RuPaul's Drag Race fans need to "sashay away" from thinking racism within the fandom is okay! As Entertainment Tonight reports, a new public service advertisement featuring several of the show's queens has been released, which sees them calling for people to do better.
RuPaul's Drag Race queen talks about experiencing racism
RuPaul's Drag Race queens Heidi N Closet, Latrice Royale, The Vixen, Mariah Balenciaga, Mayhem Miller, and Widow Von'Du address fans in the black and white PSA. Instead of wearing the glamorous wigs and costumes they're known for, the video sees them in casual clothes and minimal makeup. They share that "behind the makeup, underneath the eleganza," at the end of the day, they're still people— which is why fans need to be much more considerate of their feelings.
Heidi N Closet, who was a fan favourite from season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race, talks about her experience with racism and attitude towards life in the video. "I am someone who has experienced injustices and racism at a very young age firsthand," she says. "Even though I've endured those things, I still try to look at the positives and look at the good in people and in the world as a whole."
RuPaul's Drag Race Vegas spinoff has honoured queens of colour
RuPaul's Drag Race: Vegas Revue queen Naomi Smalls opened up to Entertainment Tonight about the fandom's changing attitude towards racism. "I'm very excited that a lot more queens of colour are definitely being highlighted right now. I think it's long overdue," she shared. As Entertainment Tonight mentions, the Vegas spinoff of RuPaul's Drag Race has seen five queens of colour take the crown consecutively, including Shea Couleé and Jaida Essence Hall.
"And I'm hoping with the political climate, we can really appreciate people for who they are instead of the color of their skin," Smalls went on to say. "'Cause it really has nothing to do with your drag," she continued. "As long as your foundation matches, like, that's what I'm impressed by." RuPaul's Drag Race is one of the most popular series out there, recently taking home the award for Outstanding Competition Program at the Emmy Awards for the third year in a row!
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However, former queen Chi Chi DeVayne— who sadly passed away due to health issues— was left out of this year's 'In Memoriam'. That's why as RuPaul accepted the Emmy on behalf of the show, he dedicated it to her! "We need to collectively stop the threats, stop the racism that is affecting this community," Widow Von'Du can be seen saying in the powerful PSA. "Let's do this for real and make RuPaul's Drag Race the example." Watch the queens' message to fans about racism here!
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