In recent months, Republican politician George Santos has been embroiled in controversy surrounding his identity, political affiliations and professional background. Despite claiming to be gay and in a relationship with a man, Santos has been a vocal supporter of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and has taken positions that are deeply harmful to the queer community.
The situation took a turn for the worse when pictures of Santos performing in drag were circulated on social media. Despite overwhelming evidence and testimony from those who knew him at the time, Santos has continued to deny that he ever performed in drag. In his defense, he has claimed that he was simply young and having fun at a festival.
Santos’ denials have led to him being mocked and impersonated on late-night talk shows and comedy sketch shows. Santos took to social media to express his frustration, saying that the impersonations were “terrible” and that comedians needed to “step their game up.”
Trixie Mattel, a drag performer and winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” responded to Santos’ tweet with a cutting remark: “Maybe the source material was weak.” Santos attempted to clap back by referencing Trixie’s performance on “Snatch Game,” a popular segment of the show, but Trixie quickly shut him down by using his own words against him.
Santos’ exchange with Trixie is not only a public embarrassment for the politician, but it also highlights the deeply ingrained hypocrisy at the heart of his beliefs and actions. How can Santos claim to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community while actively working to harm and marginalize that very community?
It is deeply concerning that a Republican politician would engage in such a petty and public spat with a drag performer, especially when the broader issues at stake are so important. It is time for George Santos to own up to his past actions and truly consider the impact they have on the LGBTQ+ community.