In the words of Mama Ru, we clap back when the haters attack.
Season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race comes to an end this Friday, but the fight for equality and LGBTQ+ rights is more prevalent than ever.
While hitting the red carpet for the upcoming finale, the esteemed group of judges chatted with Out on unifying the community to stand up against hateful legislation.
"I'm going to say it like I always say it... honey, don't you ever forget that we threw the first brick," Madison says.
The team behind RuPaul's Drag Race is also walking the walk by partnering with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to create the Drag Defense Fund. Thankfully, causes like these are designed to support drag performers around the country.
"We understand the fear. You're allowed to be nervous and scared, but you also need to know our elders are out there. The brothers and sisters that came before you and fought so hard to get to where we are today... they are still out there. We are still here fighting. Don't give up hope. Keep doing what you do. What you do and who you are is super important. We're here for you," Visage says.
"We're really fortunate to have a platform. All of this manufactured fear and hate and craziness with drag bans across the country can really be defeated by showing people what drag is. If they watch the show or go to a drag queen story hour or they go to their local bar or club and see a drag show, they're going to realize it's joyful. That's our power, when we educate and we lead with joy," Kressley says.
RuPaul also emphasized the importance of voting and social media to encourage people to use their voices. Ross Mathews echoed these sentiments by expressing the necessity of heading into a voting booth.
"It's been done before, where they try to use us as a cultural wedge issue to drum up their supporters. It's cute that they're trying it, but it's not going to work this time. You can't put this genie back in a bottle. We are out, proud. We're unapologetic. People out there, even though they might not be a member of our community... they know somebody in our community. When they put that on the ballot, I promise you people go in that voting booth and can't vote against their friend, their coworker, their family member. Stay strong. Be louder than ever and we will win," Mathews says.
The finale of RuPaul's Drag Race airs this Friday on MTV. To see the full interviews with the judges, check out the video below.
Ts Madison & The Judges of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Defend the Trans Community youtu.be