RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars winner Alyssa Edwards is taking a stilettoed stance against an anti-drag campaign video shared by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Paxton, a conservative candidate running for the U.S. Senate in Texas, shared a campaign video targeting Alyssa after Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico called her his favorite Texas drag queen earlier this month.
IMHO, Paxton should be more worried about his back rolls than Alyssa’s act.
In case you missed it, Paxton’s video labeled Alyssa “sick and twisted” while using spliced footage from various media appearances. Rather than let the attack go unanswered, the Drag Race icon penned an open letter directly addressing Paxton, which she shared Wednesday on social media.
“Hello there. I’m not sure I fully understand your motive or intention in attempting to disparage my name, my character, or my reputation,” Alyssa wrote. “But I do know this: the way we choose to speak about others often says far more about our own character than it ever will about theirs.”
The Drag Superstar went on to introduce herself on her own terms, reminding Paxton and his followers that there is much more to her than her drag persona. The Texas native described herself as “a very proud” Texan and said she would “hope that your focus would remain on policy, leadership, and what you intend to provide for the future of ALL Texans” rather than anti-LGBT rhetoric.
Alyssa explained that she was inspired to pursue drag after seeing Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire and Patrick Swayze in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. She also highlighted her decades-long career as an educator, choreographer, entrepreneur, mentor, and dance instructor.
Still, she pointed to Beyond Belief Dance Company, the dance studio she has operated for years, as one of the most meaningful parts of her career.
“What began as a community recreation program at a YMCA grew into a place where generations of young people have been encouraged to discover their creativity, ignite their passion, develop discipline, and, perhaps most importantly, believe in themselves,” Alyssa wrote. “I have devoted more than half of my life to that purpose.”
The Dancing Queen star said watching her students attend college conservatories, pursue professional dance careers and become contributing members of their communities has been “the greatest reward of all.”
Alyssa also addressed another part of her identity that she said remains important to her: her faith. Growing up in the Baptist church, she said her faith “remains part of” her story, adding that while her “life may look different from yours,” that difference does not diminish her character, faith, or service to her community.
“Ultimately, I am proud of who I am. I know who I am. I know what I stand for, and what I still hope to accomplish,” she wrote.
“And if you happened to catch my Netflix docuseries along the way, I sincerely hope you enjoyed it. Texas is big enough for all of us.”
