RuPaul’s Drag Race star Blair St Clair opens up about surviving rape
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Blair St Clair has spoken out about the trauma of surviving rape and her decision to talk about her experience on the show.
St Clair, a contestant on the current 10th season of the programme, previously told RuPaul and the other queens that she had been sexually assaulted while at a college party, in an emotional moment during episode six.
In an interview with Mic, Indiana-born St Clair said it was difficult to admit someone had hurt her.
“Before filming the show, I had never opened up and talked about that and it’s because it was something that I didn’t want to believe,” she said.
“Just because I stand up and tell you today that I’ve experienced trauma in my life, that doesn’t mean that I’m OK tomorrow,” she added.
“It means I’ve accepted it and I’m taking the first step and finally gaining healing. It means that I am officially and finally ready to take control of that aspect of my life and recognise that I have control of my myself today.
“I might not have control of what happened to me in the time, but I can’t live there anymore. I live in today.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race has addressed a number of important issues (JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP/Getty Images)
In the sixth episode of the current season of Drag Race, the 22-year-old said: “I’ve come from some really dark moments in my life, and I want to lighten them up and become more positive. I’m urged to find the daintiness because I feel dirty at times.”
She continued: “My first sexual experience — I was raped at a college party, and from that I’ve looked to find pretty things. It’s something I need to get over, but I’ve tried to turn positive the best I can.”
In the aftermath of the episode, the show’s official Twitter page posted a message in support of St Clair.
“We love you so incredibly much. You are our family,” it said.
“Thank you for being brave, thank you for being vulnerable, thank you for being you. You are beyond courageous, and we are so proud of you and love you.”
Blair St Clair appeared on the newest series of Drag Race (VH1)
Viewers also tweeted their support for St Clair after the show.
“Blair St Clair’s story was so touching to hear and powerful and honestly inspires me so much, having something like that burden you is so hard but sharing it is so much harder,” one person wrote.
Since it first aired, RuPaul’s Drag Race has addressed a number of important topics, including HIV, mental health and issues facing the transgender community.
