Shangela: The Picture of Optimism
Last month I did a podcast, Opposing Views, discussing drag queen story hours, since I’ve written favorably about them in the past.
On the other side was Texas state Rep. Bryan Slaton. You might know him for his proposed legislation that would bar kids from drag shows.I will not repeat some of the obtuse things he said about drag queens, drag reading hours, and drag shows during the podcast.
Suffice it to say that he’s undoubtedly never seen a drag show, doesn’t know the difference between a drag show and drag reading hour, and clearly, he’s never met a drag queen.America has been getting to meet an incredibly talented drag queen via Shangela and her showstopping performances on the current season of Dancing With the Stars.
Through four episodes in season 31 of the show, Shangela and her partner, Russian dancer Gleb Savchenko, are still in the running, with lots more competition ahead.They will hit the ballroom floor tonight with the theme of the “Most Memorable Year.” The 12 remaining couples will perform emotional routines that best represent the most impactful years of their lives.Shangela, though, is used to stiff competition, with two seasons on RuPaul’s Drag Race as well as competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
