THE “Queen of Scotland” has backed independence and blasted Boris Johnson in an exclusive interview with The National.
Drag queen Morgan McMichaels went from the LA club circuit to international tours and a six-figure social media following thanks to appearing on global TV hit RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as its spin-offs RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul’s Drag U.
The performer’s Scottish heritage earned the royal nickname from fans and, when recently named one of the “most powerful drag queens in America” by New York Magazine, McMichaels appeared on the cover in a glittering Saltire dress.
The Alexandria-born entertainer, who has worked with Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Shakespeare’s Sister, will be back at the 02 Academy in Glasgow today as part of a UK-tour with several other Drag Race alumni.
Now McMichaels – whose real name is Thomas White – has slammed Johnson, Donald Trump and Brexit – and says leaving the EU has taken him from No to Yes.
On the 2014 referendum, he said: “People were so misinformed, they didn’t know the truth. People believed what they were told in the newspapers. If I could have voted then, I would have voted to stay in the UK, but would have voted to remain in the EU. Now I would vote to leave [the Union], because of Brexit.”
McMichaels stressed the change was not down to “watching Braveheart one too many times”, adding that people in Scotland are used to “being told there’s no money and no resources. It just takes a little digging and research to find out that’s not the case”.
READ MORE: Ruth Davidson told to 'find a backbone' after rolling over for Boris Johnson
The 38-year-old attended primary school in the US before returning to West Dunbartonshire as a teenager. He left at the age of 18 for a California break and never returned, going from science studies and retail work to a full-time career on stage and screen.
The drag star, whose mother was born in the US, says life under Donald Trump’s administration has made life harder for minorities: “He takes things to the lowest common denominator, he has brought people’s hidden hate to the top."
He added: “Trump’s mother was an immigrant, his grandfather was an immigrant, and he wants to deny others that. I couldn’t imagine telling someone ‘you can’t have a better life’.
“But the LGBTQ community has fought worse monsters for years, people of colour have fought worse monsters for years. This is a four-year blip.”
McMichaels is equally critical of “maniacal” Boris Johnson, telling The National: “He is following the same philosophy as Trump, pandering to fear and there were so many false promises made on Brexit.”
READ MORE: Donald Trump: there’s an obvious question – is he a fascist?
First becoming aware of drag through Paul O’Grady character Lily Savage, McMichaels says his own alter ego wouldn’t have emerged if he’d stayed on his biochemistry and immunology course at Paisley University, now University of the West of Scotland University. Bullies from his school days have since become fans, he says, adding: “Success is the best revenge.”
He continues: “Moving to LA was the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I don’t regret it. I do miss my family, the food, the music, the telly.”
A UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race will begin on the BBC later this year, but it will not feature McMichaels. “I’m not involved but I’m excited for it coming out,” he said.
“Drag in the UK is maybe the opposite of what we have in the States. We have more at our fingertips when it comes to designers and hairstylists. UK queens are craftier and are very, very creative. There are great Scottish queens like Mary Mac who I’m super-proud of and I just can’t wait to see who’s on the show.”
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