Drag Race UK Star Cheryl Hole Responds to Anti-Drag Backlash on Celebrity MasterChef Appearance
Cheryl Hole, a popular drag queen from Drag Race UK, has recently spoken out against the bigotry and backlash she faced after her appearance on the BBC cooking show Celebrity MasterChef. In an interview with the BBC, Cheryl emphasized that her participation in the program was an opportunity to showcase that the LGBTQ+ community should not be feared.
Around the world, LGBTQ+ rights have been under scrutiny, with hate crimes on the rise and politicians questioning the rights of these individuals. Transgender people, in particular, have been subjected to a significant amount of backlash. In addition, drag events have faced protests in both the US and the UK.
Cheryl expressed her confusion about the state of the world, especially after a recent attack on the LGBTQ+ community in Clapham. She believes that representation and the sharing of LGBTQ+ voices and stories are crucial in dispelling fear and prejudice.
However, despite Cheryl’s hope that her Celebrity MasterChef appearance would be taken lightly, she faced an onslaught of negative comments from online trolls. Hundreds of anti-drag individuals flocked to the BBC’s article about her appearance, labeling drag queens as misogynistic and offensive parodies of womanhood. Some even went as far as blaming the LGBTQ+ community for causing havoc in society.
Although Cheryl’s journey on the cooking show came to an end after a single appearance, she refused to stay silent. In a statement defending herself and her fellow drag performers, she highlighted that drag is an art form and a celebration of women. She called out those who mocked her work, stating that her speaking up about the hate directed towards the LGBTQ+ community only confirmed her point about the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.
Cheryl urged people to focus on enjoying the show rather than fixating on seeing a drag queen in the kitchen. She also hinted at potential legal action against those who accused her of being a paedophile, pervert, and groomer.
Interestingly, Cheryl’s Drag Race UK sisters Baga Chipz and Kitty Scott-Claus also appeared on MasterChef, but their participation received little attention compared to Cheryl’s. This difference in reception is indicative of the intensified anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric prevalent in recent months.
While it is disheartening to witness the backlash Cheryl faced, her resilience in standing up for herself and her community is commendable. It is a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and understanding, as well as the need to combat prejudice in all its forms.
In conclusion, Cheryl Hole’s presence on Celebrity MasterChef should be embraced as a positive step toward acceptance and representation. Instead of perpetuating hate, let us focus on celebrating diversity and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
