‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Raises The Curtain On Drag Bans With Bold Times Square Billboard
Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for MTV Reading Time: 3 minutes
RuPaul’s Drag Race has taken to the heart of New York City’s Times Square to protest drag bans that undermine the very essence of artistic expression. With a powerful message and a vibrant burst of hot pink, the billboard erected by Uncommon Creative Studio, Voss Entertainment, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour delivers a clear statement: drag, just like dance, fashion, and music, is an art form that is protected by the First Amendment.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Erects Billboard At Times Square
The eye-catching billboard not only challenges drag bans but also invites viewers to reflect on the construct of gender. It emphasizes that gender expression and fashion are fluid, evolving over time. Today’s drag, once considered taboo, pushes the boundaries of gender norms and challenges societal expectations.
The billboard proclaims. “The declaration of independence was written by men in wigs, heels, and tights.”
By leveraging the language and symbolism surrounding Independence Day, a holiday often criticized for its lack of inclusivity, this bold statement aims to shed light on the ongoing attack on LGBTQIA+ rights. The billboard highlights the hypocrisy of right-wing figures who invoke the ideals of the Founding Fathers. While simultaneously pushing for legislation that curtails the very freedoms those visionary individuals fought for.
In the face of such adversity, RuPaul’s Drag Race urges onlookers to support local LGBTQIA+ charities, recognizing the vital role they play in safeguarding and promoting equality.
Sadly, the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights in America remains far from over. According to an anti-trans bills tracker, they are currently tracking 560 anti-trans bills across 49 states as of July 5. These discriminatory measures threaten to roll back progress and further marginalize a community that deserves love, acceptance, and equal rights.
RuPaul Charles Continues to Champion LGBTQ+ Rights
RuPaul Charles has once again taken center stage, this time in the heart of Times Square. With new legislation threatening to ban drag performances in public spaces, RuPaul’s powerful message urges people to rally behind their local LGBTQ+ charities. This call to action comes at a crucial time when recent Supreme Court rulings dealt significant blows to LGBTQ+ rights.
The conservative supermajority’s decision allowing a Colorado wedding website designer to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals based on religious beliefs is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. By vote of six to three, this ruling allows for businesses to deny service solely based on a person’s sexuality.
Through their impactful out-of-home activation, promoting RuPaul’s Werq The World tour, the aim is not only to entertain and captivate but also to ignite conversations that challenge the status quo. Amidst adversity, RuPaul’s unwavering commitment to championing LGBTQ+ rights remains a beacon of hope. His call to support local LGBTQ+ charities resonates with the urgent need for action and solidarity.
