Drag Queen of Scots: The Dos and Don’ts of a Drag Superstar

by Lawrence Chaney

Lawrence Chaney is a testament to the strength that comes from drag. Lawrence (Drag) Queen of Scots celebrates the little boy learning to sew at age seven and his journey to taking the UK by storm. From growing up as the gay class clown and being bullied to finding an outlet in performance and drag, celebrating both his outer curves and inner beauty.

The book will showcase valuable life lessons and tricks of the trade, all told in Chaney's trademark charming style, and will resonate with anyone who holds dreams and aspirations that are bigger than the town they grew up in.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Biography, Audiobook, Memoir, Autobiography, Queer

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2021

Reviews

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Lawrence, but they don't have enough to say to fill a book; this is not surprising, considering Lawrence is only 24, and this book was published six months after they were crowned. I wasn't expecting Proust, but I was expecting some kind of depth (or, at the very least, gossip).

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawrence Chaney, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race auK season 2. From the moment Lawrence walked into the werk room and opened her mouth I fell in love with her. I completely understand her sense of humour. Lawrence is the type of person I’d love to be friends with in real life.
Hearing about Lawrence’s struggles with mental health was tough to read, but I’m so glad she included this into her book.
The book is such a brilliant mixture of funny and serious topics. Lawrence has that lovely charismatic way, and everything that comes out of her mouth is funny.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler: Lawrence won.

A really enjoyable read for any fan of Drag Race, casual or die hard. As well as some behind the scenes tea and top tips for (aspiring) queens, what really stuck out for me was the honest and raw accounts of life experiences as a young, queer Scottish person just navigating the tumultuous path we call life (to their eventual crowning moment and beyond). It’s certainly not always been rhinestones and raucous laughter for our author but their account doesn’t shy away from any of it but it’s approached with a level of warmth and humour that would be expected of a drag superstar. You really feel that you’re in the author’s safe hands each time you pick up the book. I genuinely think that this will help a lot of young fans or indeed anyone who feels like a it of an outsider try and find their way through what it means to be queer in this day and age, a perfect Christmas gift perhaps?

[Hayley Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

listened to this as an audiobook and it was so entertaining read in lawrence’s voice. in no way are these 3 stars negative i enjoyed getting to hear more from my fave drag race uk winner and it was funny as expected it just didn’t change my life or make me cry, they’d already done that on their season plenty tbf. i also love how affirming and informative it would be for anyone getting into drag themselves or aspires to start performing. big up lozza chaney.

[Nori Fitchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am big fan of Lawrence Chaney and I enjoyed this book a lot!
It’s a sweet read and well written.

[Otone · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining read from Lawrence, but one that might do better as an audio book? Part autobiography, part guide to doing drag, this felt like a friendly blog-style natter that made me want to go see Lawrence performing in a live show instead!

[Ellie Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will be a short but sweet review as many of my thoughts have already been echoed in previous reviews. I love Lawrence, so first of all I want to say that this is a fun and easy read. Lawrence's distinctive voice and humour are present throughout and I chuckled at quite a few of the anecdotes and jokes they tell. The format of the lists of Dos and Don't at the end of each chapter was fun and engaging too!
My main issue with this book is it doesn't feel very focused. The stories within it are humourous and insightful in parts (the latter is true of Lawrence's reflections on their mental health and how they and their industry were impacted by the coronavirus in particular for me anyway) but these stories can feel disjointed and repetitive at times. I feel this is the reason it's taken me so long to finish this one, I kept finding myself taking breaks. If you're reading purley for Drag Race content you won't discover anything here that wasn't on the show, as this was written very shortly after Lawrence was crowned I imagine there is only so much they could disclose at this point!
All in all, I did enjoy this book as I was interested in learning more about the life of one of my favourite Queens, and after finishing it I feel that I have - it just took a wee while to get there!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprise Christmas prezzie from me mum because I was lamenting that my library didn't carry this book. Lawrence Chaney is my second favorite drag queen behind skinny legend Trixie Mattel. Chaney was the first Scottish queen to enter the Werk Room and won RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2. I have long adored the Scottish accent and the way they talk. I've adopted wee, canny, and willnae into my own vocabulary in imitation of the Caledonian people. Drag Queen of Scots was written shortly after Lawrence won the crown. It was incredibly hilarious and their way of writing was forthright yet fun. They mentioned life as a queer teen figuring out their identity all the way to winning Drag Race. I especially loved how they breakdown each challenge to the finale. Yvie Oddly also did this in their memoir and I loved looking back on those episodes. Some chapters weren't relevant to me, such as drag makeup, padding, or maneuvering gay dating. Regardless, I had a lovely time and I'm grateful to me mum for finally getting this book into my wee hands. I loved following the exploits of Lawrence Chaney and I'm up for a rewatch of them snatching that crown!

[Paul Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The only thing that will be left after the end of the world is Cher, cockroaches and THE CHANEY!'

Going into this, I already had high expectations as a Lawrence Chaney fan, but my expectations were met AND surpassed! From childhood bullies, makeup recommendations & toxic relationships to excuses to give when sneaking off to Rupauls drag race, Chaney has you covered. Lawrence does a great job of mixing jokes in with actual solid life & drag advice.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and I would highly recommend it, Lawrence really brings the book to life with his Rupaul accents, impression of a drunk Chaney and much more.

[Louise Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book and easy read, couldn’t put the book down read it in two day’s, I’m a massive fan of Lawrence and Ru Paul !
Highly recommend this book 📖

[Cayla]

I really enjoyed my time with this. If you check out the audiobook Lawrence narrates his journey from childhood to artist and everything in between

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little holiday read with lots of uplifting messages.

[Charlotte Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read this as my first ever audio book which I would definitely recommend as it just felt like having a lovely chat with Lawrence, and also like getting to experience the best Drag Race season ever.
As much as the advice was great and funny, it was mostly drag queen related so not a lot of it I would personally use, but a great guide for anyone thinking of taking up Drag and I did love the mental health aspects mentioned.

[Sindre H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read. Maybe better if Lawrence wrote this in a few years to get some more substance for the book. It’s missing some like Oupmhf for me, a lot of it seems kinda surface level. Which isnt the best for a part memoir / part drag how toz
But it was an easy, fun and quick read really
I’d give 3.5 stars if Goodreads Allowed it

[Katherine Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lawrence Chaney - Drag Queen of Scots
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I actually read this as my first ever audio book, which I would definitely recommend as it just felt like having a chat with Lawrence!

As one of my all time favourite queens, and having had the pleasure to meet Lawrence and see their shows - I knew this audiobook would be as funny and full of life as they are!

It was narrated by Lawrence, and that was everything I needed out of the book. I loved listening to Lawrence tell their stories and open up about their mental heath as well as more light hearted stories and tips and tricks for future queens!

I don’t know how much of this I’ll remember in a few months, but I did really enjoy listening to this book.

I feel like if I’d of picked this up in physical copy, I may not have bothered to finish it. I did enjoy it but it was more a tips and tricks than opening up and telling a full biography. I think because this was written only 6 months after they won drag race, and at just the age of 24 it’s too early for a more heavy biography.

I would defiantly recommend this as an audiobook for anyone who enjoys a good laugh, and is a fan of Lawrence or drag queens in general - or anyone looking to start up in drag! I even think some of the tips I’ll take away myself 🙊

[Gerry Grenfell-Walford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but sweet read, part memoir, part 'how-to' guide, with reflections on keeping good mental health and friendships.
The opening chapters I found slightly lacking in content but then I have to remember just how incredibly young (compared to me!) Lawrence is, and how far she's come in that short time (from Helensburgh to Edinburgh....).
From this I also get a sense of Lawrence's own shyness, and the clinging (if untrue) feeling that, really, we might not be that interested in her story (we are!) I suppose this is the swing side of the bouncy and fun character we see on TV and live (I'm so glad to be able to say I saw her along with the other Season 2 queens at Plymouth Pavilions!)
Once Lawrence starts Drag Race the book feels on firmer ground and she writes more assuredly. her descriptions of the introductions through to the final announcement (as well as a certain falling out) give you vivid sense of what it's like actually being in the RuPaul show! The book ended before I was really ready for it to, but then, I suppose that keeps things open for the book on what she does next!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawrence Chaney (2021) (DRAG) QUEEN OF SCOTS (AUDIOBOOK)
Spotify - Penguin Audio

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars

Spotify writes, "The hilarious memoir from everyone's favourite Scottish drag queen and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Lawrence Chaaaaaaney.
Lawrence Chaney is a testament to the strength that comes from drag. Lawrence (Drag) Queen of Scots celebrates the little boy learning to sew at age seven and his journey to taking the UK by storm. From growing up as the gay class clown and being bullied to finding an outlet in performance and drag, celebrating both his outer curves and inner beauty.
The book will showcase valuable life lessons and tricks of the trade, all told in Chaney's trademark charming style and will resonate with anyone who holds dreams and aspirations that are bigger than the town they grew up in."
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[Cody James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of buying this from Lawrence directly at Dragcon (Lawrence, I told you I’d review it!). This is one of the best Drag Queen books on the market, easily. Lawrence does the usual Drag how-to’s. Makeup, hair, outfits, even names…but she does it in their typical humor and it makes it for a super enjoyable read even if you don’t do drag. Lawrence talks amply about the bullying they endured as an adolescent, and that’s where I connected with them so heavily on the show. We as queer people endure a our fair share of torment in our formative years, but it’s a different ball game when you’re queer and “big”. Lawrence tells her history of bullying with her trademark wit so it’s not a sad story, more a story of perseverance. They also touch on their time on Drag Race and the lead up to it, which is a phenomenal behind the scene look at the myth, the legend, Lawrence Chaney we got to see on our tv screens every week during the pandemic. Everything Lawrence says and does is charming and endearing, and this book had me laughing out loud on the plane ride home. It was so wonderful looking into the mind of such an amazing person, and I’m very humbled to of gotten the chance to meet this legend.

[David P. Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved listening to Lawrence read his own book and sharing their story of growing up in Glasgow. Readings this book was inspired by plans to travel to Scotland in 2024 and getting some first person narrative’s especially if they could be diverse. Lawrence checked this boxes and although I am not a Ru Paul Drag Race watcher I’ll try to watch a few episodes following the author’s in depth notes and tips for drag queens coming up. Lawrence is very young and just breaking through so they don’t have a lot to say yet but I can definitely recommend this anyone who wants to listen to a gorgeous Scottish voice or someone who appreciates a young person’s questions about life.

[Ben Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mixed bag for me. In most parts, the book is great, and Lawrence’s charm and comedic timing shines in the stories he tells. The best parts of this autobiography were when Chaney retold his dating life and history and the audiobook version had me laughing out loud at some moments. Between chapters, he also adds hints and tips for starting drag, including “Do’s and Don’ts” sections. These are fine, but I’m not sure they were necessary. That is where the issues start. Maybe this book came too soon. There clearly weren’t loads of anecdotes or tales to tell seeing as he wrote this book a few months after winning Drag Race, and I do feel given a few more years, there could have been more substance to the book with more life experience to look back on. I’d recommend listening to the audiobook version though, as Lawrence kills it and will make you laugh throughout.

[Ashley Zullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Lawrence Chaney, for that was everything I needed out of the book. Not anything ground breaking, but a light read and just was fun to spend some hours listening to Lawrence’s Scottish accent. Not looking to become a drag queen or get makeup tips, but just listen to a favorite drag queen. I do appreciate Lawrence’s parts where she talks about mental health and being a plus size queen.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
After absolutely falling in love with Lawrence Chaney on TV, I was so excited to read this! Unfortunately I was so disappointed, as for me, Lawrence’s infectious sense of humour and brilliant personality didn’t translate onto the page. I am sure the book will help countless young people on their journey to who they’re meant to be, and as an LGBT adult myself I could see so many similarities between his youth and mine.

[Micki Lou Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having listened to this on audible made this book so much more fun. Read by the author gave it something more and I very much enjoyed the trail along from his early life to what happened after winning Drag Race. Emotional at times with some very funny moments along the way, Lawrence Chaney really kept you glued to what was being said and happening.

A true worthy winner and a wonderful book for all.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

As winner of the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Lawrence Chaney captured the hearts of the worldwide viewers of the drag race franchise, and for good reason. In Drag Queen of Scots, Chaney offers up their tips and tricks they have learned on their journey with the art of drag. Great listen.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute delight to read as expected!
One complaint; what $1 notes in Canada are you speaking of Lawrence ??? We live in a country with Loonies and Toonies. Aka huge $1 and $2 coins.
I don't think you want those pelted at you in the club, love. You must have us confused with the Americans or I must've misread that chapter 🤔

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. It's a bit surface level, and that's not really LC's fault. They got them to write a book just after their drag race win, at 24. There isn't much going on other than some tips on being a drag queen and everything you've already heard on RPDR. Learnt about some other local Glasweigan Queens though. That was nice!

[Jennifer McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a scottish, heterosexual female who loves drag. Lawrence Chaney is funny, honest and truly Scottish as she tells all about her life growing up, Drag Race experience and mental health.
It’s an easy read as a scottish person with some Scot’s dialect. I’d recommend to any fan of Drag and fan of LAWRENCEE CHANEYY!

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely autobiography. Very heartwarming and funny too which you would expect from Lawrence Chaney. I wish they had gone into more detail about their life and drag race experience - I felt the book could have been longer and expanded more.

[Abi Torry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book seems to be aimed more towards drag queens, I'd encourage anyone who loves the art of drag to read this book. Lawrence is so charming and funny, I laughed out loud throughout this book.

[Kate Mettler · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I say I laughed out loud at least 20 times I am not joking. I don’t know if I’d recommend reading the physical book but the Audiobook is 100% worth it. Such a funny and heartfelt book I loved every minute of it.