RuPaul and Georges LeBar: A Quiet Love Story That Has Lasted Over 30 Years

 For more than 30 years, RuPaul has served as a symbol of self-expression, creative freedom, and trailblazing success in the world of drag. But behind the Emmy-winning entertainer and Drag Race mogul is a quieter, deeply personal story of love with his longtime partner—and now husband—Georges LeBar.

Their bond, which has stood the test of time, fame, and even long-distance, is as unique as the people involved. While RuPaul Andre Charles is known globally for his charisma, talent, and bold presence, his relationship with Georges has always remained refreshingly out of the spotlight. And yet, it’s one of the most enduring love stories in modern pop culture.

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A Fateful Encounter at Limelight

Their paths first crossed on January 24, 1994, at the famed Limelight nightclub in New York City. RuPaul, freshly out of a relationship, was out dancing when he noticed a strikingly tall man whose free-spirited dancing and high cheekbones caught his eye. Standing at 6'4", RuPaul was surprised to see someone even taller. That man was Georges LeBar, a 6’8” Australian student celebrating his 21st birthday.

Georges, who had studied art in Paris and was now enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, captivated RuPaul not just with his looks, but with his warm energy. After sharing a dance and talking into the night at a nearby restaurant called Florent, the two exchanged numbers. RuPaul, having an extra business-class ticket after a breakup, invited Georges to accompany him to London where he was co-hosting the BRIT Awards alongside Elton John.

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A Connection Beyond Glamour

Despite the glamorous whirlwind of their early days—including a side trip to Germany on Elton John's private jet—RuPaul initially thought Georges was too young for a serious relationship. He suggested they remain friends. But it didn’t take long for RuPaul to realize that Georges was unlike any man he'd dated before.

In his memoir The House of Hidden Meanings, RuPaul reflected, “He adored me, he admired me, he respected me. Maybe I had never felt that before from any man.”

Georges eventually graduated from FIT, with RuPaul even helping to create the music for his final fashion show. He then landed a job as a designer at J. Crew. But RuPaul, whose career was skyrocketing, wanted Georges to have the freedom to travel with him. This led to Georges overseeing a renovation project on their Miami condo.

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Overcoming Distance and Darkness

During a period when RuPaul was frequently traveling between coasts, Georges, left to his own devices in Miami, struggled with addiction and eventually sought treatment for meth use. Though RuPaul wanted him to move to Los Angeles after rehab, Georges chose to stay in Florida to prioritize his recovery. They separated, though they remained in daily contact.

“The book ends when both of us get sober,” RuPaul explained during a 2024 NPR Fresh Air interview. “We split up so we could focus on our sobriety… but we couldn’t stay apart.”

Their love endured, surviving both emotional and physical distances. RuPaul realized he couldn’t “shake him loose,” and Georges couldn’t either.

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A Unique Relationship, A Lifelong Bond

While Georges inherited a 60,000-acre ranch in Wyoming, RuPaul and he began splitting their time between the wide-open plains and their lavish Beverly Hills mansion. Their closets are even a testament to their unique lifestyle—with a color-coded wardrobe for daywear and a completely separate space dedicated to RuPaul’s iconic drag outfits.

Despite their differences—Georges has little interest in showbiz, and RuPaul thrives in it—they remain deeply connected. “He’s so kind and funny,” RuPaul once told BuzzFeed. “I prayed for a sweet, sensitive man, and I got one.”

When asked whether marriage was in their future, RuPaul once said the only reason they'd consider tying the knot was for practical reasons like taxes. But on the 23rd anniversary of their first meeting, they quietly made it official. "We never wanted to do it," RuPaul admitted in 2017. "We were looking into it really for tax breaks."

Still, he celebrated the union with a heartfelt message: “Thank you all for the love & kindness. ‘I cry not for myself, but for those who never felt the joy we felt’ – The Supremes.”

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Keeping Love Private in a Public World

Unlike many celebrities who treat their relationships like public spectacles, RuPaul prefers to keep his love life separate from the persona he shares with the world. “Some people parade their relationships around like accessories,” he once said. “But it’s okay to say, ‘That’s not part of the fantasy I’m selling.’”

That doesn’t mean Georges avoids public appearances entirely. He’s walked the red carpet at the Met Gala and attended the Emmys, and he’s joined RuPaul at DragCon. Still, Georges primarily remains behind the scenes, helping manage their shared properties and living life out of the spotlight.

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An Open Marriage and Mutual Trust

Perhaps one of the most surprising revelations about their relationship is that it's open—but not in a conventional sense. RuPaul believes that imposing rules like monogamy can be harmful. “The hoax is that monogamy is something that can actually happen,” he told Vanity Fair in 2019. “Why put restrictions on someone you love the most?”

He continued, “If you find something you can’t resist and it makes you happy, go for it. I know in my heart that Georges loves me more than anything.”

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Looking Ahead—Together

Even after decades together, RuPaul and Georges remain a tightly bonded pair. They still travel extensively—often opting for helicopter tours—and enjoy each other’s company more than anything else. At the time of his memoir’s release, RuPaul even shared that the couple was building a disaster-resistant compound in Wyoming.

“I wouldn’t call it a bunker,” RuPaul said, “but it’s designed to withstand calamity.”

Clearly, they’re planning for a future together—through thick and thin, in glamour and in grit.

“He’s my favorite person,” RuPaul said. “I’ve met so many people in my life, and I like him the most.”

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A Love Worth Celebrating

While RuPaul continues to dominate pop culture and empower a global drag movement, his relationship with Georges remains his most grounded and enduring success. Their story may not follow traditional rules, but it's deeply rooted in respect, trust, and a genuine connection—proving that love, when nurtured in its own way, can last a lifetime.