ABOVE: Bob the Drag Queen. (Photo courtesy Bob the Drag Queen’s Facebook)
In a recent interview, drag queen-comedienne and former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Bob the Drag Queen criticized comedian Dave Chappelle for his disparaging use of transgender people in his comedic material.
Bob made an appearance on the E! podcast “Just the Sip” and discussed the issue of transphobia within the Black community.
“I do think the issue with trans lives — especially in the Black community — doesn’t necessarily lie within racism, but it does lie within prejudice and misogyny, specifically trans-misogyny,” Bob told “Just the Sip” host Justin Sylvester.
The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum also said that in order to effectively tackle transphobia, discussions of social equality need to take place outside of LGBTQ+ circles as well.
“And this is not just something for just the trans people to address, or just the queer people to address,” Bob said. “Like, we need, in this world, cisgender straight Black men to stand up and say ‘trans lives matter.’”
When Sylvester brought up Chappelle as an example of a Black, male public figure, Bob shared the frustration she feels watching the comedy star use transphobic messages in his recent work.
“Dave Chappelle’s someone I’ve always looked up to, and his comedy lately has been really doubling down on this idea that trans people are a joke or that trans existence is funny,” Bob said.
Bob added that Chapelle’s visibility in the entertainment industry is capable of creating a ripple effect of transphobia because of the comedian’s influence.
“When Dave Chappelle – who’s one of the most respected Black people in comedy – goes on TV or when Netflix gives him money to say, ‘I can’t stop laughing at trans people, they’re just so funny’, it validates the idea for other people to double down and agree with him,” she said.
Bob said that Chapelle could use his notoriety to advocate for trans equality. “You could use your voice to stand up for trans people,” she said.
Bob also called on other prominent Black men in the industry – Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Jamie Foxx, Wiz Khalifa and Waka Flocka Flame – to use their platforms to advance social equality.
In the midst of a polarizing and turbulent sociopolitical climate, Bob said that allyship is crucial and must be a concerted effort.
“Especially in these times, everyone’s political,” she told LGBTQ+ news outlet PinkNews. “All of this directly affects each and every one of us, especially if you have Black and queer friends.”
Bob the Drag Queen rocketed to stardom in the drag world after winning the eighth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Bob currently stars on the HBO reality television series “We’re Here.” The unscripted show features Bob alongside fellow drag queens Eureka O’Hara and Shangela as the trio puts together a drag performance starring small-town residents from across the U.S. The series was recently renewed for a second season.
Watch the trailer for the first season of “We’re Here” below.
