Bob the Drag Queen calls for allies to ‘find their voices’ and speak up about Black and trans people being murdered

George Floyd and bob the Drag Queen

RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen was one of many to speak out after the horrific death of George Floyd, a black man killed by police in Minneapolis.

George Floyd died on Monday (May 25) aged 47. He spent his final seven minutes on Earth pinned to the ground by a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, who held his knee down on Floyd’s neck until he went limp. Three other officers were at the scene.

His last words echoed those of Eric Garner, who was killed by police in 2014: “I can’t breathe,” and then, “I’m about to die.”

Footage of the killing circulated the internet, galvanising Black communities across the US and sparking fierce protests in Minneapolis.

Bob the Drag Queen is one of many who have commented on the tragedy, calling on allies to use their privilege and speak out about the epidemic of violence faced by Black people and trans people (especially those of colour).

“‘I’m just not political’ is so over,” she wrote.

“That time has passed. We need to hear your voices now.

“While you ‘find your voice’ black people are being killed everyday. EVERYDAY.

“Trans people are being murdered back to back. It doesn’t have to be poetry. Just say it. BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

Many others joined Bob in expressing their fury. Janelle Monae said she’s “tired of talking”, and called for “action NOW”.

Drag Race’s Latrice Royale tweeted: “We will stop being angry when they STOP KILLING US!”

Lena Waithe said: “Being Black in America should not be a death sentence” and joined calls for the four officers involved in Floyd’s death to be arrested.

Kehlani called for a complete overhaul of the policing and justice systems.

Mariah Carey wrote simply: “Say his name.”

They were joined by allies including Madonna, who shared the video of George Floyd’s death to Instagram and wrote: “This officer knew he was being filmed and murdered him with arrogance and Pride.

 

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George Floyd Speaks…………Prophecy #guncontrol #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd

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Demi Lovato wrote: “This is not okay. And it will not stop until everyone does their part. Especially white people.”

The FBI and Minnesotan authorities are currently investigating the death of George Floyd as protests continued Wednesday night (May 27).

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey joined calls for the four officers involved to be arrested on Wednesday, saying: “I’ve wrestled with, more than anything else over the last 36 hours, one fundamental question: Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?

“I saw no threat. I saw nothing that would signal that this kind of force was necessary.”

Floyd’s sister Bridget Floyd said all four “should be in jail for murder”.

CCTV footage of the killing has torn apart the Minneapolis Police Department’s statement that Floyd “physically resisted officers” as he was being arrested, having been accused of using a fraudulent bank note.

The footage clearly shows him complying with officers.

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