Even though RuPaul's Drag Race is one of the most progressive reality shows in the mainstream, it hasn't always been the best with trans representation, which makes Kyle Sonique Love's win on All Stars 6 that much more crucial. RuPaul's Drag Race has faced some criticism by the trans community during its first decade, but Kylie's win proves that the franchise is moving in a more positive direction. From RuPaul's past transphobic remarks to what a trans winner means for Drag Race fans, here's why Kylie's win is one of the franchise's most significant.
Unfortunately, trans people haven't gotten that much decent representation in the media over the years. Even RuPaul's Drag Race, a show dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, hasn't always been the best ally to their trans queens and fans. Some alumni have alleged that it isn't possible to get on the show in the past if a queen demonstrated signs of their trans identity, and producers had even instructed contestants to make sure that their out-of-drag outfits read as "boy." The earlier seasons of the show also included casually transphobic language based on harmful slurs that were used against trans people over the course of history.
As Drag Race caught up with the times, the drag competition expunged their transphobic language. One way they did this was by changing RuPaul's message segment to "She done already done had herses." During an interview with The Guardian from 2018, RuPaul made it known that he wasn't a big fan of all of their changes. Over the seasons, RuPaul's Drag Race featured various trans contestants on the show. For instance, Monica Beverly Hills disclosed that she is trans on season 5. On Drag Race season 9, Peppermint became the first openly trans queen to make it to the Top 2. In 2021, Gottmik became the first trans man to enter the competition on season 13.
Alas, during that interview, RuPaul was asked if he would've cast Peppermint if she had begun her transition before coming onto the competition in season 9. RuPaul angered fans with his response, "Probably not. You can identify as a woman and say you’re transitioning, but it changes once you start changing your body." Viewers argued that trans queens are some of the best in the field and make just as compelling stars as the show's cisgender queens. On All Stars 6, Kylie certainly showed that trans people can enter Drag Race as their true selves and slay the competition. Kylie's win proved that Drag Race is not the show it used to be and it can be a safe place for trans viewers to watch people like them thrive. As an established member of the Hall of Fame, Kylie's win demonstrates that trans queens belong in the reality TV world of drag.
RuPaul's Drag Race might not have the best history when it comes to trans representation, but Kylie's deserved win is a great step forward. For a show based on the principle of celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, Kylie's victory signals that RuPaul is finally open to including trans stars in on the love. Hopefully, Kylie won't be the last trans queen inducted into the RuPaul's Drag Race Hall of Fame.
Source: The Guardian
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