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Every Friday night since NY's stay-at-home order began, my queer #chosenfamily joins together virtually to watch @RuPaulsDragRace. It's a couple hours at the end of a long and lonely week to step away from the tough stuff.
But last night's episode left me hurt and confused. 1/
But last night's episode left me hurt and confused. 1/
During last night's runway, @JackieCoxNYC wore a stunning red kaftan & blue star-spangled hijab that put a personal touch on the theme of the night, "stars & stripes."
For context, Jackie spoke earlier in the episode about her family's trauma resulting from the #MuslimBan. 2/
For context, Jackie spoke earlier in the episode about her family's trauma resulting from the #MuslimBan. 2/
During final critiques, guest judge Jeff Goldblum insinuated that @JackieCoxNYC's outfit in the context of a drag competition may be at odds with a religious tradition that is "anti-homosexuality" and "anti-woman." FTR, Jackie does not ID as Muslim. 3/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jeff-goldblum-faces-social-media-backlash-islam-comments-rupauls-drag-race-1291882
Jeff Goldblum's comments are Islamophobic. And I am absolutely disgusted by them. I'm equally disgusted by @RuPaul's choice not to immediately set the record straight. It was not Jackie's responsibility to correct Jeff, esp. given the power dynamics of the situation. 4/
My question(s) to Jeff Goldblum—and maybe every judge on the #DragRace stage last night—is: Have you ever spoken to a Muslim woman? A Queer Muslim person? Have you ever asked them about the intersections of their individual identities? I think I can guess the answer. 5/
Decades (even centuries) of racism, xenophobia, and Orientalism stand behind Jeff's bigoted comments on the #DragRace main stage. This isn't new.
But you know what's also not new? Queer Muslims. Outspoken and respected Muslim women. 6/
But you know what's also not new? Queer Muslims. Outspoken and respected Muslim women. 6/
Goldblum's comments expose how deep the roots of Islamophobia run in American public consciousness. And @RuPaul's (lack of) rebuttal exposes the racism that runs rampant across the queer community. 7/
As a queer person from a community impacted by Islamophobia, I'm incredibly hurt. I can only imagine the impact of this vitriol on queer Muslims who affectionately watch and follow #DragRace.
Queer Muslims, Muslim women, and queer POC DESERVE BETTER. 8/
Queer Muslims, Muslim women, and queer POC DESERVE BETTER. 8/
I'll mention, as well, that the irony of this Drag Race episode airing at the start of #Ramadan 
is not lost on me one bit. 9/
is not lost on me one bit. 9/
. @JackieCoxNYC is an amazing role model for queer Brown kids. Watching her walk the runway last night had me beaming (just ask @ItsEkama). She is so smart, driven & VISIBLE. Queens like her deserve better than being lured into racist traps like the one Jeff & @RuPaul set. 10/10
