Many RuPaul’s Drag Race queens have spoken out about how hurtful it feels when they’re compared to each other, and things get even worse when fans compare two drag entertainers simply because of their gender identities.
In 2021, Gottmik became the first-ever trans man to compete on Drag Race. Gottmik was cast in season 13 of the flagship series and went on to the grand finale. Two years later, Denim was cast on Canada’s Drag Race season 4 and became the second trans man to compete in the Drag Race franchise.
It’s quite annoying to see fans regularly comparing Denim and Gottmik on social media when the only main similarity between them is that they’re both trans men who were cast on Drag Race. As a result, Denim has now taken the time to address these frustrating comparisons. The Canada’s Drag Race star shared a picture via Instagram story and wrote:
“I get this comment every single day and I always have to laugh because it’s like… if you see all trans men as the same, just say that! Our aesthetics are wildly different and our only common denominator is that we’re trans men (and our trans characteristics). God forbid a second trans man gets on Drag Race amongst the 93848484 cis gay men (excluding other trans women/nb people obvi).”
Instagram (@denimjustdenim)
“Saying I’m a ‘cheap Gottmik’ is funny because I’ve never even had close to a fraction of that level of wealth and resources and never claimed to,” she added. “I made an extremely memorable and iconic package with the support of my drag family and friends, I spent all the money I had to my name on Drag Race (and it wasn’t a lot) and I still DID. THAT. So eat it.”
Denim concluded, “So many trans men do drag, there’s just not a lot of mainstream representation, and comments like this just show that you’re an entitled gay that knows nothing about queer culture and it’s embarrassing honestly!”
It is indeed quite annoying and unnecessary for fans to be drawing these conclusions between Denim and Gottmik, and it doesn’t help the franchise to push for more inclusion and diversity if this is how viewers will keep reacting to these artists who aren’t cis gay men.
Overall, the Drag Race franchise is a fabulous platform to celebrate LGBTQ+ artists and turn these up-and-coming entertainers into global superstars. While it’s understandable that fans want to have points of reference (former contestants) when getting to know new Drag Race queens, it is important to keep in mind that these are all different people who deserve to stand on their own.
We’re proud of Denim for speaking up, and can’t wait to see how the rest of this season plays out!
Canada’s Drag Race season 4 airs every Thursday on WOW Presents Plus.
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