When Trinity the Tuck appeared on the stage of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” earlier this 12 months for the long-lasting Snatch Game problem, wherein each drag artist chooses a star to impersonate, she had fully morphed into actor Leslie Jordan. Apart from her spectacular bodily transformation — a far cry from Trinity’s normal Southern glamour and pageantry — she embodied Jordan’s energetic spirit, his humorousness, and, above all, his means to not take life too significantly. That impersonation led her to win the problem alongside competitor Jinkx Monsoon.
Now, one month after Jordan’s loss of life, Trinity is reflecting on the legacy he left behind. She remembers first feeling related to Jordan, who handed away at 67 on Oct. 24, through a tv display screen. He was a fellow Southern, queer entertainer whose presence and unabashed authenticity introduced pleasure to audiences throughout the nation — and created house for artists like Trinity to discover their craft with confidence and braveness. Jordan’s loss has been felt tremendously within the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, however Trinity is one among many working to make sure that he can be remembered because the inspiration he was and for the sunshine he gave. Although, as Trinity says, it might “by no means be stuffed” in fairly the identical method.
When I noticed that Leslie handed, it was a shock. I had simply seen him in a restaurant whereas I used to be in West Hollywood a number of weeks in the past, so this information was devastating. I nonetheless cannot imagine it, and my coronary heart may be very heavy. Especially for these he was near.
This world has misplaced a vibrant, constructive gentle that can by no means be stuffed.
I first keep in mind seeing him in “Sordid Lives” as Brother Boy after which later in “Will and Grace.” He was so humorous, and his Southern drawl immediately made me join with him. He was flamboyant and unapologetically himself. I felt that Southern queer connection immediately and needed to know extra about him.
Although I would not say I had any shut relationship with Leslie, I had a number of conversations with him in passing over the previous couple of years. When I selected to impersonate him for the Snatch Game on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” we had a cute dialog by way of Instagram that made me so completely happy as an admirer of his. He appeared tickled with my impersonation of him and had some very type phrases to say, which made my day.
Leslie simply introduced a lot pleasure to the world. From all his accomplishments — performing, singing, comedy, and in addition his social media. Throughout the pandemic, he actually made individuals smile along with his hilarious campy posts. This world has misplaced a vibrant, constructive gentle that can by no means be stuffed. I hope that he’s remembered for his kindness and for being somebody who introduced individuals happiness and laughter.
— As advised to Chandler Plante
All the Stars We’ve Lost in 2022
