Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, most commonly known by her stage name, Chappel Roan, is a 27-year-old pop star who built her persona on drag culture. Roan will typically dress in very sparkly outfits and drag makeup in her performances, yet, for taking on a persona that is inherently political, she feels as if she doesn’t have to be obligated to speak out about politics.
Roan has said that when she’s on tour, she doesn’t get time for herself to eat or do much of anything, so she wonders, how will she ever have time to educate herself on politics? Here’s the problem: building a career on the back of drag culture but refusing to be an activist is an oxymoron. Even celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Megan Thee Stallion take time to educate their fans and advocate for going out to vote.
When Roan appeared on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with host Alex Cooper, she slammed fans who expected her to share her personal political opinions, “Are you looking to me for some political answer? … I’m a pop star. I wish I had the answers. I wish the president was a pop star, but she’s not.”
Roan has been quoted in the past for saying she hates both sides of the political spectrum and refuses to pick one, from which she also received major backlash. Many fans were angry that she wouldn’t support the candidates that are willing to protect queer and drag culture.
Many netizens believe that her negative attitude and constant complaining are significant drawbacks to her personality as well. Netizens are exhausted at her complaining every time she talks, and honestly I am too.
As a fellow queer woman, it’s insane to me that Roan is not supporting the candidates/people who want to protect our rights.
It’s particularly jarring because Chappel Roan’s persona and artistry are so deeply rooted in the very culture that is under attack. Drag is not just an art form for many — it’s a form of resistance, a tool for political expression, and a symbol of visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. To profit off that culture but to advocate for it is a betrayal, and she needs to start educating herself and advocating for the community she’s repping.
