GLAAD ELEVATES THE QUEER REVIEW’s CONVERSATION WITH JASMINE RICE AHEAD OF BGT FINALS IN LONDON

If Opera Gave Me Life, Drag Gave Me Hope”

Jasmine Rice LaBeija Shares Her Story Ahead of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) Finals

New York, NY — May 27, 2025 — GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is elevating a new interview by The Queer Review, with Jasmine Rice LaBeija — a Juilliard-trained opera singer and celebrated New York City drag performer — delivers a compelling, heartfelt conversation ahead of the Britain’s Got Talent finals this weekend (May 31). The interview, conducted by Queer Review founder and editor James Kleinmann, offers a rare and timely look at her journey, artistry, and the deeper message behind her global visibility.

Jasmine, who earned a Golden Buzzer from judge Bruno Tonioli for her breathtaking semi-final performance, now prepares to take the stage once more for the BGT season finale. As drag performance continues to face cultural and political pushback around the world, Jasmine’s story stands as a reminder of the power of art, community, and visibility.

Key Quotes and Themes from the Interview:

On Drag and Opera — and What Brought Them Together:
“I tried to keep drag and opera separate because I thought opera was something serious, something proper — and drag was this raunchy, underground artform. But I realized drag is just as valid. Opera is creative, dramatic, campy — wigs, makeup, performance. It’s not that different. And when I started to sing in drag, that’s when doors started opening. That’s when I found community. I am the result of that support.”

On Being Rejected by the Opera World and Creating Her Own Space:
“Every note I got was: ‘You need to be more masculine.’ I couldn’t take it anymore. When I started singing in drag, nightlife embraced me. They told me what I was doing was special. That changed everything.”

On Her BGT Audition and the Power of the Reveal:
“I was nervous because Simon Cowell is known to be critical of drag performers. But the producers said, ‘Let them hear you first.’ So I sang behind a curtain. And when that curtain dropped, it was a LaBeija reveal — the sunshine. That moment, the way the judges responded, was so affirming. Not just for me, but for this artform.”

On Drag’s Roots and Its Misunderstood Legacy:
“People try to paint drag as something new, but it’s rooted in every form of classical theater. From Kabuki to Shakespeare to Chinese opera, drag has always been part of performance. The only difference is now we’re more fabulous, with more makeup. People need to stop seeing this as something fringe or flippant. This is a serious artform.”

On the Cultural Moment and What It Means to Be Visible:
“Drag is not the issue. We’re less than 1% of the population. We’re not your problem. Most people haven’t even met a drag queen unless they’re an ally or go to drag shows. We are artists. We are here to entertain and bring joy, love, and emotion. That’s what I want the audience to take away — that this is not a fluke or a joke. It’s real. It’s rigorous. It deserves respect.”

On Hope and Resilience in the Face of Erasure:
“Any performance is a protest and resilience — just standing on that stage, letting your voice be heard, holding space. Being visible right now is powerful. People have tried to erase us, outlaw us, shame us — but we are still here. You cannot erase us. And we are not going anywhere.”

On Her Journey from Rejection to Revelation:
“If opera gave me life, drag gave me hope. I was giving up until I found drag. And through drag, I found my chosen family. People who love and support me no matter how I show up. I’m proud to be Jasmine Rice LaBeija — proudly queer, proudly Korean-American — on one of the biggest stages in the world.”

STORY ELEMENTS:

• Read the full interview HERE from The Queer Review
• Read the full GLAAD story HERE including Jasmine’s BGT performances
• Photos, courtesy “Britain’s Got Talent” HERE

About Jasmine Rice LaBeija:
Jasmine Rice LaBeija is a Juilliard-trained soprano and one of New York City’s most acclaimed drag artists. She is the International Godmother of the Royal House of LaBeija, a historic ballroom house with deep cultural roots in LGBTQ history. Known for fusing classical opera with bold drag performance, Jasmine uses her platform to challenge expectations, spotlight queer joy, and reclaim space in the arts. She is a proud Korean-American performer whose work bridges legacy and rebellion with unapologetic grace.

About The Queer Review and James Kleinmann:
The Queer Review is an award-nominated platform focused on LGBTQ+ arts and culture, founded by British-American journalist James Kleinmann. With over 20 years of experience across TV, film, and digital platforms, Kleinmann has contributed to outlets including BBC Radio, Attitude, as well as Paramount Media brands including MTV. The platform regularly features in-depth conversations with queer creatives and changemakers across film, music, and performance.

About the Britain’s Got Talent Finals:
Jasmine Rice LaBeija will perform in the BGT season finale this weekend, following a breakout performance that earned her the Golden Buzzer and international acclaim. Her appearance marks a major milestone for LGBTQ representation in mainstream entertainment — and is one of the most anticipated performances of the season.