Kressley to take part in Pride parade
COMMENTARY and we will prevail and continue to celebrate.”
He has brought a celebratory attitude to competing on reality shows from “Dancing With the Stars” to “The New Celebrity Apprentice” (Arnold Schwarzenegger was host). Kressley described “Drag Race” as a joyful experience that has elevated the art of drag.
“Every season the queens become more talented and have more exposure to the art,” he said. “They use that to improve drag as a whole, and I think the competition has gotten better and better every season for the most part.”
The Emmy victory last month for “Drag Race” as outstanding reality contest was thrilling, Kressley said. “We embrace those who may have been on the fringe, and we celebrate those who color outside the lines,” he added. “As RuPaul likes to say, ‘Use all the colors in the crayon box.’”
“Queer Eye” won the Emmy as outstanding reality program in 2004. Kressley has a new show, “Get a Room With Carson & Thom,” that reunites him with “Queer Eye” co-star Thom Filicia. The show debuts Oct. 19 on Bravo.
“We are doing a really fun, fabulous, funny home makeover show,” Kressley said. “We’re hoping to inspire people to live better through great design in their home. Both Thom and I love design, but we don’t take it so seriously that it becomes pretentious.”
Kressley praises Netflix’s version of “Queer Eye” as great for taking a message of acceptance to more rural locations.
But for now he is focused on Come Out With Pride. “I just love coming to Orlando. It’s one of the hotbeds for drag,” he said. Kressley will host the Pride After Party Saturday night at Parliament House.
“You don’t have to wait for a parade,” he added. “Gay Pride can be every day. You can be out, you can be proud, and that helps move the needle forward. It shows young people it’s OK to be exactly who you are.”
Kressley has helped lead the way in the parade of life. “I’m just being me,” he said. “I think that’s the best way to be.”