‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ drops ‘she-mail’ following complaints

The US network behind RuPaul’s Drag Race has today (April 14) announced plans to remove the term ‘she-mail’ from the show.

The popular reality series, which sees 14 drag queens compete for the title of ‘America’s Next Drag Superstar’, is now in its sixth season and has garnered a cult following around the world.

LOGO TV made the announcement following complaints against the show for its apparent use of transphobic language.

The issue arose after a challenge on the show, entitled ‘Female or She-male’, saw the contestants try to determine whether a photo showed a cisgender (non-trans) woman or a former Drag Race contestant.

In a statement to The Huffington Post, a spokesperson for LOGO TV said: “We wanted to thank the community for sharing their concerns around a recent segment and the use of the term ‘she-male’ on Drag Race. LOGO has pulled the episode from all of our platforms and that challenge will not appear again.”

The spokesperson continued: “Furthermore, we are removing the ‘You’ve got she-mail’ intro from new episodes of the series. We did not intend to cause any offence, but in retrospect we realise that it was insensitive. We sincerely apologise.” 

Watch the video for RuPaul’s ‘Geronimo’ below:

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