This post was made in response to Monica Roberts' recent post on the show:
http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/02/trans-womanhood-does-not-equal-drag.html
Ru Pauls Drag Race
I watch the show. (I know I am a bad trans woman...) There
have indeed been a few times that Ru has screwed up and said the wrong thing.
He has also been quick to make it clear on more than one occasion that trans
and drag are not the same thing.
Also, he has cracked a few jokes at our expense that I
thought were rather clever and funny. But the trans community has very thin
skin and got upset at somethings I thought we shouldn't have got upset about.
Part of being human is we get a joke or two told at our
expense. As long as it isn't vicious or extremely transphobic I think we should
accept the jokes. It helps to mainstream us.
Back to the show:
There are 3 women (that I am aware of) who have been contestants on the show. Occasionally
there is a trans woman who is on the cast. The first 2 trans women didn't come out until
after their season, but Monica Beverly Hillz did come out mid season. Personally I am very
happy Ru and the producers did not kick her off the show. But I am also
thinking that as a woman she has an undue advantage. Yes she has a male body
and must portray the 'drag queen illusion' like the other contestants, but
Monica is a woman. She has that special spark that is woman. In a contest for
men who are trying to portray a 'female illusion', how is it fair that a woman
compete?
No easy answers to any of it.
Do I think Ru is wonderful? No. But I also do not think he
is a villain, nor do I think he is actively working against our needs.
He is a man that makes his money from the drag world. He
does not have to be an advocate for our needs. We got that covered.
His show is funny, and occasionally insightful and
educational. And he looks fierce in a dress.
:)
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