As Republicans in Florida, Tennessee and beyond continue to push harmful rhetoric and legislation that oppresses and targets drag queens and performers, an Instagram account is fighting back like a true queen: with style and satire. Launched a week ago @RuPublicans uses the AI Midjourney image generation tool to generate imaginary portraits of high GOPs in large drag. Leave it lying around to make Republicans less of a pain!
“We’re huge drag fans,” said RuPublicans co-creators Craig and Stephen (who preferred to use only their first names). Hyperallergic. “It has brought so much joy into our lives. Witnessing the anti-drag rhetoric and actions of the GOP made us want to do something about it. So, over the past 2 weeks, we’ve been creating AI-generated imagery just as over-the-top and ridiculous as the false narratives around drag.
The results are fabulous. Who needs Ted Cruz when you can get Cruzella Deville, a fur-draped queen whose fashion sense is as deadly as her politics? Steve Bannon is notoriously disheveled, but bannon bomb serves a double portion of obscene with a constant stream of misinformation. And we can all agree that pink is Mike Pencethe colour. The portraits are accompanied by delightful descriptions. “Say hello to GOP dropout darling Rudy Garland serving coucous couture,” reads the caption of an image from Rudy Giuliani in a cheetah print coat. “She used to run the Big Apple, but now she’s the juiciest peach on the streets, wandering the Upper East Side looking for her next gig (NOT the Four Seasons, honey). You thought the only thing you she could leak was the hair dye? Girl, watch her spill the tea!
The comments on the posts are just as hilarious. An AI portrait of Ron DeSantis – “Rhonda Shanty” – sitting in a bookstore wearing a puff-sleeved dress has garnered hundreds of comments. ‘Pictured with the only remaining books in Florida,’ one user posted, referring to the Republican Governor’s crackdown on critical race theory and learning in general.
Although the co-creators of the account are not drag performers themselves, they describe themselves as “two queens (husbands) who appreciate art and what it has done for so many people.”
They also highlight how the speculative power of artificial intelligence – which potential for harm has been in the news lately – can be exploited for activism and humor.
“The world doesn’t need more hate these days,” the couple said. “He needs more beauty and laughter. If it takes AI-generated wigs and sequins to raise awareness of this important issue, we’re here to deliver.
