RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 contestant Peppermint has responded to recent controversial comments by RuPaul on trans people with a short essay for Billboard.
The Drag Race host has been widely criticised for making exclusionary comments in an interview with the Guardian, saying he would “probably not” allow a trans woman who had transitioned on the show.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunities that I have had throughout my life and career, particularly in the past year. Doing Drag Race was one of the best moments of my life,” Peppermint wrote.
“RuPaul kicked open so many doors for queer and gender non-conforming folks and is an absolute trailblazer in the world of drag. But recently, Ru made statements I disagree with.”
The first openly trans contestant explains that after her transition back in 2012 she realised her gender was not defined by other people, not any surgeries she has or hadn’t undertaken.
“The most important takeaway is that ones transition, the beginning, the middle, and end, is entirely personal and cannot be categorised or measured in the context of being blessed by someone else’s validation or approval.”
“Women have always been directly and indirectly contributing to the art form of drag. Like voting, driving, working, even eventually the Office of President of United States, drag evolves. My hope is that together, we can uplift all forms of drag, both on TV, and in the real world.”
“Gay men do not own the idea of gender performance.”
RuPaul has since posted an apology for his comments, but many have been sceptical of his sincerity after he mistakenly posted an abstract artwork depicting trains rather than the pink and blue flag of the trans community.
In the 10 years we’ve been casting Drag Race, the only thing we’ve ever screened for is charisma uniqueness nerve and talent. And that will never change. pic.twitter.com/0jsyt6MRvO
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) March 5, 2018
Each morning I pray to set aside everything I THINK I know, so I may have an open mind and a new experience. I understand and regret the hurt I have caused. The trans community are heroes of our shared LGBTQ movement. You are my teachers. pic.twitter.com/80Qi2halN2
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) March 5, 2018
The Season 9 runner-up has also just released a new song, celebrating trans identities and rejecting the concept of “passing”.
Check out Blend featuring Cazwell below.
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