Paris Olympics: History Made as Drag Queens Carry Olympic Torch
The Olympic Torch has been carried by drag queens for the first time in history (Photo: Paris 2024 / Costas Baltas / SIPA Press)
In a historic first for LGBTIQ+ inclusion, three dazzling French drag queens proudly carried the Olympic torch ahead of the 2024 Games in France, marking a remarkable moment.
Minima Gesté, Miss Martini, and Nicky Doll were among those selected for the honour of passing on the flame as it made its way across France to the Olympic stadium in Paris.
View this post on Instagram
Back in May, Nicky Doll shared images of herself bearing the torch in the South of France. “As the flame passes through France, it announces the Olympic Games and spreads a message of peace and friendship between peoples,” she wrote on Instagram.
“In a world that is deeply unstable at the moment, with all of us feeling completely hopeless about some awful things we watch happening before our eyes, it was important for me to use my platform and try to shed some light.”
Nicky Doll used the opportunity to call for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, the release of Israeli hostages, and an end to racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and toxic propaganda.
View this post on Instagram
Earlier this month, it was Minima Gesté’s turn to carry the torch while wearing Eiffel Tower earrings and her mother’s bracelet.
She said it was a “unique and phenomenal opportunity” to convey a positive image, despite experiencing “months of hatred on social networks and in the media” after her participation as a torchbearer was first announced. Minima Gesté thanked her community and loved ones who came out to show their support.
Sadly, comments on her post continued to attack her role as a torchbearer with queerphobic hate and slurs.
View this post on Instagram
Miss Martini, who wore a spectacular metallic blue beehive wig, said she proudly carried the torch in the spirit of the Olympic values of openness and inclusion.
“The flame bearers are a sample of our society: athletes, actors, singers, businessmen and women, social workers, volunteers… All citizens united under the same values. I am proud to have been chosen to represent the LGBTQIA+ community with my sisters Minima Gesté and Nicky Doll,” she added.
The Olympic flame is a symbol of continuity between ancient and modern games. It is traditionally lit at Olympia, Greece, several months before the Olympic Games and then carried by thousands of torchbearers to the opening ceremony in the host country.
It’s been reported that at least 175 out and proud LGBTIQ+ athletes will be competing in the Paris Olympics, although the number is expected to rise.
Leave a Reply