RuPaul: We can’t use the T-word anymore, so I’m saying ‘granny’ instead
Drag artist RuPaul has joked about being banned from using “the T-word” – and says she will use the word “granny” instead.
The iconic San Francisco bar Trannyshack decided to change its name to T-Shack in May this year, due to controversy surrounding the use of the word, which some people deem to be transphobic.
However, reality star RuPaul had previously defended it, ranting: “They’ve used their victimhood to create a situation… Don’t you dare tell me what I can do or say. It’s just words. You know what? Bitch, you need to get stronger.”
Speaking alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage on their podcast this week, RuPaul said: “Did you call me granny girl? That is your new thing, because we can’t say it with a T anymore.”
Michelle Visage said: “We’re just going to say it for everything that’s T-related. I checked the granny in my car…”
RuPaul continued: “All the people that I gravitate towards – there’s a certain irreverence. There’s a certain mocking of everything that other people take so seriously.”
Explaining her decision to change the name of Trannyshack in May, drag artist Heklina said: “When I started the club (waaaaaay back in 1996) the word ‘tranny’ did not have the charged weight to it that it has today.
“Increasingly, and in the past year especially, it’s become clear to me the meaning the word tranny has taken on.
“I’ve tried to avoid the issue because I’ve spent almost 20 years branding and promoting my club. But more and more, I am asked on the street, in interviews, and online about my thoughts on the word, and the name of my club.
“Time for a rebrand.”
Trannyshack London has “no plans” to change its name.
