David_W_J t1_je4a8ki wrote on March 29, 2023 at 9:11 AM

I can't help but compare the public attitude to Paul O'Grady in the UK, and how he would be regarded in the USA. Here, he's regarded as a very funny man with a mischievous way of talking - a star and a hero - but in the US he'd probably get arrested as someone who would corrupt public morals.

WestleyMc t1_je55suk wrote on March 29, 2023 at 2:21 PM

I was thinking the exact same thing. I think he was a really important shining example to people who would otherwise be sheltered from homosexuals/drag artists that they’re just people and in this case a hilarious and seemingly very nice one at that!

Devil-Hunter-Jax t1_je60v30 wrote on March 29, 2023 at 5:41 PM

Yeah... Drag as a whole is a huge part of our culture though because the UK loves pantomime shows too where drag is a major part of it so that's probably a big part of why we're more accepting of drag queens. Drag queens are harmless and Paul O'Grady's Lily Savage is a perfect example. Lily Savage is a classic drag queen and was absolutely hilarious to watch hosting Blankity Blank.

Muad-_-Dib t1_je7ismv wrote on March 29, 2023 at 11:43 PM

While a great many people might seethe at TV personalities with drag acts you have to keep in mind that there are huge differences in attitudes of Americans depending on what states you are talking about. Ru Paul for example has had his Drage Race show for 14 years now and AFAIK he started gaining prominence in the late '80s (TIL he was in the B-52's Love Shack video)