Drag Queens Shine at Paris Olympics Amid Controversy

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony featured drag queens, highlighting the LGBTQ+ community's influential role while stirring controversy for a scene reminiscent of 'The Last Supper.' The four-hour event along the Seine River combined French culture with global stars, drawing mixed reactions from the public and politicians.

In a groundbreaking display of inclusivity, drag queens took the spotlight at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, underlining the vibrant influence of the French LGBTQ+ community. The event, held along the Seine River, faced criticism for a segment resembling 'The Last Supper,' but featured global icons like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga.

Nicky Doll, Paloma, Piche, and Giselle Palmer, renowned personalities from 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' dazzled in a high-energy fashion runway segment. Le Filip, the winner of 'Drag Race France,' expressed pride in the ceremony's scale, viewing it as a reaffirmation of queer representation on an international stage.

However, the display drew mixed reactions. Far-right politician Marion Maréchal and Hungary's ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, voiced their discontent, while Le Filip defended the portrayal as a celebration of freedom. Inter-LGBT President James Leperlier noted the disconnect between the ceremony and everyday LGBTQ+ realities in France. Despite the backlash, Le Filip believes the event's message of freedom will endure.

(With inputs from agencies.)