Michelle Visage slams ‘bulls**t’ decision to ban drag performers from pride
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage has hit out at a decision to ban drag queens from performing at a Pride event in Scotland.
Free Pride Glasgow – which was set up as an “anti-commercialist” alternative to the main Pride Glasgow event – made the controversial decision to ban drag performances ahead of the event next month, claiming that despite drag being a uniquely celebrated part of most Prides, drag performers would not be welcome to perform at Free Pride.
A statement from the group claimed: “After much discussion, the trans and non binary caucus decided not to have drag acts perform at the event.
“This does not mean that people of any gender can’t wear what they want to the event, we simply won’t be having any self-described drag acts perform at our Free Pride Event on the 22nd August. We hope people can understand and support our decision.
“The decision was taken by transgender individuals who were uncomfortable with having drag performances at the event. It was felt that it would make some of those who were transgender or questioning their gender uncomfortable.”
Michelle Visage hit out at the “bulls**t” decision, tweeting: “WHO. THE HELL. BANS DRAG QUEENS FROM GAY PRIDE? THE VERY BACKBONE OF THE PRIDE CELEBRATION? hello, ever hear of THE STONEWALL RIOTS?!!!
“This bullshit about no drag queens at [Free Pride Glasgow] is embarrassing. HELLO?! WE ARE CELEBRATING PRIDE!!! what part of that do you not get?
“This is also what I mean about gay on gay issues. IF WE DON’T SUPPORT AND PROMOTE EACH OTHER, WHO WILL?! We need to lift each other UP!
“They said no drag queens as it is deemed offensive to trans people. HELLO?! DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY TRANS PEOPLE STILL WORK AS DRAG QUEENS?!
“THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND LOVE AMONGST THE COMMUNITY NEVER KNEW ANY RACE/COLOR/GENDER. WHY NOW, SCOTLAND? this picking and choosing? NO!
“What is happening?! AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”
