‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Interview: Mercedes Iman Diamond on Making Herstory and Why It’s ‘OK to be Muslim and Gay’

By Christopher Rudolph


Trump was the word on this week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, any time the queens were tasked with performing in a spoof of Grease titled, Trump: The Rusical. Immediately after her portrayal of Ivana Trump, and an orange-ous runway look, RuPaul asked Minneapolis’ Mercedes Iman Diamond to sashay away. We discussed with Mercedes about making herstory because the initial Muslim queen on Drag Race, who she is rooting for to win the season, and how that Lip Sync for Your Life was so hard for her.


MTV News: So what has the reaction been from fans immediately after last night’s episode?


Mercedes Iman Diamond: Well, I’m still up from yesterday. I just flew into Reno because I have a gig tonight, nevertheless It’s been excellent. I’ve obtained nothing yet love so I’m happy. It’s been astonishing and beautiful.


It looked like you had a really positive experience on the show. You were routinely smiling: even any time Ru asked you to sashay away, you stood there with a smile on your face.


Absolutely. Mother Ru picked me out of thousands of women, I don’t want her to be able to see me with a sad face. I want her to know delighted and why grateful I am for this opportunity.


Even on Untucked, any time whenever you were packing up your workstation, you just seemed very thankful for the experience.


Oh yes, because possibilities like this don’t come very often, and also you should take it and run with it. Routinely remember who Mother Ru is and how she picked you. All of us were chosen for a reason.


You are the opening Muslim queen to compete on Drag Race. Did you make a conscious choice to talk about your religion on the show?


I was back and forth. I don’t like talking about religion and politics because it habitually causes drama and fighting, so I initially chose not to talk about it. Although then I thought to myself: “You are being given a chance now, and there really are so several Muslim gay gentlemen out there who don’t have a voice. Why not use this chance to let your voice be heard?” It’s ok to be Muslim and gay. Follow your heart, and don’t live for other people, live for you.


I thought it was a really educational moment on the show. I’m glad you spoken about it.


Thank you.


And I loved your orange look on the runway! And thus did New York [guest judge Tiffany Pollard]!


Thank you! I’m actually known for wearing blonde wigs, it’s one of my go-to looks. I don’t desire to be the girl who wears blonde all of the time, nevertheless I guess blonde is what they were looking for. I wish I had done it earlier!


Let’s talk about the Lip Sync for Your Life. Did you find it challenging to perform to a song sung by a man?


Oh my God! My whole nine-and-a-half years in drag, I have never performed a man song. It was uncomfortable! Should I dance like a girl? Should I dance like a guy? I had so several thoughts going through my head! Nevertheless I knew I had to fight for my life, so I gave it my all. So you know what? It was my time to go house. I’m happy and grateful. Hopefully I can come back for All Stars!


Have you taken Silky’s tip and began using Sharpies to do your eyebrows?


Absolutely not! I don’t do Sharpies! I just can’t. It’s not me. It works for her, although it won’t work for me. I don’t know how she does it, however come through with your Sharpie!


Are there any particular queens you are rooting for to go all of the way this season?


You know what? I am rooting for all of these. All of these deserve it. I am so close with all the ladies. Whoever wins will get 100% of my support.


And it sounds like you’ve been busy since Drag Race…


Interviews, photo shoots, shows… Everyday I’m doing something. I am so happy. I quit my banking job that I was doing for the past nine years. This has been a dream come true. No matter what occurs I am blessed.


Do you have any tricks for queens who are about to go on Drag Race?


Don’t ever give up. Don’t be quiet, take risks in the workroom, and also you will make it far.