RuPaul’s Drag Race since the series started.As someone who was doing drag at the time it premiered in 2009, the show and the people on it captivated me.
In some ways, I saw myself represented in them.I’ve watched the series grow from what seemed a low budget DIY show in someone’s garage to a massive mainstream television programme, watched by queer people and straight cisgender people alike.
The franchise recently announced its contestants for season 14 of the US Drag Race – which includes two trans women of colour, Kerri Colbi and Kornbread ‘The Snack’ Jeté.And when I saw them walk into the workroom for the premiere episode last week, I felt represented, and seen.
From Kerri wearing the trans pride colours and winning the mini challenge, to Kornbread winning the maxi challenge, it made me feel proud, and is a strong reminder as to why trans people belong in the drag community.I’ll never forget when Carmen Carrera, who wasn’t out as trans in the series, came out after having been on the show.