Lesbian DJ carries Paralympic torch after Olympic drag race backlash

Barbara Butch, the lesbian DJ who took part in the drag queen scene at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, has declared that she has chosen “not to be afraid” as she carries the Paralympic torch.

Butch faced a barrage of insults after the Olympics opening ceremony in July. Right-wingers claimed it was a mockery of The Last Supper, when in fact it was an ode to a pagan festival honoring the Greek god of fertility, wine and merrymaking.

Despite the segment explaining where the inspiration came from, the DJ and activist was forced to file a police report after receiving death threats, torture and rape.

On Sunday (August 25), she put her safety concerns aside to carry the Paralympic torch.

“I chose not to be afraid”

Speaking to radio station France Info, she said: “I have chosen not to be afraid of existing in public spaces. I know that I represent France in the same way as anyone else.”

She opened her remarks about receiving “tens of thousands of hate messages,” but added: “Justice will do its job, then we will tackle the international level.”

Butch is one of nearly 1,000 torchbearers who will carry the Paralympic flame – divided into 12 torches – to 50 cities in France in the run-up to the Paralympic Games, which take place from Thursday (28 August) to 8 September in Paris.

There are several LGBTQ+ Paralympic athletes making a difference, including Team GB paracanovaeer Emma Riggs, as well as the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Paralympic Games, Valentina Petrillo, and 14-time gold medallist Lee Pearson.

The Paralympic Games will be broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK.

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