close
close

Star of Drag Race UK season six reveals they were abused as children

Star of Drag Race UK season six reveals they were abused as children

Two photos of Kyran Thrax from episode 5 of season 6 of British drag racing

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season six delivered its most tear-jerking scene yet, in which fan favorite Kyran Thrax reveals that he was groomed by an older man as a young teenager.

Revelation came like this Kiran asked by fellow season six contestant La Voix how they became so confident in themselves and their drift.

Kyran won two of the first four challenges (girl group and cabaret) and had strong performances in the season’s other challenges as well. They are the clear favorites to capture the crown.

The 26-year-old drag star began by explaining that they had to work “really hard” to improve their self-confidence because they “hated” themselves.

“When I was young output “I felt like I was ready for a relationship as a gay man at 13, which is crazy and it left me so vulnerable,” they said.

“I guess being on the internet was an escape and there was a guy who added me as a friend and we were talking. “He told me he was 19, but he was actually 23,” they continued, choking up and starting to cry.

“We finally decided to meet. He knew all the right things to say. I actually fell in love instantly. I was in love with this person; not the person he really was, but the person he pretended to be. He abused me for a long time.”

While La Voix comforted her co-star by holding Kyran’s hand and rubbing his arms, the pair said they realized “something was wrong” but “kept it a secret” from their mother.

“It was so crazy in my brain that I was saying to myself: ‘Yeah, maybe he’s a predator, maybe he’s a pedophile, but maybe I’m the one he’s really in love with.’

“I gave him everything; my innocence, my childhood. “I’m so angry that he stole this from me.”

Drag Race UK season six star Kyran Thrax (L) opens up to La Voix (R)
Kyran Thrax (L) opened up about his harassment to La Voix. (BBC)

Kyran had not planned to take the man to court, but they contacted police after learning he had been talking to one of his friends with similar intentions.

“This made me realize that this isn’t just about me. “This is about countless young people,” they said, adding that the man pleaded guilty and was sent to prison. “It was one of the hardest things and it made me underestimate myself.”

Their mother helped them through difficult times and told Kyran to tell themselves they loved themselves in the mirror every morning.

“I did this every day before school (but) I didn’t believe in it and I hated it. “Then I slowly started to believe in it, and that’s where this confidence comes from,” they continued.

La Voix replied: “To hit rock bottom and improve yourself, you have the right to walk into that workroom and say, ‘I’m extremely confident, I’m good, I’m amazing.’ “You are.”

Kyran’s fans praised them online for speaking so candidly about their experiences and helping other victims of grooming and abuse.

“Kyran’s confessional might have been the toughest observation ever Drag Racing UK. “One person deserves the world and more after what they’ve been through,” he wrote.

Another said: “Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are brave enough to open up. What happened to you is terrible, but look at where you are now. You should be so proud of yourself.: Another wrote: “I was blown away by tonight’s episode. It’s so brave to share such a difficult and emotional story. That’s when Drag Racing Wonderful.”

Drag Racing UK sixth season airing BBC iPlayer Now.

If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access support for LGBTQ+ people at: gallopand support for men, including gay men 1 in 6

Rape Crisis England and Wales is working to eliminate sexual violence. More information can be found at: their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis in Scotland The helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAIN, or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below and remember to keep the conversation respectful.