The drag queen who ran for president of the United States
Terence Smith launched his campaign to run for United States president in drag. His mission was not to win, but instead, to raise awareness about the Aids crisis.
In the 1990s Terence Smith launched his campaign to run for United States president in drag, shocking voters and the media. His mission was not to win, but instead, to raise awareness about the Aids crisis which was killing his community. Critical of the government's slow response to the epidemic, Terence armed himself with a blonde wig, platform shoes, and the persona of Joan Jett Blakk and decided to run against future president Bill Clinton. Jo Fidgen speaks to Terence from his home in San Francisco, USA.
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com
Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Gaia Caramazza
(Photo: Poster from Joan Jett Blakk's political campaign. Credit: Eric Stein Photography)
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- Mon 11 Apr 202211:06GMTBBC World Service
- Mon 11 Apr 202217:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Mon 11 Apr 202221:06GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Tue 12 Apr 202202:06GMTBBC World Service
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