Drag Race UK Star Alexis Saint-Pete Raises Awareness of Poland’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Agenda
Alexis Saint-Pete, a contestant on Drag Race UK season five and the first Polish queen to appear on the show, is using her platform to shed light on Poland’s anti-LGBTQ+ agenda. The 28-year-old dancer and fashion enthusiast wants to draw attention to the dire situation faced by the LGBTQ+ community in her home country.
In an interview with PinkNews, Alexis expressed her desire to represent her people and tell their story. She emphasized that many people are unaware of the situation in Poland, where the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are being systematically eroded. Poland has been named the worst country in the European Union for LGBTQ+ rights for four consecutive years, according to ILGA-Europe’s annual Rainbow Map and Index.
The situation in Poland has deteriorated in recent years, with over 100 municipalities declaring themselves LGBT-free zones since 2019. These zones aim to ban the promotion of homosexuality and restrict LGBTQ+ events and marches. The areas labeled as LGBT-free once covered more than a third of Poland’s local government areas.
Right-wing politicians and campaigners have escalated their attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, framing them as a threat to traditional Catholic Christian beliefs and insinuating that queer people pose a danger to children. In a disturbing case, a man was reportedly acquitted after driving a van with slogans linking homosexuality to pedophilia during a Pride march. The judge ruled that the messages were true.
Poland remains one of the few EU nations that does not permit same-sex marriage or adoption by same-sex couples. The country also witnesses frequent incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, further marginalizing the community.
Alexis expressed her concern about the situation, particularly the existence of LGBT-free zones that perpetuate discrimination. She stated that when she visited Poland, she heard stories from LGBTQ+ individuals who still live in fear, needing to change their outfits or feeling unsafe when traveling outside central Warsaw.
Her participation in Drag Race UK season five brings hope and possibility for Poland’s queer community. As the first Polish queen on any Drag Race franchise, Alexis is receiving overwhelming support from the people, especially the LGBTQ+ individuals in Poland. They see her representation as a remarkable success for a Polish person and celebrate the fact that she is gay and a drag queen.
The new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, featuring Alexis Saint-Pete and other talented queens, premiered on September 28th. While the show entertains audiences, Alexis aims to use her platform to raise awareness and bring about change in Poland, ensuring that the struggles of her community are highlighted and understood.
In a world where LGBTQ+ rights are still being fought for, individuals like Alexis Saint-Pete play a crucial role in championing acceptance, understanding, and equality. As she shines a light on Poland’s anti-LGBTQ+ agenda, her efforts resonate not only within her home country but also around the world.
