In the midst of performances from drag superstar Pabllo Vittar and pop queen Tove Lo, Randy Rainbow stopped by Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter’s Pride Prom for a digital appearance on Saturday (June 13).
The peerless parodist shared his experience of going to prom not once but thrice with girls when he was still in the closet. Before that, however, he spoke on the national protests over police brutality during Pride Month. “It’s a time for us to reflect on our history, to honor those who came before us, to celebrate ourselves and each other and to celebrate how far we’ve come and also to acknowledge how much work there is left for us to do. Not only for our own community but for all communities fighting for change and equality which is of course so important during this crucial time for the Black Lives Matter movement,” Rainbow said.
He also revealed that back in his closeted days, he had some “bittersweet” prom experiences. “I remember my prom,” Rainbow said. “I had three proms actually, because since my sophomore year I was invited every year by a different girl who had a crush on me, poor dears.
“I look back on those nights with such bittersweet fondness and nostalgia because we had such a nice time and they’re good memories but I wasn’t out of the closet yet – there was a time! – but I don’t think even if I had been I would have been comfortable bringing a boyfriend. It’s so encouraging to see how times have changed so drastically even since the time I graduated high school… which was only six years ago,” Rainbow said, before responding to the inevitable “wait…” with, “Shut up.”
“Here’s to better, brighter days ahead,” he concluded.
