This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.
“If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else?”
Those are RuPaul’s immortal words that have been spoken every week on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for the past nine seasons. But for at least one contestant, loving yourself is easier said than done.
Nina Bo’Nina Brown, the ultra-creative, but nonetheless self-doubting queen from season 9, made a special appearance on Hey Qween and opened up about her newfound fame and her struggle with self love.
Advertisement
“As you’ve probably seen on the show, I’m really hard on myself,” Nina explains to host Jonny McGovern. “I’m trying to enjoy it, but there’s this block inside of me that’s stopping me from really enjoying this whole experience.”
“But, you know, I’m blessed and I’m appreciative of it, I just wish I could get passed whatever this hurdle is so I can really enjoy the moment.”
While on “Drag Race,” the judges and her fellow queens on the show praised Nina for her creativity and talent, but throughout her time on the show it became clear that she still had her doubts.
“Unfortunately, I’m used to people talking about me, making fun of me and hating on me and so when people are trying to be positive, saying things like ‘Girl, we love you’ and all of that, I have a hard time accepting it,” she says.
Advertisement
As for where her insecurities come from, Nina has revealed in the past that her experiences with the Atlanta drag scene have played a huge part in why she feels the way she feels.
When asked if she’s ever had any support or love from fellow Atlanta queens, she responded, “Some do, but most of the girls [in the Atlanta scene], even the girls from past seasons of the show... no not really.”
“I don’t want to start mess or anything, but I’ve always been an outcast in Atlanta. I don’t kiss ass. I’m not going to tell you you’re sickening when you’re not just to be in your cast. I speak my mind and I’m different.”
During the one-on-one interview, things got emotional as Nina began delving deeper into her depression and how her life has changed because of the show.
Advertisement
“In a way I think I’m damaged a little bit,” she explains. “There’s something internally that’s a little damaged. Like, I just not good enough or something. I guess maybe I am special, I guess people like me, but I just wish I could love myself more.”
“Well I wish you would to,” McGovern replied. “There’s something very special about you and everyone is seeing it. You should take a look in the mirror and feel it honey.”
Careful not to smudge her beautifully creepy, cartoon vampire makeup, Nina holds back the tears and says, “I just never thought that I’d be sitting here and doing these kinds of things and... I am just such an emotional bitch.”
As the season comes to a close, it’s obvious that each queen, Nina included, will soon be met with a level of fame and financial gain they may have only dreamed of.
So what does the future hold for Nina Bo’Nina Now On Hey Qween Brown?
“Right now I’m kind of just going with the wind and seeing what doors are going to open,” she explains. “You know, I’d love to act in things or get into makeup, but just whatever God has planned for me I will be here waiting for the doors to open.”
Advertisement
Watch Nina’s exclusive interview below and for more fabulous videos head to the Hey Qween Youtube channel!
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.