down. Thanks!

[vygarcia23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved how transparent he was about his life, feelings and what he's been through.

[Jiesyl Ann Cabugnason · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Say what you will about Ms. Ru, but the things he went through to become the powerhouse that he is today are no ordinary feat.

[blakehunsaker93 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’m surprised by Ru’s ability to weave different chapter themes/phrases into others. He is an excellent writer, and an even better storyteller. Wish it was longer!

[Karen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I could not stop listening. Such an interesting life, and such a tender-hearted man. RuPaul invites us to all the wild scenes he has inhabited while he searched for his true self. A great ride!