Jeff Goldbrunn questioned Islam as “anti-gay” and “anti-female” in the episode of “RuPaul Drag Show” on Friday night, and was criticized on social media.
Jeff Goldblum came under fire on social media for asking if Islam is “anti-gay” and “anti-female” on RuPaul’s Drag Race on Friday night.
The comment was made after the seven remaining queens on the show (now in season 12) walked through a patriotic fashion show tailored to this week’s “Stars and Stripes” theme.These contestants included Jackie Cox (his non-dragging name is Darius Rose), who wore a red striped gown and a dark blue headscarf decorated with 50 silver stars.
“You can be a Middle Easterner, you can be a Muslim, you can still be an American,” Cox, an Iranian-Canadian, said in the voice-over.
Goldbloom, who served as a guest judge on the show, asked Cox after walking the runway, “Do you have any religious beliefs?”
“I am not,” Cox replied.”To be honest, this dress really represents the importance of the visibility that religious minorities need in this country.”
The actor continued to ask Cox about Islam and how the faith treats LGBTQ people: “Are there anti-gay and anti-female things in this religion? Does this complicate the problem? I just brought it up and thought aloud, maybe It’s stupid.”
Goldblum’s comments were quickly criticized on social media. Users pointed out that Islam is not the only religion that has historically discriminated against women and the LGBTQ community.Some users also pointed out that Thursday night marked the beginning of Ramadan, the holy month of religious fasting.
The actor’s question opened up a meaningful conversation about Islam, especially its treatment of the LGBTQ community, and how people who are part of the culture like Cox get through it.RuPaul may have discovered the sensitivity of the conversation. He pointed out that “it can be said that dragging always shakes the tree.”
“There are many different levels of this presentation. If this is to be done, this is the stage on which to do it,” the host added.
In tears on the runway, Cox shared that “this is a complicated issue” and that she “has her own doubts about the way the Middle East treats LGBT people.”
“At the same time, I am one of them,” Cox continued.”It is very important to me that if you happen to be different, live the truth.”
According to a recent survey by the Institute of Public Religion, although cultural norms and traditional reading of Islamic scriptures can promote the heterosexual duality of gender identity and sexual orientation, more than half (52%) of American Muslims agree that “society should approve Gay.”
Cox went on to talk about the personal impact of the U.S. travel ban on entry to all Muslim countries.The ban prohibits immigrants from Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, and Cox’s home country Iran.
Thank you for your bravery, @JackieCoxNYC-we are glad you are here.#DragRace pic.twitter.com/aVCFXNKHHx
For Cox, she pointed out how the ban prevented her aunt from coming to the United States to help take care of Cox’s mother.”When the Muslim ban happened, it really destroyed a lot of my belief in this country. It really hurt my family. It was too wrong for me,” Cox shared on the runway.
“I have to show the U.S. that you can be LGBT and someone from the Middle East. There will be some complicated things around here. It doesn’t matter. But I am here. I should stay in the U.S. like everyone else.”
Post time: Dec-23-2021