Sapphira Crystal talks about LGBTQ rights

Since its inception, RuPaul's Drag Race has served as a beacon of visibility and representation for the LGBTQIA+ community, providing drag artists with a global stage to showcase their talents, share their stories, and inspire millions. This visibility is critical as it challenges societal norms and biases and sparks conversations about gender, identity, and acceptance.

I started doing drag the same year that “Drag Race” premiered, and while searching online for more information about drag to improve my craft, I discovered the show. I was immediately captivated by what I saw. Here was this brand new passion of mine — front, center, and celebrated as high art on my television screen. I watched the entire season and couldn't get enough of it. I knew I had a lot of talents, but wasn't sure how to use them all. And on “Drag Race,” I saw all of these things I knew I could do, all woven into an art form. In a way, it was like looking in a mirror and seeing myself celebrated.

After all these years, being on the show has changed me. Drag Race gave me a platform to express my true self and advocate for causes that are close to my heart. Through my performances and interactions on the show, I was able to bring awareness to issues affecting the Black and Latinx community and I had the opportunity to further dialogue about racial justice and equality. This privilege of using my art for activism has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of being on RuPaul's Drag Race.

The queer community has always been at the forefront of change, and that's true now more than ever. While filming Season 16, we talked about voting constantly. We talked about the importance of being politically active, especially when people are trying to take away our rights. Hateful movements like this often start by targeting us, but they don't stop with us. We are not the only ones in danger. There is a political movement out there trying to take away our trans brothers and sisters' rights, and that is something I cannot stand by and allow to happen.

We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. During the season 16 finale, RuPaul asked me what people need to know about drag. I said that drag is freedom and that if you're afraid of drag, you're afraid of freedom. I'm going to take it a step further now and say that any attack on drag is an attack on freedom and that if you want to end drag, you want to end the freedom that this country is built on.

It's important that people everywhere understand that Drag Race has played a significant role in showcasing the art of drag and bringing it into the mainstream. For viewers in the most remote parts of the world, this show helps demystify drag queens, break down stereotypes, and open hearts and minds. RuPaul's Drag Race has never shied away from addressing important issues. Whether it's trans rights, DACA, HIV/AIDS, or marriage equality, the queens' stories reflect and educate their audiences. This engagement is paramount to raising awareness and encouraging viewers to take action in their own communities.

One of the most notable examples of the show's political engagement was the visit of Vice President Kamala Harris. Her appearance in the Werk Room during All Stars 9 was historic, marking the first time a presidential candidate fully leveraged the power of drag queens to encourage voter registration. This moment underscored the political relevance of drag and its potential to drive social change.

In addition, the show has had a tangible impact on the careers and lives of its contestants. Many queens have achieved unprecedented success and used their newfound visibility to advocate for social change. Whether through music, fashion or activism, RuPaul's Drag Race alumni continue to inspire and lead by example.

I am so grateful to the show for the platform I now have to share my music and artistry with the world. In June, I had the opportunity to debut my original production, Soundcake, at Lincoln Center with two other Drag Race alums – Monét X Change and Thorgy Thor. I am having the time of my life this summer on my Cristál Ball tour of North America and am excited to release my debut EP – The Cristál Ball – soon!

RuPaul's Drag Race celebrates queer artists and gives them a global platform. By providing visibility, elevating marginalized voices, and emphasizing our right to free speech, Drag Race has redefined the role of entertainment in activism. As a participant and witness to its impact, I can attest to how profoundly RuPaul's Drag Race has changed lives and contributed to the ongoing fight for equality and justice. In these difficult times, the message of love, acceptance, and resilience that Drag Race embodies is more important than ever.

I can tell that the people who try to silence us feel a lot of self-hatred. Otherwise, they wouldn't be spreading that hatred. If you're reading this, I want to invite you to hold out your arms, give yourself a big hug, and say, “I truly love and accept myself.” It may feel silly, but try it! I want to help more people understand that once you learn to love and accept yourself, you can share that love and acceptance with others.

The founding principles of this country are to accept people and allow them freedom, not to oppress and control others. The latter is the opposite of freedom.

I believe in America and the freedoms that define this country. And I implore everyone who sees this to stand up and exercise their freedom – and especially their right to vote – to make sure we still have a tomorrow to look forward to.

All episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 are now streaming on Paramount+ and Wow Present Plus.