In response to the current anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Viacom and the Trevor Project have teamed up to release a new public service announcement featuring BenDeLaCreme (Season 6, All-Stars 3), Gigi Goode (Season 12), Nicky Doll (Season 12, Drag Race France), and Kerri Colby (Season 14).
In the PSA video titled "Everybody Say Gay!," the four popular Drag Race queens “speak to their various unique experiences of being part of the LGBTQ community,” according to a statement.
“If I had ever imagined the kind of life I get to live now, as a kid, I would not have believed it,” said BenDeLaCreme reflecting on childhood.
“I am so proud to be a part of the queer community,” said Goode. “We are made up of such strong resilient people and it’s something that is an experience only we know.”
Kerri Colby shared a powerful message saying, "I’m a proud trans woman – a Black trans woman, at that. And I want you to know that it’s okay to be you and serve a whole lot of face, a lot of grace, a lot of body, and we deserve to be in this place.”
“No matter how you look like, no matter who you are, no matter who you love – you are loved, I love you, you are a part of this community,” proclaimed Doll. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
At the end of the PSA, the queens fiercely encouraged LGBTQ+ identifying viewers to stay true to themselves and “Be Gay!”
The message comes amid a giant wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced, which are disproportionately affecting community members of color.
From legislation banning trans youth from school sports to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill prohibiting public school teachers from instructing on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades kindergarten through third grade.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, there have been over 300 pieces of legislation proposed just this year alone. Additionally, this year is on track to see a record number of anti-transgender bills being introduced across the country.
Meanwhile 140 of these bills would deny gender non-confirming people medical care and access.
This week, we're tracking over 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills across 36 states. Here's our update on the “Terrible Ten.” These bills are the worst of the worst — and they're moving swiftly through state legislatures.
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 15, 2022
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On the eve of Pride Month, the White House issued a proclamation speaking out about the “onslaught of dangerous anti-LGBTQI+ legislation” that is currently being introduced in States across the country.
Additionally, President Biden reassured the community that his administration, “condemn the dangerous State laws and bills that target LGBTQI+ youth. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping LGBTQI+ people in America and around the world live free from violence.”
Visit the Trevor Project to learn more about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth.
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