Teenage drag queen banned from performing at school talent show

[Tom4784]

A 14-year-old schoolboy was banned from performing a drag act wearing high heels and a long silver wig at his school's talent show.

Lewis Bailey was distraught when teachers in Dudley, West Midlands, denied him the chance to compete after he had practised his lip-sync dance routine for weeks with the help of his family.

His mother Natalie, 37, said the school had claimed it was illegal for under-18s to take part in drag act competitions but Lewis said he was not being 'accepted for who I am'.

Lewis, who was inspired by RuPaul's Drag Race, said he was 'heartbroken and confused' at the school's clampdown and said he felt he was 'truly being myself' when performing in drag.

But the principal of Castle High School and Visual Arts College in Dudley, West Midlands, defended the school's decision on the grounds of 'age appropriateness'.

Teachers put a stop to Lewis's plans just a day before the talent show, leaving him devastated after he had spent weeks preparing a dance routine.

His performance was a dance to a medley of tracks he mixed with his stepfather including songs by Little Mix, Ariana Grande and RuPaul.

He was planning to wear a floral co-ord top blazer and skirt from eBay, high heels his grandmother brought him, and a long silver wig.

But on Monday he was 'pulled out of lessons' and told he couldn't take part in Tuesday night's show, he said.

Lewis said: 'They claim it's because it is illegal - but I think the real reason is they don't accept me for who I am.

'I'm heartbroken and confused. After all the effort I have put into it, it has knocked my confidence a lot.'

Mother-of-three Natalie said his new hobby - which includes immaculate make up and choreography - has seen the once-withdrawn boy come out of his shell.

She said: 'There's no law over impersonating a female and doing a dance. We can't find anything anywhere that says that, and anyway it's a school talent show, not a competition.

'His act for the talent show was dressing as a lady and dancing. There is no swearing, no raunchy behaviour, nothing over the top.

'The school is very multicultural and I think the school think some of the parents won't like it. But people should be able to do what they want to do and be who they want to be.

'They have really knocked his confidence. They have knocked his confidence to zero.'

Michelle King, principal at Castle Academy, said: 'Castle is an inclusive school that celebrates diversity.

'With regard to the performance of our student Lewis Bailey at the end-of-term talent show; we made the decision that it was not age appropriate for either the learner and for the intended audience, his peer group, for Lewis to appear as a drag act.

'We understood Lewis wanted to appear in the style of RuPaul, whose style of performance is characterised by strong language and sexual innuendo.

'We invited Lewis to appear in the show as a singer and were happy for him to dress in any manner he wished.

'We regret we did not communicate this earlier but stand by our belief that it is not appropriate for young people to perform drag acts. RuPaul's own TV show requires contestants to have a minimum age of 18 years old.

'Our decision was entirely made on the basis of age appropriateness, with sensitivity to both Lewis and to his fellow students.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5979467/Boy-14-banned-performing-drag-act-high-heels-long-silver-wig-school-talent-show.html

obB1TJCjZbk

A ridiculous story tbh, there's no laws against this and I doubt the headteacher would have the same issue if the kid was a girl doing the same routine. It's sad that the only backwards attitude in this story comes from the school itself. If it's just a lipsync to music then there's no reason to prevent him from performing, not all drag is hypersexualised, that's a very general and old fashioned view on things.

If a place had a trademark smell then Dudley's would be the overpowering stench of bad weed and I can only assume that the head is suffering from bad judgement brought on by a secondhand high :hmph: Come thru diversity and tolerance in an area that I didn't think such things existed though :clap1:

[RileyH]

I read about this and I felt so bad for ha :( But at least sis is getting proper gigs now collect that cash :clap1:

[Crimson Dynamo]

:clap1: good news a school enforcing rules.

RuPaul's own TV show requires contestants to have a minimum age of 18 years old

oh the wee boy's parents have gone to the media - says it all really

what a surprise

:idc:

[ethanjames]

she now is having a show with Charlie hides and is at dtagworld and that we stan a legend

[Nicky91]

silly decision from that school, it is a talent show after all, and if this is the boy's talent, so be it

''His performance was a dance to a medley of tracks he mixed with his stepfather including songs by Little Mix, Ariana Grande and RuPaul.''

well he has good music taste then, wow

[arista]

He is Very Positive
and Brave.

[Livia]

Good. His parents are arseholes for bringing in the press.

[Tom4784]

Good. His parents are arseholes for bringing in the press.

Why is it a good thing? I'd like to hear your reasoning tbh.

[armand.kay]

I'm sure the school wouldn't have a problem with a girl playing a male part in a play or even vice versa. I'm sure they only had a problem with it because drag is a gay thing

[Tom4784]

she now is having a show with Charlie hides and is at dtagworld and that we stan a legend

Him to snatch the crown in season 17?

[Livia]

I'm sure the school wouldn't have a problem with a girl playing a male part in a play or even vice versa. I'm sure they only had a problem with it because drag is a gay thing

I think it's more that Drag is an adult thing.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I'm sure the school wouldn't have a problem with a girl playing a male part in a play or even vice versa. I'm sure they only had a problem with it because drag is a gay ADULT thing

fixed

[arista]

Good. His parents are arseholes for bringing in the press.


Its cash

[Livia]

Its cash

I know. And yet no one's worried about a 14 year old being exploited.

[armand.kay]

I think it's more that Drag is an adult thing.

fixed

if the show is age appropriate I don't see what the big issue is. I mean whats so bad about someone lip syncing to a few pop songs??

[LukeB]

if the show is age appropriate I don't see what the big issue is. I mean whats so bad about someone lip syncing to a few pop songs??

:clap1:

[Livia]

if the show is age appropriate I don't see what the big issue is. I mean whats so bad about someone lip syncing to a few pop songs??

"If" being the operative word.

[AnnieK]

Had the school put on a panto (Cinderella for eg) which traditionally had female parts played by men would they have not allowed it? Kids being creative should not be stopped.

There is no law that I can find that makes it illegal.

[Crimson Dynamo]

if the show is age appropriate I don't see what the big issue is. I mean whats so bad about someone lip syncing to a few pop songs??

The school did not think that mimicking an adult drag act is appropriate and they are right. Their job is to protect all the children not pander to one.

[Tom4784]

I think it's more that Drag is an adult thing.

Except it isn't. Drag is becoming mainstream and it's becoming something that can be suitable for all ages. Unless his performance is sexualised or contains inappropriate material for children then the school don't really have a leg to stand on. If it was a group of girls performing the same thing then I doubt it would have happened without incident.

It's ridiculous that, in their statements the school claim to support diversity and inclusion when they are the only ones in this story opposing diversity. I don't blame the parents for bringing attention to such a rampant double standard and hypocrisy.

[user104658]

Had the school put on a panto (Cinderella for eg) which traditionally had female parts played by men would they have not allowed it? Kids being creative should not be stopped.

There is no law that I can find that makes it illegal.

My daughter's PRIMARY school put together a play last year (P5, 6 and 7) of Robin Hood, and it had a boy playing the Sheriff of Nottingham's "Widow Twankey style" pushy mum :shrug:. He was actually really good :joker:.

[edited to add] Also, the Sheriff himself was played by a girl.

[Niamh.]

My daughter's PRIMARY school put together a play last year (P5, 6 and 7) of Robin Hood, and it had a boy playing the Sheriff of Nottingham's pushy mum :shrug:. He was actually really good :joker:.

[edited to add] Also, the Sheriff himself was played by a girl.

My son played the part of a girl in his last school play in primary school also

[Redway]

Why is it a good thing? I'd like to hear your reasoning tbh.

I’ll jump in and say his age just might be the reasoning behind it.

At the end of the day that small boy’s a child in Year 9. I wouldn’t call drag appropriate for kids who haven’t even made it past Key Stage 3.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Hopefully he and his mother will learn a lesson about rules and conduct going forward

every day is a school day

[glibberglobber]

:clap1: good news a school enforcing rules.

RuPaul's own TV show requires contestants to have a minimum age of 18 years old

oh the wee boy's parents have gone to the media - says it all really

what a surprise

:idc:

(2)

[Jordan.]

Honestly pathetic, good on his parents for being fully there supporting him and exposing the school :clap1:

[Cherie]

Boys and girls acting as the other gender is not quite the same as a drag queen act, you can't perform in a drag queen club until you are 18 so I don't think a school talent show is the place for it, I said the same when those young girls were pole dancing as an act.

[Denver]

Doesnt drag sexualize the whole point? its not the fact of dressing as the other gender its the fact that it shouldn't be able to show sexual stuff in schools

[Kazanne]

Rules are rules where ever or whatever you do.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Boys and girls acting as the other gender is not quite the same as a drag queen act, you can't perform in a drag queen club until you are 18 so I don't think a school talent show is the place for it, I said the same when those young girls were pole dancing as an act.

Doesnt drag sexualize the whole point? its not the fact of dressing as the other gender its the fact that it shouldn't be able to show sexual stuff in schools

Rules are rules where ever or whatever you do.

:clap1:

[Jordan.]

Doesnt drag sexualize the whole point? its not the fact of dressing as the other gender its the fact that it shouldn't be able to show sexual stuff in schools

Yet if a young girl dresses up as Harley Quinn for example who is an overtly sexalised character no one bats an eyelid, the issue clearly isn't it not being age appropriate.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Yet if a young girl dresses up as Harley Quinn for example who is an overtly sexalised character no one bats an eyelid, the issue clearly it not being age appropriate.

did you read the article?

[Morgan.]

Didn't one kid go to World Book Day as Christian Grey ffs

This poor kid had spent weeks rehearsing an act, making sure any bad language or inappropriate behaviour was removed and then got told it was banned. Let him live!

[Niamh.]

Didn't one kid go to World Book Day as Christian Grey ffs

This poor kid had spent weeks rehearsing an act, making sure any bad language or inappropriate behaviour was removed and then got told it was banned. Let him live!

no way :skull:

[RileyH]

Didn't one kid go to World Book Day as Christian Grey ffs

me

[Morgan.]

no way :skull:

https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/03/06/09/Liam-Scholes.jpg?w968h681

[Crimson Dynamo]

Didn't one kid go to World Book Day as Christian Grey ffs

This poor kid had spent weeks rehearsing an act, making sure any bad language or inappropriate behaviour was removed and then got told it was banned. Let him live!

No, just like this case he was barred

[Niamh.]

https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/03/06/09/Liam-Scholes.jpg?w968h681

That's pretty bad, he's an actual kid as well not even a teen

[Crimson Dynamo]

That's pretty bad, he's an actual kid as well not even a teen

plenty bad parents around it seems

[Vicky.]

If he had been practicing the routines with family for weeks...how come the school did not refuse him doing a drag act earlier? Like, if hes been practicing for it for that long, presumably the teachers knew what he was doing (if not the other kids too), so why was it only the day before they said no :suspect:

It sounds like its not the drag in itself that they had an issue with, given they said he could dress however he wanted. Which says to me, its been the dance routines themselves that have been the problem?

Illegal under 18 though :D LOL. Floundering a bit.

[Niamh.]

plenty bad parents around it seems

I think the two stories are different though, this one obviously came from the boy himself wanting to do it where as clearly the Christian Grey thing came from the parent, I have doubts that boy read 50 shades :worry:

[Vicky.]

https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/03/06/09/Liam-Scholes.jpg?w968h681

Thats shocking as ****, and terrible parenting.

[Jordan.]

did you read the article?

With regard to the performance of our student Lewis Bailey at the end-of-term talent show; we made the decision that it was not age appropriate for either the learner and for the intended audience

Did you?

[Vicky.]

I think the two stories are different though, this one obviously came from the boy himself wanting to do it where as clearly the Christian Grey thing came from the parent, I have doubts that boy read 50 shades :worry:

And if he did, there should be even more ****ing questions asked about their parenting abilities D:

[Niamh.]

And if he did, there should be even more ****ing questions asked about their parenting abilities D:

Indeed

[Morgan.]

If he had been practicing the routines with family for weeks...how come the school did not refuse him doing a drag act earlier? Like, if hes been practicing for it for that long, presumably the teachers knew what he was doing (if not the other kids too), so why was it only the day before they said no :suspect:

It sounds like its not the drag in itself that they had an issue with, given they said he could dress however he wanted. Which says to me, its been the dance routines themselves that have been the problem?

Illegal under 18 though :D LOL. Floundering a bit.

I think in the interview it was mentioned that the teachers,parents and other students were all on board and happy for it to go ahead. It was when a lost of acts and talents were sent to the Head teacher that the issue was raised.

[Cherie]

I think in the interview it was mentioned that the teachers,parents and other students were all on board and happy for it to go ahead. It was when a lost of acts and talents were sent to the Head teacher that the issue was raised.

because the Head is ultimately responsible and knows the rules probably! if it had gone ahead trust me there would be another parent on Good Morning griping about the age of the kid...and the school could have got in trouble for under age content, much the same as schools will only show movies that are U, rather than PG....

[Morgan.]

Honestly I don't see the issue with the performance and think they've discouraged freedom of expression in a young child.

[Cherie]

Honestly I don't see the issue with the performance and think they've discouraged freedom of expression in a young child.

Do you have an issue with the Ru Paul show policy as well?

[AnnieK]

Do you have an issue with the Ru Paul show policy as well?

RPDR is an adult show though with adult content. I doubt this boy would have been anywhere close to as raunchy and sexualised as RDPR. For me its about the context, if the routine was sexualised and risque fair enough but if it was just a boy in female clothes and makeup dancing about then I think its a reach to compare it to adult content

[Jordan.]

RPDR is an adult show though with adult content. I doubt this boy would have been anywhere close to as raunchy and sexualised as RDPR. For me its about the context, if the routine was sexualised and risque fair enough but if it was just a boy in female clothes and makeup dancing about then I think its a reach to compare it to adult content

:clap1:

[Crimson Dynamo]

RPDR is an adult show though with adult content. I doubt this boy would have been anywhere close to as raunchy and sexualised as RDPR. For me its about the context, if the routine was sexualised and risque fair enough but if it was just a boy in female clothes and makeup dancing about then I think its a reach to compare it to adult content

And you dont think his whole inspiration came from watching that show?

coz I do

[Cherie]

RPDR is an adult show though with adult content. I doubt this boy would have been anywhere close to as raunchy and sexualised as RDPR. For me its about the context, if the routine was sexualised and risque fair enough but if it was just a boy in female clothes and makeup dancing about then I think its a reach to compare it to adult content

Isn't it the association though? same with those 8 year old pole dancers, there was nothing raunchy about the routine per se but it is just not appropriate for kids. We talk about them growing up too quickly and then try and make excuses to include this, he could sing and dance without being in drag maybe?

the other issue is that the Head has to take into account whoever is involved in this show as well as , parents and kids watching, if they were allowing younger siblings to attend, its not all about this one kid and what he wants, the Head has to please a range of ages in the audience.

[Tom4784]

Saying that something isn't appropriate because you aren't allowed on a a TV show until you are 18 (which is the same for most competition shows tbh) is a desperate reach.

Drag is more than just Drag Race, to dismiss what is an artform as sexualised and inappropriate regardless of the actual content is both closed minded and incredibly ignorant.

The truth of the matter is that the school as a whole was fine with it until the Headteacher heard and it's apparent that her own prejudices and ignorance coloured her decision. He rehearsed with the supervision of teachers fgs.

[Tom4784]

Isn't it the association though? same with those 8 year old pole dancers, there was nothing raunchy about the routine per se but it is just not appropriate for kids. We talk about them growing up too quickly and then try and make excuses to include this, he could sing and dance without being in drag maybe?

the other issue is that the Head has to take into account whoever is involved in this show as well as , parents and kids watching, if they were allowing younger siblings to attend, its not all about this one kid and what he wants, the Head has to please a range of ages in the audience.

What's so inappropriate about a boy in a wig dancing around in an outfit that looks like something someone would wear to a job interview for Primark? It's not like he's running around wearing straps and humping the scenery.

By all accounts, the teachers and pupils were happy enough for him to perform. From what I can gather with this story it was the head, who after receiving a list of acts, that had the problem. The teachers didn't raise concerns but this head made a decision based on her own ignorance.

If the performance didn't raise concerns with anyone who supervised the rehearsals then that should say more as to the content of the performance than what is an incomplete view on drag itself. The bull**** excuses about it being illegal (completely false) are just ways for the head to try to justify her hypocrisy. She was uncomfortable with a drag act and so she canned his performance, that's more likely then her truly believing it would be illegal.

The fact she had the gall to say, in the same statement that the school was a welcoming place for all is a joke.

[arista]

I know. And yet no one's worried about a 14 year old being exploited.


Yes USA News - loves it

14 is very young.

[Tom4784]

I know. And yet no one's worried about a 14 year old being exploited.

How would you say he is being exploited?

[user104658]

because the Head is ultimately responsible and knows the rules probably! if it had gone ahead trust me there would be another parent on Good Morning griping about the age of the kid...and the school could have got in trouble for under age content, much the same as schools will only show movies that are U, rather than PG....

Actually, it seems like she lied to the parents about it being "illegal" to pass the buck (when it isn't illegal at all), and then later completely denied that she had ever said it when she was caught out in the lie.

Which is seriously worrying and unprofessional no matter what the context is. Even if she truly believes it isn't appropriate for her school... she should have the conviction to state that instead of pretending that she's consulted her "legal team" and found out that it's illegal :umm2:.

[Denver]

Would you all want a girl to do a strip dance??? Sexualized stuff has no place in schools

[Niamh.]

Would you all want a girl to do a strip dance??? Sexualized stuff has no place in schools

I don't see how the two are similar?

[Denver]

I don't see how the two are similar?

Everytime I seen a drag act they have always been over the top sexually

[armand.kay]

"If" being the operative word.

I doubt he was going to start throwing dildos into the crowd before kicking off a burlesque performance to the pussycat dolls. Also the fact that other teachers were encouraging him and helping him rehearse leads me to believe that it was age appropriate.

[armand.kay]

Would you all want a girl to do a strip dance??? Sexualized stuff has no place in schools

Ah yes I forgot lip syncing to a song and stripping are the same

[Ammi]

...(...every silly head teacher’s cloud has a silver lining...)...or at least it has for Lewis with the attention this has gained...



Lewis, who came out as gay to his mum and stepdad last year and has performed his drag act for them at home, said he was “heartbroken,” adding that the school told him “it’s because it is illegal – but I think the real reason is they don’t accept me for who I am.”

But he has now accepted an invitation to perform at DragWorld UK, an event which calls itself “Europe’s largest celebration of drag,” and will feature former Drag Race contestants Jinx Monsoon, Bebe Zahara Benet and Farrah Moan.


....his act will now be performed alongside the acts of some of his Queen icons..:lovedup:...

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/07/24/teen-drag-queen-banned-school-talent-show-perform-drag-race-stars/

[Tom4784]

Would you all want a girl to do a strip dance??? Sexualized stuff has no place in schools

I think you need to learn the difference between a strip and a lipsync tbh.

[Denver]

I think you need to learn the difference between a strip and a lipsync tbh.

Clearly the only drag acts you have seen is drag race

[Parmy]

Kids will be wanting to blackface next fgs.

[Matthew.]

can’t wrap my head round it tbh - that law is bull****, i think what they mean is you can’t go on rupaul’s drag race until you are 18, so the school is out of order for not allowing him to perform imo.

good on the boy and his family for exposing the school, what a carry on!

[smudgie]

Hardly showing great diversity when a kid isn't allowed to dress up and lip sync whilst dancing.:shrug:

[armand.kay]

Kids will be wanting to blackface next fgs.

Doubt it's the kids interested in that, another generation maybe...

[Tom4784]

Clearly the only drag acts you have seen is drag race

Clearly you have a very limited insight into lipsyncing if you think stripping is all there is to it.

[Niamh.]

Kids will be wanting to blackface next fgs.

Yes racism and lip syncing are very similar now you mention it :think:

[RileyH]

I thought you had be to be 21 to get on RPDR anyway where is the research

[RileyH]

Kids will be wanting to blackface next fgs.

:umm2:

[Crimson Dynamo]

poor boy his mum has failed him and now he will be ridiculed and bullied

:(

[Parmy]

Doubt it's the kids interested in that, another generation maybe...

his stepdads generation...?

[Tom4784]

If he hasn't been bullied for it before at the school, he won't get bullied now. Thankfully the younger generations are more accepting of homosexuality than the older generations.

[Matthew.]

poor boy his mum has failed him and now he will be ridiculed and bullied

:(

his mum has failed him because he wants to be a drag queen?

[Matthew.]

LT, out of interest, what do you mean by “his mum has failed him”?

[ethanjames]

honestly really don't see the problem if the act is just him lipsynicing to a song whats the issue?? it most likely wasn't sexualised if the teachers helped him glad hes getting this amount of support overall though

[ethanjames]

Kids will be wanting to blackface next fgs.
just wondering how is this similar in any regards? a non threatening art form shouldn't be compared to an incredibly racist act

[glibberglobber]

Good on that headteacher :clap:

[Ammi]

..I wonder if all of the other parents of children in the talent contest have failed them as well and whether all of those other children will get ridiculed and bullied for their acts...his act was no different from any other child’s, it was agreed and rehearsed with support of the staff apparently until the day before when the head had a list of the acts...why would someone have failed their child because their act was drag as opposed to singing or a comedy act or whatever...all of the acts create an opportunity to showcase something a pupil loves to do and has interest in...none with any difference to the other...

[Parmy]

just wondering how is this similar in any regards? a non threatening art form shouldn't be compared to an incredibly racist act

Whats racist about dressing up as eddie murphy or some othe black entertainer? As long as you aint negatively stereotyping them, surely its ok to impersonate them by applying some make up and rehearse for weeks with your step dad?..

Or would it be ok for this kid to have blacked up shoved some pillows up his shirt and down his tights to impersonate that massively fat black drag act?

[Crimson Dynamo]

Whats racist about dressing up as eddie murphy or some othe black entertainer? As long as you aint negatively stereotyping them, surely its ok to impersonate them by applying some make up and rehearse for weeks with your step dad?..

Or would it be ok for this kid to have blacked up shoved some pillows up his shirt and down his tights to impersonate that massively fat black drag act?

great point parmy

[Nicky91]

Whats racist about dressing up as eddie murphy or some othe black entertainer? As long as you aint negatively stereotyping them, surely its ok to impersonate them by applying some make up and rehearse for weeks with your step dad?..

Or would it be ok for this kid to have blacked up shoved some pillows up his shirt and down his tights to impersonate that massively fat black drag act?

maybe impersonating them just because they are their idols

[Parmy]

maybe impersonating them just because they are their idols

Yeah...like i do with bob marley at parties.

[Nicky91]

Yeah...like i do with bob marley at parties.

wow yes i also like reggae music

[armand.kay]

Whats racist about dressing up as eddie murphy or some othe black entertainer? As long as you aint negatively stereotyping them, surely its ok to impersonate them by applying some make up and rehearse for weeks with your step dad?..

Or would it be ok for this kid to have blacked up shoved some pillows up his shirt and down his tights to impersonate that massively fat black drag act?
no that would not be ok lol.

Also it is possible to dress up as a black person without blackening your skin. A good example is Miley Cyrus's Lil Kim costume

[Kazanne]

Would you all want a girl to do a strip dance??? Sexualized stuff has no place in schools

Totally agree Adam,kids are already sexualised far too much,just let them be kids at school ,they will have enough of that sort of stuff shoved in their faces when they are older.

[Tom4784]

Trying to justify blackface with drag.... Good grief.

The two aren't comparable and it's grim and a bit indicative of the direction of SD that it's even been suggested with a straight face.

Blackface is racist and offensive because the act of it is meant to be demeaning towards a whole race. Embodying a drag persona and lipsyncing on a stage to Carly Rae Jepsen is not an attack on anyone and it's something that's been embodied by people of all races and creeds, you've even got bioqueens who are female drag queens.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Totally agree Adam,kids are already sexualised far too much,just let them be kids at school ,they will have enough of that sort of stuff shoved in their faces when they are older.

Yes Kaz its a victory for common sense and decency and the school should be rightly applauded. I note all the DM top comments are in support of this brave school.

[Tom4784]

Totally agree Adam,kids are already sexualised far too much,just let them be kids at school ,they will have enough of that sort of stuff shoved in their faces when they are older.

Why do you think that this drag performance was canned for being sexualised when it got the okay from the teachers for weeks beforehand?

[Parmy]

Trying to justify blackface with drag.... Good grief.

The two aren't comparable and it's grim and a bit indicative of the direction of SD that it's even been suggested with a straight face.

Blackface is racist and offensive because the act of it is meant to be demeaning towards a whole race. Embodying a drag persona and lipsyncing on a stage to Carly Rae Jepsen is not an attack on anyone and it's something that's been embodied by people of all races and creeds, you've even got bioqueens who are female drag queens.

Blackfacing is only racist if negative stereotyping is used in the act..

So if you just sing or act like the act you are impersonating, just like this kid was doing then the 2 are exactly the same..so you either allow both or deny both..thats how i see it.:shrug:

[Parmy]

no that would not be ok lol.

Also it is possible to dress up as a black person without blackening your skin. A good example is Miley Cyrus's Lil Kim costume

If i saw that i would just see a woman in a dress:shrug:

[Matthew.]

Blackfacing is only racist if

incorrect before the point is even made.

[armand.kay]

If i saw that i would just see a woman in a dress:shrug:

you mean to tell me that if you knew who lil kim was and how iconic this look was you would be able to tell who she's dressed as because she hasn't lathered on some ****ty tan
http://straightfromthea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/LIl-Kim-vs-Miley-Cyrus-Halloween-20131.png

[Kazanne]

Blackfacing is only racist if negative stereotyping is used in the act..

So if you just sing or act like the act you are impersonating, just like this kid was doing then the 2 are exactly the same..so you either allow both or deny both..thats how i see it.:shrug:

I agree ,if it's for a show and there is no negative connotations they should be able to dress up or black up,or both. If it's ok for one to mimic ,it's ok for the other.

[Tom4784]

Blackfacing is only racist if negative stereotyping is used in the act..

So if you just sing or act like the act you are impersonating, just like this kid was doing then the 2 are exactly the same..so you either allow both or deny both..thats how i see it.:shrug:

The act of blackface in itself is racist. There's no ifs or buts about it.

[armand.kay]

I agree ,if it's for a show and there is no negative connotations they should be able to dress up or black up,or both. If it's ok for one to mimic ,it's ok for the other.

Are you seriously saying that you hold blackface and drag in the same regard?

[Parmy]

The act of blackface in itself is racist. There's no ifs or buts about it.

I dont mean the whole burnt cork etc..but using make up and wigs...thats not racist.

[ethanjames]

Whats racist about dressing up as eddie murphy or some othe black entertainer? As long as you aint negatively stereotyping them, surely its ok to impersonate them by applying some make up and rehearse for weeks with your step dad?..

Or would it be ok for this kid to have blacked up shoved some pillows up his shirt and down his tights to impersonate that massively fat black drag act?

black face is a racist act its not something to be compared no matter the context its racist due to its history drag isn't offensive... i don't see ur point

[Parmy]

black face is a racist act its not something to be compared no matter the context its racist due to its history drag isn't offensive... i don't see ur point

Like i said..lets call it the modern blackfacing...you know, with wigs and make up and no stereotyping..

[Tom4784]

I agree ,if it's for a show and there is no negative connotations they should be able to dress up or black up,or both. If it's ok for one to mimic ,it's ok for the other.

Wrong.

Blackface was not created to imitate black people, it was to ridicule them by turning them into caricatures both with racist stereotypes and appearances meant to dehumanise them.

The act of painting one's face black to imitate a black person can never be anything other than racist. To attempt to justify blackface is shocking.

[Tom4784]

Like i said..lets call it the modern blackfacing...you know, with wigs and make up and no stereotyping..

Except to call it that would be a complete illogical falsity and a straight up lie.

[Parmy]

Except to call it that would be a complete illogical falsity and a straight up lie.

A wordsmith telling a man what words he can and cant use...omg..dezzy come on, gies peace mun....

[Crimson Dynamo]

Sl58rIDNdWA

Racist? No, our black-face dance is a proud tradition

The Britannia Coco-nut Dancers or Nutters are a troupe of Lancastrian clog dancers who perform every Easter in Bacup, dancing 7 miles (11 km) across the town. There are eight dancers and a whipper-in, who controls the proceedings.

Its an ancient English tradition still going on today :shrug:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/10777858/Racist-No-our-black-face-dance-is-a-proud-tradition.html

brings in tourism

[Parmy]

Modern blackfacing where kids who dont judge by colour or sexuality can dress up with make up, wigs and frilly dresses cause they dont judge....


Whats wrong with that?

[Tom4784]

A wordsmith telling a man what words he can and cant use...omg..dezzy come on, gies peace mun....

I'm not saying you can't say those words, people are entitled to be wrong just like others are entitled to tell them they are wrong.

I've explained before why blackface and drag can't be compared. Drag is inclusive, anyone can do drag and it's not at the expense of anyone. The act of blackface is inherently an attack on black people.

[ethanjames]

I've explained before why blackface and drag can't be compared. Drag is inclusive, anyone can do drag and it's not at the expense of anyone. The act of blackface is inherently an attack on black people.

spill the tea

[Parmy]

I'm not saying you can't say those words, people are entitled to be wrong just like others are entitled to tell them they are wrong.

I've explained before why blackface and drag can't be compared. Drag is inclusive, anyone can do drag and it's not at the expense of anyone. The act of blackface is inherently an attack on black people.

So impersonating bob marley cause you love him is an attack on all like him....ohhhhhhkaaaaaay.

[Tom4784]

So impersonating bob marley cause you love him us an attack on all like him.

If you paint your skin black, yes it is.

[Parmy]

If you paint your skin black, yes it is.

With make up and wig?

[Parmy]

This kid was impersonating lil kim. He had make up on.

[Crimson Dynamo]

drag isnt inclusive

y'all want your own special section in the forum


:laugh2:

[Tom4784]

Love Island isn't inclusive.

It has it's own special section on the forum!

[Crimson Dynamo]

Love Island isn't inclusive.

It has it's own special section on the forum!

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

[Underscore]

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

Even when the majority of viewers are straight women?

[RileyH]

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

I love it and I'm not gay :shrug:

[Crimson Dynamo]

Even when the majority of viewers are straight women?

Can you back that up with specific viewing figure data?

[Crimson Dynamo]

I love it and I'm not gay :shrug:

are you sure

[Jordan.]

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

Big Brother is for women and gays and here you are x

[Underscore]

Can you back that up with specific viewing figure data?

"In the past few months, I’ve had many conversations about drag’s newest audience, and not just with other queens. Last week, I talked with a contact on Drag Race network Logo’s social media team, who shared his perspective on condition of anonymity. “I spoke with our research team, and they said that the demographics of users are hard to track because the data is unreliable,” he told me. “People make fan accounts and profiles with misleading ages and such.” Even so, it’s hard not to see that young female fans match gay male fans almost one to one. “From what I’ve seen,” my source said, “the demographics seem to be pretty split between younger female teenage fans and gay men from their 20s to 40s.”"

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2017/01/09/why_drag_queens_biggest_fans_are_increasingly_youn g_women.html?via=gdpr-consent

From the producers of Drag Race

[ethanjames]

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

its not though..... i watch it with my 14 year old heterosexual sister and my 49 year old mum and they both adore it. its not a gay only event its for people who want to celebrate diversty. im not even gay man im bi

[Parmy]

Big Brother is for women and gays and here you are x

They stole it and ruined it.:fist:

[Parmy]

"In the past few months, I’ve had many conversations about drag’s newest audience, and not just with other queens. Last week, I talked with a contact on Drag Race network Logo’s social media team, who shared his perspective on condition of anonymity. “I spoke with our research team, and they said that the demographics of users are hard to track because the data is unreliable,” he told me. “People make fan accounts and profiles with misleading ages and such.” Even so, it’s hard not to see that young female fans match gay male fans almost one to one. “From what I’ve seen,” my source said, “the demographics seem to be pretty split between younger female teenage fans and gay men from their 20s to 40s.”"

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2017/01/09/why_drag_queens_biggest_fans_are_increasingly_youn g_women.html?via=gdpr-consent

From the producers of Drag Race

Well i guess fag hags(a gay guy and his were ok with that term when i was talking to them)and gay men go hand in hand.

[Crimson Dynamo]

"In the past few months, I’ve had many conversations about drag’s newest audience, and not just with other queens. Last week, I talked with a contact on Drag Race network Logo’s social media team, who shared his perspective on condition of anonymity. “I spoke with our research team, and they said that the demographics of users are hard to track because the data is unreliable,” he told me. “People make fan accounts and profiles with misleading ages and such.” Even so, it’s hard not to see that young female fans match gay male fans almost one to one. “From what I’ve seen,” my source said, “the demographics seem to be pretty split between younger female teenage fans and gay men from their 20s to 40s.”"

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2017/01/09/why_drag_queens_biggest_fans_are_increasingly_youn g_women.html?via=gdpr-consent

From the producers of Drag Race

so that is a no

but its principle audience is gay men, obviously not exclusively as that would be impossible and indeed noncommercial as there as so few around

[Crimson Dynamo]

Well i guess fag hags(a gay guy and his were ok with that term when i was talking to them)and gay men go hand in hand.

they dont go hand in hand parmy or they get clobbered, according to the gay folks on Tibb that is

[Tom4784]

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

Again, not true but it doens't really matter. What does Drag Race have to do with this story? The only strenuous link is the ignorant head teacher reaching for an excuse for her hypocrisy by saying that Drag isn't age appropriate because a TV show only allows for adults to participate in it.

[Vicky.]

Totally agree Adam,kids are already sexualised far too much,just let them be kids at school ,they will have enough of that sort of stuff shoved in their faces when they are older.

I agree with this a a general point.

But not seeing how drag necessarily means this is sexual. If the choreography was like burlesque or whatever then yeah, but given the other teachers OKed it I doubt it was.

I also kind of see where parmnion is coming from as I recall this conversation on here before and actually being referred to as 'womanface', and I did actually agree that drag was kind of sexist until; that convo, as I was of the opinion that all drag was parodying and taking the piss out of women, like the only drag acts I had seen up until that stage.

This kid has drag as a hobby, its not really that different to dancing or something. Except its done in makeup and 'womens clothes' (though arguably what on earth are 'womens clothes' to start with. Stereotypes, not absolute.)

I can see no issue here at all. Though I DO have a bit of an issue with that drag queen who is 8, Lacatiaia or something hes called. I find that creepy and definitely a thing pushed on him by his parents at that age. And from what I have seen of him, very sexual also. Which should ring alarm bells in a child that age.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Again, not true but it doens't really matter. What does Drag Race have to do with this story? The only strenuous link is the ignorant head teacher reaching for an excuse for her hypocrisy by saying that Drag isn't age appropriate because a TV show only allows for adults to participate in it.

why are you now insulting an innocent head teacher?


i just dont get it?

[Matthew.]

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

i have watched it before and i’m straight so gtf out of here with that bull****

[Tom4784]

so that is a no

but its principle audience is gay men, obviously not exclusively as that would be impossible and indeed noncommercial as there as so few around

So you're basically denying a quote that shows what you are saying is wrong because you don't want to admit you are wrong.

[Crimson Dynamo]

i have watched it before and i’m straight so gtf out of here with that bull****

yes and you are the exception to the rule

do you understand what that means in that context?

[RileyH]

are you sure

yes

[Parmy]

Maybe little johnny just wasnt very good and the head was saving his blushes and future ridicule.

[Crimson Dynamo]

So you're basically denying a quote that shows what you are saying is wrong because you don't want to admit you are wrong.

"the demographics of users are hard to track because the data is unreliable"

[Tom4784]

why are you now insulting an innocent head teacher?


i just dont get it?

Because the teacher is an ignorant hypocrite that preaches inclusiveness in her bull**** statement while denying a kid's performance that was previously okayed by members of the staff because of her own rampant ignorance.

It's worrying such an unprofessional and ignorant person is in charge of a school.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Maybe little johnny just wasnt very good and the head was saving his blushes and future ridicule.

probably true

teachers can be very kind like that

[Parmy]

probably true

teachers can be very kind like that


Yes, his teacher probably had a word.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Because the teacher is an ignorant hypocrite that preaches inclusiveness in her bull**** statement while denying a kid's performance that was previously okayed by members of the staff because of her own rampant ignorance.

It's worrying such an unprofessional and ignorant person is in charge of a school.

wow

that is just horrible


just horrible

[Matthew.]

yes and you are the exception to the rule

do you understand what that means in that context?

wait so you said it’s a programme for gay people ONLY now you’re backtracking because you have recognised your own fault.

why not just admit that?

[Crimson Dynamo]

wait so you said it’s a programme for gay people ONLY now you’re backtracking because you have recognised your own fault.

why not just admit that?

Go back a re-read my friend, i was referring to the DRSF on Tibb

stand down

[Tom4784]

"the demographics of users are hard to track because the data is unreliable"

But they have provided more reasoning and context for believing that the viewing audience is diverse. You have demanded evidence yet you have provided nothing to back up your own views.

Your whole argument is basically;

'What I'm saying is the truth, if you challenge it you must give me evidence of the contrary but I still will deny it while offering nothing in the wya of proof or context to my own claims.'

LT, if you are going to demand people to qualify their views then you better be ready to qualify what you are saying as well. You've undone yourself with your own logic and standards.

[Tom4784]

wow

that is just horrible


just horrible

Not as horrible as defending blackface but :shrug:

[Matthew.]

Go back a re-read my friend, i was referring to the DRSF on Tibb

stand down

i went and had a reread. i found the post i was referring to.

its for all gays and straights with no taste in men/woman or tv shows

drag race, whether you admit it or not, is for The Gays only

[Crimson Dynamo]

i went and had a reread. i found the post i was referring to.

well done Sherlock that is exactly right

:thumbs:

[Parmy]

Not as horrible as defending blackface but :shrug:

With make up, wig and clothes to imporsonate your favourite performer.

Like little johnathon did..im on your side.:shrug:

[Tom4784]

I agree with this a a general point.

But not seeing how drag necessarily means this is sexual. If the choreography was like burlesque or whatever then yeah, but given the other teachers OKed it I doubt it was.

I also kind of see where parmnion is coming from as I recall this conversation on here before and actually being referred to as 'womanface', and I did actually agree that drag was kind of sexist until; that convo, as I was of the opinion that all drag was parodying and taking the piss out of women, like the only drag acts I had seen up until that stage.

This kid has drag as a hobby, its not really that different to dancing or something. Except its done in makeup and 'womens clothes' (though arguably what on earth are 'womens clothes' to start with. Stereotypes, not absolute.)

I can see no issue here at all. Though I DO have a bit of an issue with that drag queen who is 8, Lacatiaia or something hes called. I find that creepy and definitely a thing pushed on him by his parents at that age. And from what I have seen of him, very sexual also. Which should ring alarm bells in a child that age.

I disagree tbh, I don't think the act of drag is demeaning. It's not intended to mock women especially considering that women can also be drag queens as well. It's less to do with demeaning women and more to do with becoming someone else for a while and embodying someone larger than life.

Blackface was created to enforce stereotypes and to make black people seem less worthy of being equal.

[Bones]

Good.

[Matthew.]

well done Sherlock that is exactly right

:thumbs:

so you said it was for gay people only, you can’t say things like that

[Parmy]

He donned a silver wig, high heels and make up to impersonate the black drag act rupaul and everyones cool with that......but i cant do the same for bob marley...now thats daft.

[Tom4784]

With make up, wig and clothes to imporsonate your favourite performer.

Like little johnathon did..im on your side.:shrug:

If the makeup involves blackface then that makes it inherently wrong.

i don't think you can compare it to say, contouring your face to make it look more narrow or shapely.

people can dress up as black characters, they just need to leave the black facepaint alone.

[Crimson Dynamo]

so you said it was for gay people only, you can’t say things like that

the sub forum yes, yes i can, there may be the odd non gay but then there is the odd gay in the footy forum as well like Shaun.

[Tom4784]

He donned a silver wig, high heels and make up to impersonate the black drag act rupaul and everyones cool with that......but i cant do the same for bob marley...now thats daft.

Where does it say he was impersonating Rupaul? Doesn't say that anywhere from what I can see.

But like it's been said to you a few times now, people can dress up as black characters, it's when they get out the black facepaint that things cross the line.

[Ammi]

...so what’s been said then...is that a drag queen act in a school talent show is fine and dandy so long as blackface is allowed as well...I mean that’s the only objection, that there has to be both...?...the concern appeared to be about inappropriate sexual content...but that concern wouldn’t be a thing so long as blackface/racist content is allowed...


...I’m really struggling to understand this completely...

[Parmy]

Where does it say he was impersonating Rupaul? Doesn't say that anywhere from what I can see.

But like it's been said to you a few times now, people can dress up as black characters, it's when they get out the black facepaint that things cross the line.

Im sure the same look can be achieved with make up...but that would be ok with you?..for gay johnny..to impersonate a black bloke with make up to make him look like this bloke, cause the blokes gay.

[ethanjames]

people do realise that drag isn't just drag race? just because drag race as a show is quite sexual (not in the way 14 year old boys cant handle but) doesn't mean drag inherently is. drag race though is a good resource is in no way a portraytion of drag so saying drag is just for gay people is ridiculous my best friend is a biological heterosexual woman and does drag. drag has no boundries mate and shouldn't be compared to an incredibly racist act which purpose is to mock people of colour

[ethanjames]

...so what’s been said then...is that a drag queen act in a school talent show is fine and dandy so long as blackface is allowed as well...I mean that’s the only objection, that there has to be both...?...the concern appeared to be about inappropriate sexual content...but that concern wouldn’t be a thing so long as blackface/racist content is allowed...


...I’m really struggling to understand this completely...

this entire thread is incredibly confusing

[Parmy]

...so what’s been said then...is that a drag queen act in a school talent show is fine and dandy so long as blackface is allowed as well...I mean that’s the only objection, that there has to be both...?...the concern appeared to be about inappropriate sexual content...but that concern wouldn’t be a thing so long as blackface/racist content is allowed...


...I’m really struggling to understand this completely...

For kids in school who seemingly dont judge people..which is backed up by half the contestants pulling out in solidarity..then using wigs, make up and clothing to impersonate someone who has inspired you should be allowed....like johnny did and i do.

[Cherie]

What's so inappropriate about a boy in a wig dancing around in an outfit that looks like something someone would wear to a job interview for Primark? It's not like he's running around wearing straps and humping the scenery.

By all accounts, the teachers and pupils were happy enough for him to perform. From what I can gather with this story it was the head, who after receiving a list of acts, that had the problem. The teachers didn't raise concerns but this head made a decision based on her own ignorance.

If the performance didn't raise concerns with anyone who supervised the rehearsals then that should say more as to the content of the performance than what is an incomplete view on drag itself. The bull**** excuses about it being illegal (completely false) are just ways for the head to try to justify her hypocrisy. She was uncomfortable with a drag act and so she canned his performance, that's more likely then her truly believing it would be illegal.

The fact she had the gall to say, in the same statement that the school was a welcoming place for all is a joke.

We have no idea what he was wearing or what he was going to sing or how he was going to perform it, unless you can provide video and photographic evidence then your opinion is as reachy as just about anyone elses on this forum, Drag Acts are generally in Clubs for over 18s, fgs teachers cant even show PG films in school, I am sure the kid will get over it

[Ammi]

For kids in school who seemingly dont judge people..which is backed up by half the contestants pulling out in solidarity..then using wigs, make up and clothing to impersonate someone who has inspired you should be allowed....like johnny did and i do.

...sorry who is Johnny, Parmy..and which contestants pulled out in solidarity against Lewis’ drag queen act...?...it was the head’s decision it wouldn’t go ahead and only his/her decision so far as I know...all of the rehearsals leading up to proved no objection to it from either other staff or other students..?...

[Jordan.]

We have no idea what he was wearing or what he was going to sing or how he was going to perform it, unless you can provide video and photographic evidence then your opinion is as reachy as just about anyone elses on this forum, Drag Acts are generally in Clubs for over 18s, fgs teachers cant even show PG films in school, I am sure the kid will get over it

His performance was a dance to a medley of tracks he mixed with his stepfather including songs by Little Mix, Ariana Grande and RuPaul.

He was planning to wear a floral co-ord top blazer and skirt from eBay, high heels his grandmother brought him, and a long silver wig.

It's in the OP hon

[Tom4784]

Im sure the same look can be achieved with make up...but that would be ok with you?..for gay johnny..to impersonate a black bloke with make up to make him look like this bloke, cause the blokes gay.

You can keep repeating the same sentiment with a leading intent but you aren't going to get a different answer.

You are clinging on to a lie that this kid was dressed up as Rupaul and worst of all, you know it's a lie. You are spreading misinformation in order to falsely strengthen what is a flimsy point that you are trying to make.

This kid is not imitating Rupaul and contouring your face to change the shape of it can never be compared to blackface with a straight face.

I'm going to say this again in the hopes you don't ignore it for a third time.

Anyone can dress up as a black character, like how Miley Cyrus dressed up as Lil'Kim, the problem arises when they use blackface to do so.

[Tom4784]

It's in the OP hon

Also you see him in full drag on the This Morning clip provided.

[Ammi]

We have no idea what he was wearing or what he was going to sing or how he was going to perform it, unless you can provide video and photographic evidence then your opinion is as reachy as just about anyone elses on this forum, Drag Acts are generally in Clubs for over 18s, fgs teachers cant even show PG films in school, I am sure the kid will get over it

...I can’t say I’ve ever known any talent contest or any type of production in any school ever without rehearsals and all staff and students involved knowing what the acts are, Cherie and having seen them all...it all has to be timed and scheduled...

[Cherie]

It's in the OP hon

the operative words there are 'songs that included' do you have the full set list hun

[Cherie]

...I can’t say I’ve ever known any talent contest or any type of production in any school ever without rehearsals and all staff and students involved knowing what the acts are, Cherie and having seen them all...it all has to be timed and scheduled...

what has that got to do with anything Ammi? I never said they didn't know at the school, I said Dezzy didn't know, all we have is a quote from the parents....

[Parmy]

This is old news fgs..the kid was on this morning..

www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/rylan-clark-neal-holds-back-12977965


He impersonated rupaul dezzy..read it in black and white in the op...

[Cherie]

Also you see him in full drag on the This Morning clip provided.

He can dress anyway he likes on This Morning its not like he couldn't change his look :suspect:

[Parmy]

His performance was a dance to a medley of tracks he mixed with his stepfather including songs by Little Mix, Ariana Grande and RuPaul....


Rest assured, he dressed up as rupaul to lip sync his track.

[Ammi]

what has that got to do with anything Ammi? I never said they didn't know at the school, I said Dezzy didn't know, all we have is a quote from the parents....

..the article said it was a decision made by the head at the last minute when he received the acts that were happening...so all rehearsals, all content etc had, had no objections from other students, other staff involved or any parents that may have been aware of the drag act through their child...so in essence all involved through the rehearsal process had felt the act was appropriate and fine for the talent contest...

[Jordan.]

the operative words there are 'songs that included' do you have the full set list hun

Yeah I'm sure they failed to mention he would be dancing to Little Mix followed by deepthroat by Cupcakke

[Matthew.]

Yeah I'm sure they failed to mention he would be dancing to Little Mix followed by deepthroat by Cupcakke

omg :joker:

[Tom4784]

We have no idea what he was wearing or what he was going to sing or how he was going to perform it, unless you can provide video and photographic evidence then your opinion is as reachy as just about anyone elses on this forum, Drag Acts are generally in Clubs for over 18s, fgs teachers cant even show PG films in school, I am sure the kid will get over it

Jordan covered the 'what he was wearing' point well enough so I'm gonna tackle the last bit.

Drag is not just for clubs and adults, there's a thing called Drag Queen Story Time that's picking up steam in loads of places where drag queens read stories to kids plus you get shows that are suitable for all ages that take place at festivals and stuff too.

There's more than one side to drag. Sure you've got the club scene but you've also got the art and make up scene where queens will show off the pure artistry they can pull off with a makeup brush. the previously mentioned kid friendly stuff, cosplay and the geeky side of things etc. The drag scene is wide and all encompassing and there's something for everyone really. I think the view that it's all sexually focused and inappropriate is quite an old fashioned outlook on it.

[Parmy]

..the article said it was a decision made by the head at the last minute when he received the acts that were happening...so all rehearsals, all content etc had, had no objections from other students, other staff involved or any parents that may have been aware of the drag act through their child...so in essence all involved through the rehearsal process had felt the act was appropriate and fine for the talent contest...


Thats why his fellow students walked out in solidarity..

[Parmy]

Ps, school talent shows just need a brave student to walk on and show the talent, they dont need to do a dress rehersal...

[Bones]

Thats why his fellow students walked out in solidarity..

:joker::joker::joker:

[Ammi]

Thats why his fellow students walked out in solidarity..

..so then if they did that, they weren’t being non-judgemental, Parmy...they were very much being judgemental and that is essentially bullying behaviour which should never be condoned by a school...which is what I thought your post referred to..?...I’m seriously confused..

[Crimson Dynamo]

as i thought

not one dissenting voice about Dezzy's disgusting attack on the head


shame on all of you


too busy taking easy pot shots at Parmy



brave

[Parmy]

Can someone tell ammi the other performers were in solidarity with lewis.

[Cherie]

..the article said it was a decision made by the head at the last minute when he received the acts that were happening...so all rehearsals, all content etc had, had no objections from other students, other staff involved or any parents that may have been aware of the drag act through their child...so in essence all involved through the rehearsal process had felt the act was appropriate and fine for the talent contest...

Yes and as you well know the buck stops at the head teachers desk, good and bad

[Cherie]

..so then if they did that, they weren’t being non-judgemental, Parmy...they were very much being judgemental and that is essentially bullying behaviour which should never be condoned by a school...which is what I thought your post referred to..?...I’m seriously confused..

Solidarity with the student Ammi :laugh:

[Bones]

Ps, school talent shows just need a brave student to walk on and show the talent, they dont need to do a dress rehersal...

This

[The Slim Reaper]

Thread: Teenage drag queen banned from performing at school talent show
TIBB: It's just like blackface
Me:

https://media.tenor.com/images/0559b65f8d51e881c0d87c0564fb0cc5/tenor.gif

[Cherie]

as i thought

not one dissenting voice about Dezzy's disgusting attack on the head


shame on all of you


too busy taking easy pot shots at Parmy



brave

Its so easy to do other people jobs isnt it?

[Ammi]

For kids in school who seemingly dont judge people..which is backed up by half the contestants pulling out in solidarity..then using wigs, make up and clothing to impersonate someone who has inspired you should be allowed....like johnny did and i do.

...ahhh, I get you now Parmy..(sorry..)..a drag queen isn’t someone who uses wigs, make-up and clothing to impersonate someone else...it’s an expression of part of themselves, they don’t ‘impersonate’ in any way as such...I can sing songs which were recorded by black singers because I feel the songs and I like to sing them..someone on a talent show can do that as well...but faces don’t have to be blacked to do it, to perform a song...there is a fundamental difference..

[Parmy]

Im ok..my ignore list is massive.

[Tom4784]

This is old news fgs..the kid was on this morning..

www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/rylan-clark-neal-holds-back-12977965


He impersonated rupaul dezzy..read it in black and white in the op...

You're actually wrong. It says he was inspired by Rupaul's Drag Race and it was the headteacher that said he was imitating Rupaul in order to falsely strengthen her point that it was inappropriate. He never says he wanted to appear as Rupaul.


He can dress anyway he likes on This Morning its not like he couldn't change his look :suspect:

Yes, I'm sure he was planning to rip off the outfit to reveal a sheer naked glittery bodysuit underneath... You asked for pictures, you got them. You can't try to discount them with a strawman theory because they don't suit your opinion. You can't scream fake news at things you don't want to hear.

Also finally, the teachers okayed his look and his performance, do you really think it would have taken until the night before for the head teacher to take action if his performance contained anything inappropriate? Be honest with yourself.

His performance was a dance to a medley of tracks he mixed with his stepfather including songs by Little Mix, Ariana Grande and RuPaul....


Rest assured, he dressed up as rupaul to lip sync his track.

That makes no sense. To perform a song you have to be dressed up as the artist? Did he have five costume changes planned so that he could also appear as each member of Little Mix and Ariana Grande to suit your strange criteria?

[Ammi]

Can someone tell ammi the other performers were in solidarity with lewis.

Solidarity with the student Ammi :laugh:

..:laugh:...yeah because they’re pretty smart cookies to realise the act was completely appropriate in content...the head could learn from them...

[Parmy]

...ahhh, I get you now Parmy..(sorry..)..a drag queen isn’t someone who uses wigs, make-up and clothing to impersonate someone else...it’s an expression of part of themselves, they don’t ‘impersonate’ in any way as such...I can sing songs which were recorded by black singers because I feel the songs and I like to sing them..someone on a talent show can do that as well...but faces don’t have to be blacked to do it, to perform a song...there is a fundamental difference..

I get that..but still dont see a problem with it as long as you aint being derogatory....its like everyones saying there is something wrong with black faces:shrug:

[glibberglobber]

This boy's school day is 8:40 - 2:45 :idc:

how much education is that in a day

:clap2:

[Parmy]

You're actually wrong. It says he was inspired by Rupaul's Drag Race and it was the headteacher that said he was imitating Rupaul in order to falsely strengthen her point that it was inappropriate. He never says he wanted to appear as Rupaul.




Yes, I'm sure he was planning to rip off the outfit to reveal a sheer naked glittery bodysuit underneath... You asked for pictures, you got them. You can't try to discount them with a strawman theory because they don't suit your opinion. You can't scream fake news at things you don't want to hear.

Also finally, the teachers okayed his look and his performance, do you really think it would have taken until the night before for the head teacher to take action if his performance contained anything inappropriate? Be honest with yourself.



That makes no sense. To perform a song you have to be dressed up as the artist? Did he have five costume changes planned so that he could also appear as each member of Little Mix and Ariana Grande to suit your strange criteria?

No..because to me it looks like he was impersonating ruapaul, impersonating little mix n ariana.:shrug:

[Ammi]

Yes and as you well know the buck stops at the head teachers desk, good and bad

..we also know that heads don’t always make good decisions as well, Cherie...and when those decisions reach the media like this one because of their flimsy and dubious quality...then they’ve opened their school up to criticism...

[Amy Jade]

When I was in primary school our whole school went to theater clwyd every christmas to see a panto and I remember regularly seeing people in drag in the roles* and and none of us were confused. It's just an act.

I sort of see this kid doing his thing as similar and see no harm at all in him doing his act (which he had edited to remove risky words and apparently removed whole sections of songs to avoid anything bad being utterd. Sounds to me like the head has just banned him without seeing anything.

* not just men as women either I have seen Peter Pan as a girl and a girl playing Aladdin.

[Cherie]

..we also know that heads don’t always make good decisions as well, Cherie...and when those decisions reach the media like this one because of their flimsy and dubious quality...then they’ve opened their school up to criticism...

Of course like everyone in every job they make good and bad decisions I would say whichever way he went on this one someone was going to have a moan, I wouldnt do his job for all the tea in china, keeping parents and their little darlings happy 5 days a week...shudder

[Cherie]

When I was in primary school our whole school went to theater clwyd every christmas to see a panto and I remember regularly seeing people in drag in the roles* and and none of us were confused. It's just an act.

I sort of see this kid doing his thing as similar and see no harm at all in him doing his act (which he had edited to remove risky words and apparently removed whole sections of songs to avoid anything bad being utterd. Sounds to me like the head has just banned him without seeing anything.

* not just men as women either I have seen Peter Pan as a girl and a girl playing Aladdin.

Panto is inspired by fairytales though

[glibberglobber]

..we also know that heads don’t always make good decisions as well, Cherie...and when those decisions reach the media like this one because of their flimsy and dubious quality...then they’ve opened their school up to criticism...



This was a good decision.

[Tom4784]

No..because to me it looks like he was impersonating ruapaul, impersonating little mix n ariana.:shrug:

Lemme get this straight. You are saying this guy in this look

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/07/22/12/4E7B824C00000578-0-image-m-32_1532259120187.jpg

is simultaneously impersonating the following six people's looks?

http://images.backstreetmerch.com/images/products/bands/books/lttmx/bsi_lttmx51.jpg
https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/little-mix-comp-1530719537.jpg?resize=768:
https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/5ec8944a8fd82a0fa98e52c2e0721a0c
http://www.rupaul.com/wp-content/themes/rupaul2017/images/logo/logoFrontPage.png

It's just not realistic.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Thread: Teenage drag queen banned from performing at school talent show
TIBB: It's just like blackface
Me:

https://media.tenor.com/images/0559b65f8d51e881c0d87c0564fb0cc5/tenor.gif

all you seem to do is take one posters comments and then say its all Tibb

again and again like you have some big point to make


are you ok?

idgi :shrug:

[Crimson Dynamo]

i think the mum is to blame here i really do.

[The Slim Reaper]

all you seem to do is take one posters comments and then say its all Tibb

again and again like you have some big point to make


are you ok?

idgi :shrug:

I don't have any point to make about anything; you and I are very alike in that respect.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I don't have any point to make about anything; you and I are very alike in that respect.

looks like i hit a nerve

[glibberglobber]

iKcWu0tsiZM

This video perfectly describes today's media - what is happening to our education system? Stuff like this that makes the headlines when it's petty! ! There was obviously no malicious intent from this head teacher - he even claimed it wasn't age appropriate for a school "talent show" ...

[The Slim Reaper]

looks like i hit a nerve

How so? I agreed with you.

[Twosugars]

looks like i hit a nerve

That's your fave hobby here
Pretending to be a free thinker but peddling same old prejudices

[glibberglobber]

Why is this all over the news when there is more important things happening worldwide?? People dying ect ect yet "Teenager in drag banned from school talent show" is more important? No one is being harmed, the child himself even claimed he came to school as drag on a non uniform day yet no one battered an eye lid?

[Ammi]

I get that..but still dont see a problem with it as long as you aint being derogatory....its like everyones saying there is something wrong with black faces:shrug:

..no Parmy it isn’t saying that at all...it’s saying the exact opposite of why would someone who isn’t black, blacken their face ..that in itself is derogatory, it’s a ridicule of someone who is black...if someone wants to pay a tribute by singing a song, then sing the song...the black face isn’t necessary because it doesn’t tribute at all, it ridicules...

[Matthew.]

Why is this all over the news when there is more important things happening worldwide?? People dying ect ect yet "Teenager in drag banned from school talent show" is more important? No one is being harmed, the child himself even claimed he came to school as drag on a non uniform day yet no one battered an eye lid?

it’s not all over the news, it was on This Morning and in the papers

you make it sound as if it’s the first thing Alistair Stewart talks about on the news at 10

[Crimson Dynamo]

That's your fave hobby here
Pretending to be a free thinker but peddling same old prejudices

if you have a point to make do so, this is not the place to insult members

[glibberglobber]

it’s not all over the news, it was on This Morning and in the papers

you make it sound as if it’s the first thing Alistair Stewart talks about on the news at 10



https://uk.kantar.com//media/1747843/barclays___digital_safety___tv_ad___youtube_TopicO neCol.jpg

[Crimson Dynamo]

dont rise to it GG

watch out

[Jamie89]

Drag isn't a sexualised art form in itself, it's just that it's historically been confined to gay bars and clubs because of society being historically homophobic, and pretty much any late night/bar entertainment will contain a sexual element because the audiences are adults. So cause and effect/why is drag generally adult/what happens if drag is taken out of that context... should be given some thought. Drag really is as simple as dressing up as the opposite sex and that's it. As for the content of a drag act it completely depends on that particular act. It's like saying the school shouldn't allow comedy acts because comedy performances in bars at night generally include adult content. I can't see the logic to the argument at all, does seem like it's rooted in ignorance to me. Sorry!

Thing is society is becoming less and less homophobic so what was once pushed out of the mainstream due to homophobia no longer needs to be pushed out and confined to a late night bar environment, and this boy and his family are living examples of that change and it's wonderful to see. We're in sort of a transition period at the moment though and people like this headteacher have a bit of catching up to do I suppose so things like this will crop up, but from the sounds of it there's going to be a lot of positives for the boy that will come from all this so it's not all bad I suppose.

Also like Dezzy said drag isn't just male impersonation of females. Drag kings are a thing, and I see it as mocking sex stereotypes rather than mocking the sexes anyway. And sex stereotypes should be mocked! Again though it completely depends on the act, there's so much variation with drag these days a lot of it wouldn't be classed as mockery at all.

[glibberglobber]

http://www.dudleynews.co.uk/news/16379785.dudley-schoolboy-lewis-bailey-to-perform-his-banned-drag-act-in-birmingham/

This is even worse.

A TEEN drag queen who was banned from his school's talent show will take to the stage at a popular Birmingham gay bar tonight (Thursday).

[Crimson Dynamo]

http://www.dudleynews.co.uk/news/16379785.dudley-schoolboy-lewis-bailey-to-perform-his-banned-drag-act-in-birmingham/

This is even worse.

"A TEEN drag queen who was banned from his school's talent show will take to the stage at a popular Birmingham gay bar tonight "

:bored:

like I said the mum is to blame

so sad

[Josy]

Closing this for cleaning

[Vicky.]

I disagree tbh, I don't think the act of drag is demeaning. It's not intended to mock women especially considering that women can also be drag queens as well. It's less to do with demeaning women and more to do with becoming someone else for a while and embodying someone larger than life.

Blackface was created to enforce stereotypes and to make black people seem less worthy of being equal.

Already gone into this in admin, but for the members also..I was not actually comparing blackface to drag here. I used to be of the impression that drag was all your pantomie dame types, making crude jokes and taking the piss out of women, with way exaggreated moveents, makeup, ridiculous false tits, such tht are not about creating a character at all and are just about making people laugh AT women..infact even going so far as to actually single out women to take the piss out of who are currently in the bar. There was also a thread a while back where blackface was referred to as womanface. Seemingly with the member also under the impression that drag was only ever the kind you get in backalley pubs that is kind of undeniably sexist.

I now know that drag is much more than just the sexist stuff. And that anyone can do drag, where before it was only ever men, and sexist ones at that that I saw/knew of.

As I used to come at it from that angle myself, I could see how someone else might. Though the seemingly actually defending blackface by using drag I did not mean to make out I was agreeing with D: I know from reading back that it looked that way now (and the convo may have moved on too,again.. have replied when I got to this quoted post..like I did earlier with the quoted one)