Kween Kong Costume Controversy On Global All Stars Debut
Image: Image: Facebook
Kween Kong debuted her Global All Stars look this week ahead of the episode premiere, causing heated discussion in the First Nations community.
After showcasing the look online the Drag Race Down Under star received some heated feedback from local queen Felicia Foxx over the style.
Kween Kong Global All Stars entrance look
Ahead of the premiere episode of Drag Race Global All Stars, World of Wonder released a preview of the entrance looks for the episode.
Among those was Drag Race Down Under icon Kween Kong who is representing the franchise this season.
Appearing on screen the Drag Race star debuted an iconic look that featured the First Nations flag as part of her look.
“The dress was inspired by the reality of the state of our countries down under. The dress included the aboriginal, Australian, New Zealand flags” she described.
However First Nations queen Felicia Foxx took to social media to express her concerns over the styling of the dress, namely that the First Nations flag was being displayed upside down.
“CONSULT FIRST NATIONS MOB ON OUR FLAG BEFORE YOUR MAKE YOUR OWN ARRANGEMNTS ON YOUR SO CALLED STATMENT PIECE” she posted online.
“If your gonna wear the flag on your dress to represent my people then wear it correctly the right way up Black at the Top yellow in the Middle & Red on the bottom鈥�”
“Maybe some consultation with First Nations Aboriginal people would be good before you go on gammon reprsenting with the flag upside down鈥�”
Foxx went on to explain the reasoning behind her comments stating “As any flag upside down is the meaning of Distress鈥� “
Although Kween Kong had some immediate comments that were less than kind, which have since been deleted, she responded publicly to the comments from Felicia shortly after. Foxx has also since amended her initial post as well.
“Hi fan, have spoken with a few of my fam and mob who I respect a lot” Kong posted online.
“Just wanted to come on here and apologise to Felicia Foxx and to any of the mob I offended with my comment earlier.”
“Your question was valid and though I got my back up in no way should I have hit you below the belt like that. We advocate in different ways and I鈥檝e always consulted with elders from all communities I represent when it comes to how I use my platform. I apologise you didn鈥檛 deserve that and I鈥檓 adult enough to acknowlege that.”
Following the debut of the episode she came back to post a lengthy apology and explanation online, explaining the importance of the outfit she had displayed.
“Having had some time to reflect over the past couple of days I would again like to take this opportunity to apologise to Felicia for my harmful and inappropriate comments and to any other community members that may have been hurt or triggered by my comments” she said.
Ben Graetz creative director for the National Indigenous Music Awards and co-festival creative director for Sydney聽WorldPride weighed in on the situation, sharing a passionate response online.聽
“What has played out via social media the past few days in response to Kween Kong鈥檚 entrance dress on Ru Paul Drag Race 鈥楪lobal Allstar鈥� has been upsetting & heartbreaking” he posted.
“We are in a moment in time when drag is not only flourishing and at its peak in terms of the Ru Paul Drag Race franchise but we are also experiencing the most difficult, painful and hurtful time in terms of hate and discrimination against our beautiful drag and LGBTSBIQA+ community.”
“Drag has always been an outlet for fun, freedom of expression and political statements.”
“When I saw Kween Kong鈥檚 entrance outfit it took my breath away. As a well constructed couture outfit it truly deserves an applause in terms of its craftsmanship, creativity, quality and style” he praised.
“Was the Aboriginal flag upside down YES but do I feel Kween deliberately did this to offend mob NO. What I saw a beautiful made gown that represented her and 鈥淒own Under鈥�.
His lengthy post, below, called for people to speak to each other, support and listen when times of conflict like this arise, imploring for more conversation.
“I鈥檓 tired of the bullying, I鈥檓 tired of the online trolling, I鈥檓 tired of the misinformation, I鈥檓 tired of the fighting.”
Kween Kong Slays in Global All Stars debut
Despite the controversy the Drag Race Down Under star had a stellar first episode.
Following the entrance looks Kong was selected to participate in the first talent show in the episode debut.
The challenge saw her perform with five other queens, including US powerhouse Alyssa Edwards.
The two queens ended up landing themselves in the top two of the episode, lip syncing for the $10,000 prize.
Ultimately the two lip sync assassins secured a tie, each taking home $5,000 cash.
