FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has written to the Scottish stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK following their success at the Young Scot awards.
Lawrence Chaney, who won the second season of the competition programme, and runner-up Ellie Diamond were congratulated for winning the Entertainment Award at the annual ceremony this year.
Sturgeon told the drag artists they should be “extremely proud” of their work and wished them luck in the future.
“Being the first Scottish competitors chosen to appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is an outstanding achievement and you should feel extremely proud,” she wrote.
“By speaking openly on the show about experiences of growing up gay, I am sure you will have inspired so many young people to be true to themselves.
“Congratulations once again. I am delighted that your efforts have been recognised by the Young Scot Awards, and good luck with your future endeavours.”
Following his win this year, Chaney spoke to The National about why he supports Scottish independence. The 23-year-old performer said he backed Yes in 2014 and wants another vote held as we “need to have power over own country”.
READ MORE: Drag Race UK star Lawrence Chaney reveals support for Scottish independence
Earlier this week, Diamond’s design skills were recognised by a Dundee museum. The star wore a Beano-inspired costume on the first episode of the second season as the queens were tasked with sporting a look based on their home town.
The outfit, which features a red and black striped top inspired by Dennis the Menace, has been acquired by The MacManus.
Diamond said: “Growing up in Dundee, I never thought that a costume that I have made by hand would be going into be put into a museum for everyone to enjoy.
“I think it’s really special that The McManus has picked up on this after my appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“Whether you are gay, straight, trans, lesbian, bisexual, whatever, you are accepted into this space we have created in Dundee.”
It is hoped the costume will go on display later this year.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel