INTERVIEW: RuPaul's Drag Race Star, Symone on Anti-LGBTQIA+ Laws and What Pride Month Means for "The Queens"

Each year, it seems that Pride Month becomes more intense as society undergoes cultural shifts and changes that impact the LGBTQIA+ community. It's disheartening to see that despite progress made in recent years, we continue to witness the withdrawal of basic human rights for members of this marginalized group. From the Pulse Club massacre in Orlando, Florida, in 2016 to 2023, Trans and Drag Queens' rights are actively being taken away. When the month of love and joy comes around, we have the right to go harder than ever — our lives depend on it.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Symone, a talented star from Rupaul's Drag Race, who hails from the southern bible belt of Conway, Arkansas. Symone expressed the importance of using her platform to spread the Gospel of Ru and to be publicly visible during Pride Month. We reminisced about the days of attending gay events in Memphis, Tennessee, and how the environment has changed over time. Symone also shared her thoughts on the evolution of Beauty Queens and how the talent has dramatically improved. Overall, our conversation felt safe and familiar as we discussed the importance of safe spaces that Pride evokes.

The energy in the air was electric as the Queen made her grand entrance on the tube of a MAC Cosmetics lip gloss bullet at the Pride Parade in New York. Her bold choice of a blue-red, glossy MAC lipstick on her lips only added to her already stunning appearance. And to top it all off, Symone shared some valuable insights with Hypebae Beauty about the Anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and what every girl should have in her makeup kit

Keep reading on for more.

With so many Anti-LGBTQIA+ Laws going into effect with specific focus on Drag Queens And Transgender men and women, what are your thoughts and what do you think allies can do to show solidarity?

Every time I think about it I get so angry. We’ve just come so far and it’s like haven’t we already had these conversations? Why are we trying to go backwards?

It’s just infuriating when there’s so many other things happening in the world that we could be focusing on instead of trying to control self expression and art. As far as allyship goes, show up and speak out. It can’t just be us. They need to know that you’re not standing for it either.

Oh and VOTE. And not just for presidential elections, honey, State and local ones too.

What attracted you to the art of Drag?

I love the makeup, hair and fashions of course, but what really drew me in about drag is how it gives you permission to be yourself. I needed that growing up so when I discovered drag, I was enthralled.

RuPaul is a legendary kween. What are a few lessons you learned from Ru?

Oh, where do I begin? I’ve learned so much from mother. I’d have to say the most important thing she’s taught me at this point in my life is not to take life so seriously.

What are some of your drag makeup just-have products that you feel everyone should have in their everyday caboodle?

Baby, you gots to have yourself a good concealer to cover up the night before and a glossy lip gloss to show off the lips. I love a big 'ol glossy lip and if they’re juicy even better.

What does Pride mean to you and how do you like to celebrate?

Pride to me means joy. Just being yourself and unapologetic about it, honey. Pride is our time to shake it off and just dance and be free especially in these times.

This interview has been condensed for clarity.

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