Bob the Drag Queen calls for allies to ‘find their voices’ and speak up about Black and trans people being murdered
Bob the Drag Queen is among those who have shared their grief and outrage at the killing of George Floyd. (Twitter/Getty)
RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen was one of many to speak out after the horrific death of George Floyd, a black man killed by police in Minneapolis.
George Floyd died on Monday (May 25) aged 47. He spent his final seven minutes on Earth pinned to the ground by a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, who held his knee down on Floyd’s neck until he went limp. Three other officers were at the scene.
His last words echoed those of Eric Garner, who was killed by police in 2014: “I can’t breathe,” and then, “I’m about to die.”
Footage of the killing circulated the internet, galvanising Black communities across the US and sparking fierce protests in Minneapolis.
Bob the Drag Queen is one of many who have commented on the tragedy, calling on allies to use their privilege and speak out about the epidemic of violence faced by Black people and trans people (especially those of colour).
“‘I’m just not political’ is so over,” she wrote.
“That time has passed. We need to hear your voices now.
“While you ‘find your voice’ black people are being killed everyday. EVERYDAY.
“Trans people are being murdered back to back. It doesn’t have to be poetry. Just say it. BLACK LIVES MATTER.”
“I’m just not political” is so over. That time has passed. We need to hear your voices now. While you “find your voice” black people are being killed everyday. EVERYDAY. Trans people are being murdered back to back. It doesn’t have to be poetry. Just sat it. BLACK LIVES MATTER.
— Black Lives Still Matter (@thatonequeen) May 28, 2020
Many others joined Bob in expressing their fury. Janelle Monae said she’s “tired of talking”, and called for “action NOW”.
I’m tired of talking . We need action NOW . Fucking furious . #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi Mayweather (@JanelleMonae) May 27, 2020
Drag Race’s Latrice Royale tweeted: “We will stop being angry when they STOP KILLING US!”
We will #Stop being #angry when #They STOP #KILLING US!✊?
— Latrice Royale Inc. (@LatriceRoyale) May 26, 2020
Lena Waithe said: “Being Black in America should not be a death sentence” and joined calls for the four officers involved in Floyd’s death to be arrested.
Being Black In America Should Not Be A Death Sentence. I’m tired of typing “Rest in Peace”, I wish BLACK men could live in peace.
Rest in Power #GEORGEFLOYDAll 4 police officers have been officially fired, but now we need them arrested & CHARGED.
This must end. pic.twitter.com/6E1ZJm8frU
— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) May 27, 2020
Kehlani called for a complete overhaul of the policing and justice systems.
police. are. the. biggest. and. worst. gang. in. america.
death to the fucking badge.
no words beyond it
zero— Kehlani (@Kehlani) May 26, 2020
who said death to police officers? i said death to the badge. death to the fucked up justice system and clearly failed training/cop auditioning process or whatever they gotta do cuz it’s clearly FLAWED.
what cop u related to ? https://t.co/dlhBmoz9kS— Kehlani (@Kehlani) May 27, 2020
Mariah Carey wrote simply: “Say his name.”
Say His Name. #GeorgeFloyd ????? pic.twitter.com/kuyE6uo7pD
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) May 28, 2020
They were joined by allies including Madonna, who shared the video of George Floyd’s death to Instagram and wrote: “This officer knew he was being filmed and murdered him with arrogance and Pride.
Demi Lovato wrote: “This is not okay. And it will not stop until everyone does their part. Especially white people.”
The FBI and Minnesotan authorities are currently investigating the death of George Floyd as protests continued Wednesday night (May 27).
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey joined calls for the four officers involved to be arrested on Wednesday, saying: “I’ve wrestled with, more than anything else over the last 36 hours, one fundamental question: Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?
“I saw no threat. I saw nothing that would signal that this kind of force was necessary.”
Floyd’s sister Bridget Floyd said all four “should be in jail for murder”.
CCTV footage of the killing has torn apart the Minneapolis Police Department’s statement that Floyd “physically resisted officers” as he was being arrested, having been accused of using a fraudulent bank note.
The footage clearly shows him complying with officers.
