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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to be concerned about this?

29 replies

Champagneandthestars · 17/02/2018 19:32

vogue.cm/55MLOS4
I saw this story about 'Desmond, the 10 year old drag superstar at NYFW' from vogue on my FB feed and find it massively concerning, equally concerned about people who think it's ok! (Though the majority seem to agree with me) If this were a girl, surely it would be universally condemned as sexualising a child? What does everyone else think?

OP posts:
A1Sharon · 17/02/2018 19:34

Your link doesn't work, but I did read something about this chap this week. Saw him going down the runway, but it didn't seem sexualised?

UpstartCrow · 17/02/2018 19:34

He was used to promote a range of clothing by an adult company recently. Its vile, his Dad seems to be in the background pushing him forwards like a desperate pageant mother.

Original poster
Champagneandthestars · 17/02/2018 19:36

Sorry - vogue.cm/55MLOS4

OP posts:
Original poster
Champagneandthestars · 17/02/2018 19:39

He is described in the article as 'a little gay prodigy' Shock

OP posts:
upsideup · 17/02/2018 19:40

My DSD (22) has done been a makeup artist for drag events, she has done the full makeup on DS8 and DD10 when they have asked plenty of times, I dont think I'm sexulising them at all. Its fun and creative not sexual.

Original poster
Champagneandthestars · 17/02/2018 19:43

upsideup have you read the article? The fact he is described as a LGBT activist is sexualising him - and have you seen the rest of the show!

OP posts:
A1Sharon · 17/02/2018 19:43

I dunno, yes, there are some explicit outfits, but not many. And they seem to have a very diverse model range, big, slim, etc. There looked to be more children too? And he wasn't wearing anything remotely suggestive. I couldn't take my eyes off his hands tbh, he really wasn't used to those nails!

JediStoleMyBike · 17/02/2018 19:43

Could you explain what makes you think he is being sexualised? In terms of that modelling shot he's wearing a full suit. The make up isn't over the top or awful. Is it his sexuality you are referring to? Genuine question.

A1Sharon · 17/02/2018 19:44

Yes, its more concerning that he wore an Elsa dress once, so now he is, what? A guy who likes wearing whatever, or a very confused child?

ShawshanksRedemption · 17/02/2018 19:46

Perhaps OP you can explain how drag sexualises a child?

upsideup · 17/02/2018 19:46

What is a LGTB activist? Someone who advocates for the rights and acceptance of LGTB people into society? How the hell is that sexualising him.

Original poster
Champagneandthestars · 17/02/2018 19:47

I just think he's being exploited - He's 10! He shouldn't have an Instagram account and be involved in the LGBT scene on a world stage as he is a child. I would say the same about a girl, he has been exposed publicly to adult spheres he has no place in at a very young age. Do you really think this will end well? With a happy, well rounded and confident child?

OP posts:
Original poster
Champagneandthestars · 17/02/2018 19:49

Fine - I obviously ABU.

OP posts:
Garmadonsmum · 17/02/2018 20:03

I agree with you OP. What child that age knows the term lgbtq activist?? It's not the fashion show per se I would worry about but what is going on in the rest of his life.
A little kid choosing to wear a dress is just that, a kid dressing up.

picklemepopcorn · 17/02/2018 20:06

What about the lovely Lactatia?

www.lifesitenews.com/news/lgbt-community-celebrates-8-year-old-drag-queen.-critics-call-it-child-abus

A1Sharon · 17/02/2018 20:07

There is a difference between being an activist on a public stage and being sexualising a child though,Op, which was what you asked.
I agree that it probably isn't a good idea for him to be so 'public' aged 10yo.

picklemepopcorn · 17/02/2018 20:23

Don't you 5hink is concerning? At 6 he was dressing up like other children. That doesn't make him a drag queen.

He: says he came out of the closet when he was born. He first developed a penchant for wearing dresses at 6, when he dressed as Elsa from Frozen for Halloween. He has since performed in a music video for RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Jinkx Monsoon

lucylouuu · 17/02/2018 20:25

The fact that he is described a LGBT activist is sexualising him

could you explain this? This doesn't make any sense. I understand it's a bit of a reach describing a 10 year old as an activist but how on earth is that sexualising him?

lucylouuu · 17/02/2018 20:29

It's a 10 year old who likes drag and enjoys dressing up, drag is a form of art. I can understand concern for a child being so publicly exposed in the media etc I don't understand how this is sexualising him

maddening · 17/02/2018 20:31

A child being used to promote/be an activist for a group which is defined by the sexuality of its members e.g. Gay being men that like to fuck men etc etc

MrsElvis · 17/02/2018 20:31

"Little gay prodigy"

😲

Who says he's anything. Who's deciding? He's 10!

he is being exploited

picklemepopcorn · 17/02/2018 20:32

Out of the closet is a phrase with sexuality connotations. LGBTQAI are sexual identities/orientations.

A child dressing up is a child dressing up, not a lgbtqia icon and drag child.

picklemepopcorn · 17/02/2018 20:32

Just call him a child model.

DerelictWreck · 17/02/2018 20:49

Out of the closet is a phrase with sexuality connotations. LGBTQAI are sexual identities/orientations.

Out of the closet has only recently been linked to sexuality - it originated as a term for young men in drag in New York in the 20s.

And not all the letters in LGBTQAI+ are to do with sexuality

Oh and for what its worth, not all 'LGBT activists' are LGBT. There's a whole section known as 'allies'

picklemepopcorn · 17/02/2018 20:53

It's pretty much universally used for declaring oneself openly gay.
Which is fine. But I think the child's identity is being decided for him, while he is still very young.

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