RuPaul Calls GOP Laws Against Trans Folk 'A Classic Distraction Technique'

RuPaul has responded to the controversial anti-drag bill recently signed into law by the Tennessee governor, Bill Lee.

The reality star, who is the world's most famous drag queen, has shared his displeasure at the Republican's decision to restrict drag performances in the presence of children, amongst other things. The governor also signed a bill banning gender-affirming health care for kids and another restricting drag show performances in the state.

Fans who follow RuPaul on social media are used to him sharing honest opinions about the drag community and his experience as a member. Thus, when Lee launched a seeming attack on the clan, the 62-year-old ensured he addressed it without mincing any words.

In a video dedicated to that purpose, the "Drag Race" star posed in front of the American flag wearing a pink blazer and leopard shirt combo. Without missing a beat, he began:

"Hey, look over there! A classic distraction technique, distracting us away from the real issues that they were voted into office to focus on - jobs, healthcare, [and] keeping our children safe from harm at their own school. But we know that bullies are incompetent at solving real issues."

RuPaul stated that bullies looked for "easy targets" because it gave them the "impression of being effective," while thinking that "our love, our light, our laughter, and our joy are signs of weakness. But they're wrong because that is our strength."

The model asked viewers not to get things twisted and to avoid getting distracted because "drag queens are the Marines of the queer movement." He ended the Instagram clip with a call to action for his followers to register to vote and "get these stunt queens out of office," reminding them that "a social media post has never been as powerful as a registered vote."

Along with receiving hundreds of thousands of likes, the clip also got people talking as one person commented, "Say it, Ru! Going after women's right to abortion and drag performers...while doing nothing to prevent another Uvalde....the fear is misplaced."

A second person appreciated RuPaul for speaking up, and drag performer Honey Davenport wrote, "You truly are inspirational, your voice and your call to action in these terrifying times means so much to me. A vote is so much stronger than a post, but also this post just gives me so much hope."

While the San Diego-born star focused on the Tennessee bill, one fan reminded him and other commenters about an incident that might have prompted Lee's move. In case you missed it, Daily Mail reported last year that a clip of a performance at a "family-friendly" drag queen show had caused an outrage on social media.

The Twitter video began with a drag queen, skimpily dressed in a leotard, performing a forward role on a catwalk before spreading their legs suggestively on the ground. The performer then pushed their breasts forward, showing no concern for the young boy sitting a few feet away.

"This is what a 'family friendly' drag show looks like. Drag queens spreading their legs for little kids to tip them," the poster captioned the footage. Several people condemned the act in the replies, with one person claiming that it was "straight-up pedophilia."

The Blast observed last December that RuPaul was sparing no expense in giving viewers and contestants an unforgettable experience with "Drag Race." In fact, when the promo and the "meet the queens" video for the competition's 15th season dropped online, it went viral. 

That was due to the unveiling of singer Ariana Grande as the guest judge for the season's double debut episodes. She was slated to appear alongside RuPaul and the two mainstay judges — Michele Visage and Ross Matthews.

The appearance would be the "Thank U, Next" hitmaker's second time as a "Drag Race" guest judge. She had previously starred in the ninth season in 2015, making her return one of the most hugely anticipated by viewers. 

"It was about time to have her back! She is in another point of her career now, compared to the first time she was invited as a guest. So excited," one fan claimed in response. A second viewer noted that Grande's love for the girls was evident in "her attitude and interactions" with them off the show. 

The competition series has since premiered on MTV instead of the regular VH1, and fans got exactly what they expected from the debut.