Filipino drag queen Brigiding has said they are going to “keep on dancing” after one of their performances “alluded to menstruation”.
im gonna keep on dancing… 🌈💃🍷@ChappellRoan pic.twitter.com/FwbdBnFJzx
— brigiding (@brigiding) September 19, 2024
The performance, which has been viewed over two million times, saw Brigiding, star of season 1 of Drag Race Philippine, dancing to queer musician and “amazing champion” Chappell Roan‘s Red Wine Supernova while pouring red wine from a concealed wine bag between their legs.
Fans of the performer have stepped up after detractors said the performance “makes fun of women” and is “misogynistic” – opinions often spouted by those driving anti-drag/anti-trans narrative.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, one fan said: “I genuinely want to understand why some westerners are dragging this. so what if it alludes to menstruation? Is menstruation really something to shy away from in public? Doesn’t this only perpetuate the stigma that menstruation is something shameful or disgusting for women?”
i genuinely want to understand why some westerners are dragging this. so what if it alludes to menstruation? is menstruation really something to shy away from in public? doesn’t this only perpetuate the stigma that menstruation is something shameful or disgusting for women? https://t.co/B9uegXn8qR
— mai (@mclabsan) September 17, 2024
Another fan, also on X, formerly Twitter, added: “Thanks to this performance, now Filipino LGBTQ folx know that there is an anti-trans narrative globally and that includes sentiments against drag as they believe that transness and drag are mockery of womanhood.”
Thanks to this performance, now Filipino LGBTQ folx know that there is an anti-trans narrative globally and that includes sentiments against drag as they believe that transness and drag are mockery of womanhood.
Drag is art coz it is transgressive and political. Ganito yun. 💯 https://t.co/o5n1j4JH4F
— rodina (@iamrodafrog) September 18, 2024
Responding on the same platform, Brigiding said: “My recent performance of Red Wine Supernova has stirred up a lot of differing opinions. Some have accused me of being misogynistic and disrespectful, while others saw it as campy and true to the essence of drag.
“As a drag artist, I look up to artists who fearlessly create spaces for us, the community, and right now, Chappell Roan is one amazing champion.
“Chappell’s music speaks to the freedom and creativity that I try my best to bring into my performances as an artist. I intended to celebrate her influence and impact, not offend anyone, especially women. After all, this is what drag is about, breaking stereotypes and celebration of freedom to artistic self-expression.
“Let’s cheers to that!”