Charlize Theron says that the efforts to curb the rights of drag performers is driven by fear and ignorance. In the opening episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16, Theron gave a speech to contenders. “Given the climate in our country right now, there’s a lot of energy being put toward your community not existing.
I truly believe that all of that is coming from a place of fear,” Theron said. “The beauty of what your community brings and the truth of who you are and represent will come out.
Don’t give up.” The last remark — “Don’t give up” — is going viral. The post show segment of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Untucked, saw Theron amplify her message. “I want them to grow up in a world where they know what it means to accept what’s not you, what is different and love that, to not be scared of that, and to embrace it, and that’s my job as a mom.” She continued, “I feel like we’re living in a day and age where our words can so easily be weaponized against us.
I worry about us as people and what we can do to each other, and how powerful it is when you love and how powerful it is when you hate.