[News Terms] Trump Criticizes Drag Queens at Paris Olympics... "None at LA Olympics"

Trump "It's shameful, not at the LA Olympics"
Paris Olympic Committee "No intention to ignore religion" Apologizes

‘Drag queen’ refers to a person who exaggerates femininity through attire or behavior such as wigs, high heels, and makeup for entertainment purposes. It usually denotes a ‘man dressed as a woman.’ The opposite is a drag king. They are also called ‘drag artists.’

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, on the 29th (local time), mentioned on Fox News a performance reminiscent of ‘The Last Supper’ held at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on the 27th, stating, "I am a very open person, but they made the opening ceremony disgraceful." ‘The Last Supper’ is a work by Leonardo da Vinci depicting Jesus having his final dinner with the apostles.

A performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece 'The Last Supper'
[Photo source=YouTube screenshot]

In this performance, drag queens dressed in blue gathered around a long dining table, depicted like Jesus’ apostles. It seemed intended to emphasize French humor and diversity, but it heightened rejection from conservative groups and religious circles worldwide. Former President Trump referred to the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics in the U.S., asserting, “There will be no scenes like The Last Supper at the opening ceremony held in America.”

The English word ‘drag’ means ‘to pull.’ The exact origin of why this word came to mean ‘cross-dressing’ is unclear. However, some historians trace the origin of ‘drag’ meaning ‘cross-dressing’ back to Victorian-era England in the 1860s. At that time, women’s participation in theater was limited, and male actors played female roles. It is argued that the term derived from the sight of a male actor in female attire dragging a petticoat, a type of women’s underwear worn under skirts, along the floor during performances. Thus, ‘drag’ was theatrical slang.

Considering this, the motivation behind ‘drag’ is not necessarily sexual. Regardless of gender identity, it can be seen as a form of performance. It is a form of performance art and genre in itself, as individuals freely express their desired identity. Cultural performances centered around these individuals are called drag shows. Although drag shows are treated as subculture, they have a significant influence on popular culture. Famous musicals like ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘Hedwig’ were inspired by drag shows.

Hedwig 2017 Season Poster. Photo by Shownote

Meanwhile, religious groups worldwide strongly criticized the ‘Last Supper’ performance. Robert Barron, a prominent American religious figure, expressed anger, calling it “disgusting and frivolous mockery.” The French Bishops’ Conference issued a statement expressing “deep regret over the opening ceremony containing scenes mocking Christianity.” In Korea, the Korea Christian Federation (HanGyoChong) released a statement criticizing the production, saying it “disgraces the Olympic spirit and causes great shame and concern to the 2.4 billion Christians worldwide.”

As controversy continued, the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee officially apologized, stating, “It was intended to honor the community’s spirit of ‘tolerance’ and there was never any intention to disrespect any religious group.” The International Olympic Committee (IOC) removed the highlight video of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony from its official YouTube channel.