Drag queens carry Olympic torch

French drag queens Nicki Doll (known from RuPaul’s Drag Race), Minima Gesté and Miss Martini are the first drag queens ever to have the honour of carrying the Olympic flame to its final destination. All three queens walked a section of the route. The flame will be officially lit tonight in Paris.
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For Nicki Doll, carrying the flame was “an absolute honour.” Miss Martini feels “proud” to be able to “represent the entire LGBTQIAP+ community.” Minima Gesté calls it a “unique and phenomenal opportunity.”

However, there was also criticism from conservative quarters. French politician Marion Maréchal called Gesté's performances "vulgar" and "hypersexualized" and questioned whether this was a "good representation of France." The queens also faced threats on social media. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo stood by Gesté despite the criticism: "Paris is proud that a drag queen will carry the torch."

On Instagram, Gesté said: "Of course I regret that after months of hate on social networks and media I wasn’t allowed to do this in public, with loved ones and most importantly with the community that has stepped out to support me and experience this with me."

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