SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Trinity Taylor is a little bit of a showoff.
When this drag superstar performs, she flaunts her body and pageantry skills.
Even in the face of discrimination against the LGBT community, Trinity will showcase what she’s got.
“It is important for entertainers like us to lift people’s spirits, especially in times of hardships,” she said.
Trinity, who was a finalist on VH1’s “Drag Race” this past season, was set to perform last night at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island as part of the four-day Splash Pride at the Beach event.
Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature proposed a controversial bathroom bill, prompting threats of boycotts and protests from LGBT advocacy groups to businesses.
The bill, which did not pass, would have restricted bathroom use by transgendered people in government buildings and schools. Many, including Fortune 500 companies, viewed the legislation as discriminatory. And, similar to when North Carolina passed its bathroom bill, there were calls to cancel events and concerts in Texas.
As much as the bill would have been a setback to LGBT rights in Texas, Trinity said she wouldn’t have canceled any of her appearances in the state. To be yourself and proud is a form of protest, Trinity said.
“There are still people in the (state) who look up to you and who identify with you and who will get joy out of what you have to offer versus protesting,” she added. “And then they are out two things — they are out the bill and they are out the fact that they will not be able to see you perform.”
Trinity said she believes shows such as “Drag Race” help to humanize the LGBT community, which in turn may lead to fewer threats of legislation such as bathroom bills.
The Emmy-award winning “Drag Race” highlights the contestants’ talents and delves into their backgrounds.
Trinity — born Ryan Taylor — grew up in conservative Alabama and was bullied in school for being scrawny and flamboyant. It wasn’t until her sophomore year in high school that she found sanctuary in art class.
Other contestants struggled with cancer, confidence, body image issues, etc.
“(The show) has given people who may have been very ignorant and closed-minded the sense that we are human and that we have struggles, too,” Trinity said. “…There is drama on the show, but for the most part, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ projects a very positive understanding of gay people and the struggles that we go through.”
The show also gives the contestants notoriety they have never experienced. Trinity, for one, received a nod in a big way from “Saturday Night Live.” Her name was used during a skit last season spoofing “Drag Race.”
Trinity was live on Instagram preparing for a show when she was informed about the “SNL” skit.
“It was so funny,” Trinity said. “Who would have thought they would have picked me? They really only mentioned me. I talked to the producers of ‘Drag Race’ and they were like, ‘We didn’t even know.’”
