Trudeau talks about an ally in ‘Canada’s Drag Race’ spin-off

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an appearance on Friday’s episode of “Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs. the World” to offer the contestants inspirational words ahead of the main challenge.

Trudeau is being touted as the first world leader to visit the competition series founded by RuPaul.

During the episode, the Prime Minister shared his thoughts on Canada’s efforts to embrace diversity, noting that there is still a lot of work to be done to build alliances in Canada.

After his remarks, the queens were touched by his words.

Contestant Stephanie Prince had tears in her eyes, saying Trudeau’s work on immigration had made it easier for the entertainer to migrate to Canada for a better life.

The pre-recorded Crave series aired the same day Trudeau testified before the public inquiry examining his government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to help clear the ‘Freedom Convoy’ protest roadblocks from last winter.

Guest judges for the episode included “Canada’s Drag Race” winner Priyanka and activist Sarain Fox, who joined permanent judge Traci Melchor.

Host Brooke Lynn Hytes thanked Trudeau for supporting the LGBTQ community and participating in the Pride Parade.

“Can we move beyond ‘tolerating’ and start embracing, loving, accepting, learning and being challenged by? That’s how you build a resilient society,” Trudeau replied. “That’s what we’re trying to do in Canada, and we still have a lot of work to do.”

Trudeau’s appearance was brief, matching the vibrant energy of the spin-off, in which international drag queens compete in challenges and lip-syncing battles until a winner is crowned.

“I hate to see you go, I love to see you go, baby,” Icesis Couture shouted as the group watched as Trudeau walked out — or sashayed away.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on November 25, 2022.