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Last Words With Drag Race's Kimora Blac

Last Words With Drag Race's Kimora Blac

Kimora Blac

The RuPaul's Drag Race contestant discussed her elimination, Orlando, and Asian discrimination in Hollywood and the gay community.

dnlreynolds

It was a magical episode on this week's RuPaul's Drag Race. Contestants were tasked with creating a princess-themed costume for the runway, as well as a sidekick to help their heroine. But it wasn't all fantasy. The queens also discussed the Pulse massacre, sharing heartfelt stories of the impact of the attack of a gay bar's Latin night. The Advocate asked Kimora Blac for her own Orlando story. Blac also addressed her elimination, and discrimination against those of Asian descent in Hollywood as well as the gay community.

The Advocate: How does it feel to be a contestant on Drag Race, as well as the second contestant eliminated this season?
Kimora Blac: Being on Drag Race has been a dream for a while, so I am happy to do what I love to do! It has been a big platform to me. I am happy I went home early because now I have so much more to show the world.

Why did you want to be on Drag Race?
I wanted to be on Drag Race because I wanted to show a different drag persona. A lot of people think drag is all lipstick and cartwheels and splits. I wanted to show that you can be fabulous and pretty, and that pretty people can go far and make it. There are no rules to drag.

What was the highlight of your time on the show?
Creating a sisterhood. All 13 girls and me are so close. We text every day! I love having drag queens as friends. We all share the same journey that we will never forgot whether we go home first or last. We are sisters.

This episode was princess-themed. What inspired your runway look?
I've always been a fan of Tarzan and Poison Ivy, so I was excited to make a jungle costume.

Which Disney princess is your favorite, and why?
I don't have a favorite, but on the runway Trinity's starfish was the best. The mustache was my favorite part!

Which "adjective" best describes you?
I am adorable!

The Pulse massacre was addressed this episode. Where were you when you found out about the shooting, and what was your reaction?
I was at the airport in El Paso coming back to Vegas. It took a while to soak in, and to hear something like that was scary. All I could do was hope people were okay and lives weren't taken.

Did Orlando make you more fearful, or change your experience, when you perform at gay bars?
It changed me a little bit because I thought we were untouchable for so long and we kind of got used to it. Now you have to be alert 100 percent of the time.

Actors of Asian descent struggle for representation -- and against whitewashing. What is your opinion of Hollywood's casting of actors like Tilda Swinton and Scarlett Johannson in Asian roles?
I like that people can play different races, but think society should be more open-minded about Asians.

There is even less representation of queer Asians on TV and in film. How can we change that? And do you see your time on VH1 as helping to move the needle?
I think people need to be more open-minded to Asians because we are easily made fun of and mocked. If you put us in a box, you don't see all the good we have to offer.

Have you ever experienced racial discrimination with the gay community? If so, can you share the experience?
I haven't but I know people that have. It makes me sad that people in the gay community are racist because the gay community usually wants what is best for the world. It is mind-blowing to me.

Has drag (and Drag Race) changed meaning for you since the election of Trump? If so, how?
Not really. I don't think drag has anything to worry about. If you love drag, love drag. If you are proud, be proud. I do not think it has anything to do with it really.

The show attracted a record-breaking audience for its season premiere. Why do you think it's become so popular?
It became so popular because of the girls they cast this season. The world has wanted to see these girls! They are talented and well rounded. Being on VH1 has opened a lot of doors too.

The show's move to VH1 (and Fridays) has generated mixed reactions among gay fans. Are you a fan of the new network and time slot? Why or why not?
I was excited for the move! They are exposing it to more people than ever before.

Were you happy to see the return of Cynthia Lee Fontaine?
Yes, I love Cynthia. They couldn't have picked a better queen to come back. Hopefully I can be the Cynthia of season 10.

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently to avoid elimination?
I would show my personality more and smile.

What would you show the world, if you had more time?
The rest of my costumes. I would have loved to do the other challenges.

Who are you rooting for among the remaining contestants?
Trinity! She is well-rounded and amazing.

What's next?
A lot of big projects. I love makeup so something is happening in that department. I've been approached by DJ's to create music as well.

Thanks, Kimora! See one last lip-synch from the Drag Race star below.

dnlreynolds
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Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.