5 hours ago
Violet Chachki Opens Up: Drag, Demands, and the Power of Community
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Violet Chachki, the acclaimed drag performer and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 7, joined forces with fellow Drag Race star Gottmik to preview their upcoming Knockout tour—a nationwide theatrical event fusing elements of drag, boxing, and spectacle. The pair, known for their No Gorge podcast, described the physical and emotional demands of creating their new “TKO” music video, which features the two literally exchanging punches on camera. “We both got punched in the face in our new ‘TKO’ video,” Violet revealed, underscoring the authenticity and intensity they bring to their artistry .
The production, filmed under sweltering conditions, saw Violet and Gottmik overseeing every detail—from producing and casting to costuming and makeup. “It was 110 degrees, so tensions were high. We produced, cast, set-dressed, did all the hair, designed the costumes, makeup — we did everything and were stressed out,” shared Violet, reflecting on the grit required to bring their vision to life .
Beyond entertainment, Violet and Gottmik used the platform to address broader issues facing the drag community. Among the most pressing is the need for a union to protect drag entertainers, who often navigate unpredictable working conditions and lack basic workplace protections. “Why don’t we have a union?” Violet asked pointedly, echoing calls for greater labor rights within the drag and LGBTQ+ performance industries .
Their advocacy comes at a time when attacks on LGBTQ+ rights remain a global concern, with anti-drag laws and targeted harassment making headlines in several countries. By using their star power to push for fair treatment and solidarity, Violet and Gottmik underscore the role of drag as both an art form and a vehicle for social change .
Fans eager for Violet’s return to the Drag Race franchise received a candid, if tongue-in-cheek, answer during the interview. “I haven’t been asked,” Violet clarified, when asked about a possible future appearance. She went on to describe the “many demands” she would have in order to consider a return, though she did not disclose specifics—leaving the door open for speculation while emphasizing her commitment to maintaining creative and professional standards .
The Knockout tour, premiering this September, promises to be a milestone in drag performance, blending athleticism, fashion, and humor in a way that celebrates all facets of LGBTQ+ identity . As Violet and Gottmik continue to break barriers—whether through their podcast, music videos, or live shows—they remain committed to expanding representation and fostering inclusion.
Their interview with Entertainment Weekly serves as a reminder that drag is not just about entertainment—it is a dynamic, ever-evolving form of queer expression, resistance, and community. In a cultural landscape marked by both progress and persistent challenges, voices like Violet Chachki’s are vital in shaping the future of LGBTQ+ visibility and empowerment.
