RuPaul's Enduring Love Story: Inside His Famously Private, Open Marriage with Georges LeBar

RuPaul Andre Charles, known globally as RuPaul, has carved an unparalleled path in entertainment, revolutionizing drag and bringing it into the mainstream. While his professional life is a vibrant tapestry of music, television, and activism, his romantic history is marked by a singular, remarkably enduring, and famously private relationship with Georges LeBar. Their bond, spanning over three decades, defies conventional celebrity narratives, built on deep devotion, mutual respect, and an unconventional approach to partnership.

Their story began on January 24, 1994, at the legendary Limelight nightclub in New York City. RuPaul, then 33 and newly single, was immediately captivated by LeBar, who was celebrating his 21st birthday. RuPaul, standing at 6-foot-4, was drawn to Georges' even taller stature and his wild, uninhibited dancing. As RuPaul recounted to Oprah Winfrey in 2013, he approached Georges and, not used to hugging such a tall man, asked if he could put his arms around him. The attraction was instant and profound, leading to a conversation that stretched into the early hours at a nearby restaurant.

From that initial meeting, RuPaul and Georges LeBar embarked on a relationship that remained largely out of the public eye. Despite RuPaul's burgeoning fame with hits like "Supermodel (You Better Work)" and his increasing visibility as a cultural icon, the couple intentionally maintained a low profile. Georges, an Australian-born painter and artist, had no interest in the spotlight, preferring a quiet life. This mutual understanding and respect for privacy became a cornerstone of their relationship, allowing their connection to flourish away from media scrutiny.

For over two decades, the question of marriage often arose, with RuPaul consistently expressing a lack of interest in traditional formalities. He famously stated in a 2015 BuzzFeed interview, "I don't stand on ceremony, I never want to conform to anything. I never want to be like anybody else." However, in a surprising turn, RuPaul announced in March 2017 that he and Georges LeBar had quietly tied the knot on their 23rd anniversary, January 24, 2017. The decision, he explained, was largely driven by practical considerations, including tax benefits and legal protections, reflecting a pragmatic approach to their long-standing commitment.

Their marriage, while legally binding, did not alter the fundamental dynamic of their relationship, which RuPaul openly describes as an open marriage. This arrangement, he has clarified, is rooted in a philosophy that rejects the notion of monogamy as a universal standard, particularly for men. > "There's no such thing as monogamy with men," RuPaul told The New Yorker in 2024, adding, "I wouldn't want to put restraints on the person I love the most on this planet. I wouldn't do that to someone I love, my very best friend." This perspective emphasizes trust, freedom, and individual happiness within the framework of their deep connection.

A unique aspect of their partnership is their geographical separation. While RuPaul primarily resides in Los Angeles, managing his extensive entertainment empire, Georges LeBar spends most of his time on his expansive 60,000-acre ranch in Wyoming. This arrangement, where they see each other approximately once a month, allows both individuals the space and freedom to pursue their respective passions and lifestyles. RuPaul often speaks of their monthly getaways to various global destinations, from Paris to Maui, as essential for maintaining their bond, allowing them to reconnect in "fabulous places" away from their daily routines.

Georges LeBar remains a private figure, rarely appearing on social media or in public with RuPaul, aside from occasional red carpet events. He is an accomplished painter and author, with a background in fashion and design. His artistic pursuits and the management of his Wyoming ranch are central to his life, a stark contrast to RuPaul's highly public persona. This divergence in their public lives underscores their ability to maintain individual identities while sharing a profoundly intimate and supportive relationship.

The couple's privacy was briefly pierced by controversy in 2020 when RuPaul revealed during an NPR interview that Georges LeBar's Wyoming ranch generates income through land management, including leasing mineral rights and selling water to oil companies, implying involvement in fracking. This revelation sparked accusations of hypocrisy against RuPaul, who had previously advocated for environmental awareness. Public maps reportedly showed numerous active wells on the ranch, leading to criticism from environmentalists and some fans. Despite the public outcry, the couple has largely remained silent on the matter, continuing their private life.

Today, RuPaul and Georges LeBar continue to navigate their unique and enduring relationship. Their nearly 30-year journey, culminating in 8 years of marriage, stands as a testament to their unwavering devotion and their ability to forge a partnership that aligns with their individual needs and philosophies. Their love story, though often shielded from the public eye, represents a powerful example of commitment and unconventionality in the world of celebrity romance, proving that love can thrive on its own terms.