UK Drag Icon Bimini Responds to Online Backlash After Lorraine Appearance

On August 4, 2025, Bimini Bon Boulash—celebrated drag performer, non-binary activist, and breakout star of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK”—appeared as a guest on the popular UK morning program “Lorraine,” hosted by Lorraine Kelly. The segment focused on Bimini’s creative journey, their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and their recent projects in fashion and music. However, shortly after the broadcast, Bimini became the target of numerous negative comments across social media platforms. Many of the posts criticized their gender expression and non-binary identity, echoing patterns of online harassment frequently directed at visibly queer public figures .

In response to the backlash, Bimini posted a statement on their Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, emphasizing resilience and the importance of being authentically oneself. “Visibility is powerful, and sometimes, when you take up space as your full self, it unsettles people who benefit from the status quo. But we don’t shrink ourselves for anyone,” Bimini wrote, accompanied by photos from the Lorraine set .

Bimini’s message has resonated widely within the LGBTQ+ community, sparking supportive responses from fellow drag artists, activists, and fans. Many highlighted Bimini’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusivity and their advocacy for non-binary and transgender rights. In previous interviews, Bimini has spoken about the liberating power of drag and their journey to embracing a non-binary identity, emphasizing that “non-binary isn’t a new category—it’s the undoing of categories altogether” .

The incident has reignited discussion about the persistent challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the public eye, particularly those whose identities defy traditional gender norms. Social media platforms continue to serve as both amplifiers of queer voices and battlegrounds for harassment and bigotry. A number of LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, including Stonewall and Mermaids, have issued statements condemning the attacks on Bimini and urging tech companies to strengthen protections for marginalized users .

Bimini’s experience is not isolated. A 2024 report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics found that transgender and non-binary people are disproportionately targeted by online abuse, which can have significant impacts on mental health and community belonging . Bimini’s decision to respond publicly serves as a reminder of both the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals and the ongoing need for systemic change.

Bimini’s artistry has long been rooted in challenging binaries and celebrating fluidity. Since their rise to fame on “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” Bimini has used their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, gender diversity, and positive mental health. In recent interviews, Bimini has described drag as “resistance, healing, and liberation,” noting that their performance is not about female impersonation but about expressing authenticity and joy .

The Lorraine appearance, while met with negativity from some corners, has ultimately reinforced Bimini’s role as a cultural leader. Their response has inspired many to share their own stories of overcoming discrimination and to advocate for greater acceptance of gender diversity in the UK and beyond.

In the days following the broadcast, hashtags such as #WeStandWithBimini and #TransRightsAreHumanRights trended on X and Instagram. Prominent figures from the drag and LGBTQ+ communities—including RuPaul, Cheddar Gorgeous, and Munroe Bergdorf—have voiced their support for Bimini and condemned the online harassment . Grassroots organizations have also launched campaigns encouraging viewers to report abusive content and to celebrate queer visibility in mainstream media.

The response to Bimini’s Lorraine appearance underscores the importance of representation and solidarity in the face of adversity. As LGBTQ+ communities continue to advocate for equality and recognition, public figures like Bimini play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes, inspiring hope, and paving the way for future generations. While online harassment remains a serious concern, moments of resilience and community support demonstrate the power of authenticity and collective action.