Carson Kressley reflects on Drag Race’s influential impact on pop culture: “Visibility is important”

Queer Eye star Carson Kressley has opened up about the importance of RuPaul’s Drag Race in a new interview. 

Since its debut in 2009, pop culture enthusiasts have immersed themselves in the sickening and gag-worthy drag competition series. 

While Drag Race has been praised for its creative maxi-challenges and its extensive roster of iconic queens, the show has also been lauded for highlighting different facets of the LGBTQ+ community.

In a recent interview with the Star Observer, Kressley gave further insight into Drag Race’s popularity and why it’s needed within the entertainment sphere. 

“Visibility is so important. You could be in Malaysia or Milwaukee, and you can see people on Drag Race being celebrated for exactly who they are,” the beloved stylist explained. 

“Often, they’re people that have not had an easy time getting to where they are. They may not have been celebrated much before, but a light has been shone on them and their craft.” 

Kressley, who has been a rotating judge on Drag Race since 2015, went on to say that the show is a “powerful” resource for young people struggling with their identity. 

“It says, ‘Hey, I feel different, or I feel marginalised, but I see people who are being celebrated for being exactly who they are. I can be proud of myself as well,” he said. 

 

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While Drag Race continues to make a positive impact on viewers worldwide, US conservative lawmakers have recently set their sights on banning the inclusive art form.

Since the start of 2023, 14 states have introduced new legislation restricting drag performances from the public eye. 

On 2 March, Tennessee became the first state to ban drag shows from taking place in public spaces and/or places where minors may be present.

In response to the growing number of anti-drag legislation, LGBTQ+ activists and Drag Race superstars have slammed Republican lawmakers for their hateful rhetoric, including Mama Ru. 

“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, keeping our children safe from harm at their own school,” Ru said in a powerful statement via the Drag Race social media channels.

“But, we know bullies are incompetent at solving real issues. They look for easy targets so they can give the impression of being effective. They think our love, our light, our laughter and our joy are signs of weakness, but they’re wrong. That is our strength.”

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