RuPaul has spoken out against the anti-drag laws emerging in the United States.
The drag queen pioneer, 62, responded in a video to laws being signed by Republicans to restrict drag shows as Tennessee becomes the first state to clamp down on performances.
RuPaul branded Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who signed the legislation, and other politicians attempting to make the same anti-LGBQTQ+ laws, as “bullies” who are “distracting us from the real issues”.
The Drag Race host said in a clip shared on social media: “Hey, look over there! A classic distraction technique, distracting us away from the real issues that they were voted into office to focus on: jobs, healthcare, keeping our children safe from harm at their own school.
"They think our love, our light, our laughter, and our joy are signs of weakness but they're wrong because that is our strength." 🔁: @RuPaul pic.twitter.com/5uDcBI8SQa
— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) March 8, 2023
“But we know that bullies are incompetent at solving real issues. They look for easy targets so they can give the impression of being effective.
“They think our love, our light, our laughter and our joy are signs of weakness. But they’re wrong because that is our strength.”
RuPaul hailed drag queens “Marines of the queer movement” as he urged people to register to vote to get those creating laws against the community out of office and “put some smart people with real solutions” in.
The drag icon concluded by reminding fans: “By the way, a social media post has never been as powerful as a registered vote.”
RuPaul’s video has been viewed over 500,000 at since it was shared on Wednesday, and so far has 135,000 likes on Instagram.
Under the new law in Tennessee, drag performances aren’t allowed in public spaces where children are present, and those who break it could face criminal penalties.
Governor Lee signed a second separate bill, limiting healthcare to transgender youth, which goes into effect on July 1, following behind seven other states.
This bill means that gender affirming medical care, including hormone-replacement therapy and puberty blockers, won’t be able to be accessed by those who need it after March 31 2024.
The ban on drag shows is due take place on April 1. This could possibly affect Pride celebrations eld later this year, in regards to who can attend and where acts drag acts perform.
