Drag kid Desmond is Amazing’s mum defends gay bar performance
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Drag kid Desmond is Amazing’s mum has hit back at critics after an article claimed he danced like a “stripper” at a recent performance in a gay bar in Brooklyn.
Desmond is Amazing – who is 11 years old and has an international following – performed at the Brooklyn bar in December, leading to considerable backlash from some bloggers and commentators.
However, Desmond’s mum has now hit back at critics in a Facebook post in which she said they had experienced “kickback from the drag community” and said she wanted to “defend all involved.”
Backlash is ‘blatant homophobia’
“Articles have been coming out recently claiming that my son danced half naked and stripped in a sleazy gay bar for grown men who threw dollar bills at him and is being exploited and forced to perform,” the post said.
“My son is a professional drag performer, not a stripper. No one forces him to perform, performing is what he loves to do and has always loved to do.”
– Desmond is Amazing’s mum
Desmond’s mum said the backlash was “blatant homophobia” and a “display of the grossly outdated belief that gay men are pedophiles.”
“The truth is, my son is a professional drag performer, not a stripper. No one forces him to perform, performing is what he loves to do and has always loved to do.
“He was a ballet dancer for four years and is currently earning an A+ grade in drama at his school. He is extremely talented in his celebrity and character impersonations. His costumes are less revealing than a dancer’s or cheerleader’s uniform, and are always age appropriate.
“While he dances, he does not move in a sexual manner. He often collects tips, as drag queens sometimes do, which we allow him to keep and he uses to buy clothing and the toys he wants.”
Desmond’s mum also said that his performances are done with regard to regulations around child performers, and that he is never allowed into the bar area of a club he is performing in.
“Instead of tearing drag kids down, why not mentor them? They are the future of drag and will be your successors one day. Practice love and less hate.”
– Desmond is Amazing’s mum
“He stays backstage with me, in the dressing room, or on stage only. It must be noted, however, that it is not against the law in New York City for a minor to be in an establishment that serves alcohol as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
“Desmond was the sole performer for the performance at the center of this controversy and he performed three numbers. The venue took measures to make sure it would be age appropriate and audience members that attended were respectful and in good conduct.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty
“If the drag kid isn’t performing in an adult themed show, what is the issue? Instead of tearing drag kids down, why not mentor them? They are the future of drag and will be your successors one day. Practice love and less hate,” she finished.
Desmond is Amazing has faced criticism online
The performance at the centre of the controversy allegedly took place on December 1, and since then has received considerable backlash from conservative bloggers and news websites.
Desmond’s parents also responded to another controversy yesterday, after a YouTube video was circulated widely claiming that Desmond was being drugged.
Writing on Instagram, his parents said the video was “fake” and was “highly doctored.”
“It makes me feel amazing. It gives me courage and also gives other people courage to do what they want.”
– Desmond is Amazing
Desmond is Amazing has become a highly successful drag performer, and in the last year has become a recognisable name on the drag scene.
The drag kid featured prominently in New York City’s Pride advertising campaign last year.
In the ad, Desmond said he identified as an “androgynous drag kid” who knows he is “different.”
He continued: “It makes me feel amazing. It gives me courage and also gives other people courage to do what they want.”
However, his role in the ad caused considerable backlash from conservative commentators. Michelle Cretella, president of the anti-LGBT conservative lobbying group the American College of Paediatricians, said the Pride event would be a” celebration of paedophilia” as it allows young children to perform.
“As a paediatrician, I will go one step farther and say that the parents of these children and others promoting this are guilty of paedophilic grooming
“Our culture is morally blind and has suppressed the scientific facts about homosexuality and transgenderism,” she told CBN.
