Ireland offers hope –Visage

TV3 star says this is a safe space for LGBTs

IRELAND’S Got Talent judge Michelle Visage, right, believes that Ireland is now seen as a beacon of tolerance by the LGBT community in the United States, following Donald Trump’s election as US president.

The reality-TV star and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant is an icon for the gay community. She stars alongside RuPaul on a syndicated TV show, which aims to find America’s top drag act.

Such is the popularity of the series that Michelle has taken the finalists on a world live tour and is championed by the likes of Star Wars star Daisy Ridley, Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus.

She believes that people like Panti Bliss are leading the way in changing the world for confused gay teenagers.

‘We are devastated at what is happening in America,’ she says. ‘There are a lot of lost children who need to feel like they fit in and belong. What Trump is doing is the opposite: he is pulling everybody apart. He is bringing back divides that weren’t around in my grandparents’ time.

‘There is awareness everywhere that Ireland is a safe place now for the community.

‘I love my country, don’t get me wrong, but because of the regime it is a scary place for the gay youth. They are looking at Ireland and it is a beautiful place and you have Panti there who leads the world in a forwardthinking mentality.

‘It is seen as a place where love is important and you can go there and live your life.’

Born Michelle Lynn Shupack, Michelle was in R&B trio Seduction in the 1990s and then joined Soul system. In 2015, she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, finishing in fifth place. She says she’s excited to work with Louis Walsh – ‘I’ve been a fan for years. ‘I told him we would work together and he made it happen.’