HALIFAX, N.S. — Dalhousie University has recently faced scrutiny for accepting $30 million from the Nova Scotia government to explore the potential for onshore natural gas projects, but another move by the university has stirred up even stronger feelings in the student community.
Labelled by critics as “misguided,” “dangerous” and “fierce,” is Dalhousie’s recent announcement that drag queen Queen of Drag, RuPaul, has been hired as a special consultant for the proposed fracking sites.
Following a land acknowledgement at a recent press conference, RuPaul deathdropped in front of reporters and indicated her intent to “frack the house down.”
While bold, the choice was not immune to controversy, with several social media users speaking out about how they feel.
“Ruple has no environmental background. This is Ludacris,” wrote rapper-turned-actor Ludacris, on Instagram Threads.
“We could have at least hired a local drag artist…” wrote u/MilitantSponge on r/Halifax.
Some, however, had positive feedback for the university.
“Dal hiring RuPaul is kind of cunt,” said one Redditor.
One university spokesperson defended the controversial choice by vouching for RuPaul’s charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.
“When drilling for oil, you are really trying to unleash that power source that lies hidden beneath the surface,” said the spokesperson. “And isn’t that what it means to be a drag queen? Who would understand the innate transformative power of fracking better than RuPaul?”
RuPaul’s plans include reading environmental impact assessments (to filth), judging of extraction sites based on polish and creativity and bringing “werk” to unemployed Nova Scotians.
The Mackerel secured a brief interview with RuPaul about her collaboration with Dalhousie.
This interview has been edited for clarity, grammar and length.
Mackerel: What made you feel ready for this project?
RuPaul: I’ve known for a long time that I’ve been interested in the industry, but I always thought, “If you can’t frack yourself, how in the hell are you going to frack for somebody else?” So I decided to finish the extractions on my own land first before expanding. And I just finished.
M: Ru, when was this?
R: We just finished last month. Now I’m ready to sashay away to the world of Canadian oil.
The announcement overlaps with the debut of the 18th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where one challenge will see competitors give coal miners sickening drag makeovers.
By Sam Creighton