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RuPaul among latest inductees to California Hall of Fame

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RuPaul (Photo courtesy of RuCo/California Hall of Fame. Credit: Mathu Anderson)

LGBTQ entertainment icon RuPaul has become the first drag queen to be inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame, which was established in 2006 by the California Museum and the former California First Lady Maria Shriver, recognizes “legendary people who embody California’s innovative spirit and have made their mark on history,” according to the description on their official website.

According to NewNowNext, The Emmy-winning creator of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” was among the 10 inductees that were honored last week at the California Museum in Sacramento, as Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom presented “Spirit of California” medals to the Hall of Fame’s 13th Class. 

Introducing RuPaul, Mrs. Newsom said, “There is perhaps no one person that has done more to dismantle the limiting ‘man box’ we put our boys and men into than RuPaul… He has achieved success in every medium he has attempted… He has transformed hearts and minds, and he has saved lives too, with countless young people finally seeing themselves reflected in their media, grateful for the community where they too can feel at home.”

Receiving the medal, RuPaul, whose full name is RuPaul Andre Charles, said, “California has this incredible spirit to it, of frontiersmen, of trailblazers… People who aren’t afraid to take on a challenge. And I am so proud to be a part of that legacy, and to take that ingenuity and spirit with me, and carry that torch around the world, wherever I go.”

In addition to RuPaul, this year’s 13th Class of the California Hall of Fame included Dr. Maya Angelou, Brandi Chastain, Dr. France A. Córdova, Tony Hawk, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, The Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr., George Lopez, Wolfgang Puck, and Helen M. Turley.

RuPaul was accompanied to the event by his husband, Georges LeBar.

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PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.

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A scene from the 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

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A scene from the 2026 Walk and 5K to End HIV on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals

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Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee at the Wanda Alston Foundation 2026 Fall Reception. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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