America’s Reigning Drag Superstar, Bob The Drag Queen, has taken to the internet to reassure LGBT people who might be feeling less safe after Orlando that they need to celebrate life, and not let the tragedy and terror stop them from doing so.
“Queer clubs are safe space’s because no-one’s judging you for what the rest of the world’s judging you for,” Bob begins.
“For some people that’s the only space that they don’t have to worry about how gay they are, or how trans they are, or how queer they are in general. These bars are safe havens where you get to be yourself, unapologetically.
“Not living in fear is a form of activism. Sometimes it can be as much as going to meet your friends and singing a night of karaoke.
“Look to the people who inspire you. Let them be the ones who are still out there still making a change, and still making a difference and not being afraid and not letting terror do its job, but letting love do its job instead.”
With June being Pride month, and Dublin Pride’s parade coming up on Saturday, there is some trepidation about marching in light of the mass-shooting nearly two weeks ago, however bravery is often described as doing something in spite of being afraid.
Celebrate Life
We are reminded that the Dublin Pride parade is a celebration of life, but it was born of a tragedy.
“I know it sounds so simple, but going out and having fun is a big deal. It is huge! Going to the parade and having fun is a very, very big deal.”
Bob goes on to explain that we are celebrating life, but also the lives of those who are no longer with us.
“The point of Pride is to go out and celebrate life – including the lives of those who fought for us to get where we are, and the lives of the people who are not here with us right now.
“Go and celebrate life.”
In a touching finish to the video, Bob The Drag Queen declares: “If queer people are nothing, we are strong and we will persevere throughout it all.”
We are strong, and we will persevere. Let’s make sure to make our voices heard this year at Pride parade and get out and march.
© 2016 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN has been a vital, free-of-charge information service for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
During this global COVID pandemic, we like many other organisations have been impacted greatly in the way we can do business and produce. This means a temporary pause to our print publication and live events and so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing this community resource digitally.
GCN is a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model and we need your support. If you value having an independent LGBTQ+ media in Ireland, you can help from as little as €1.99 per month. Support Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.