News
Drag star speaks out after Manchester Gay Village mural is defaced AGAIN
Daisy Jackson -
17th July 2024 
Drag queen and TV star Divina de Campo has spoken out after a mural of her likeness in the Gay Village was vandalised.
The red-headed star, who was the runner-up of Season 1 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, said that she is ‘so disappointed’.
The mural, created several years ago by local street art legend Akse P19, has been daubed with homophobic slurs.
Someone has also graffitied ‘die’ onto the forehead of Divina’s portrait.
Divina has now spoken out about the damage to the mural on Richmond Street in the city’s iconic Gay Village, stressing ‘we need pride more than ever’.
She also said: “I’ll get it sorted so we don’t have this sort of stuff written about us in the village. We’re not going anywhere!”
Divina’s mural had previously been defaced in 2021, along with a huge artwork on the side of the Molly House that features icons like Foo Foo Lammar and Alan Turing.
She wrote on Instagram: “We still live in a world where people think this is ok. I’m so disappointed by the people in power who have given credence to those who do this and those who hate us.
“We still need pride more than ever.
“@terrygoldmanc had said it had been written on but I hadn’t realised this was what was written on it.
“I’ll get it sorted so we don’t have this sort of stuff written about us in the village. We’re not going anywhere!”
One person commented: “As a Manc this has knocked me sick… keep doing what your doing haters gonna hate… such a shame im embarrassed for them.”
Another wrote: “I’m sorry this happened. I hope you’re ok. Thank you for being in the world and making it shine brighter x”
Someone else said: “So sorry Divina, we love you endlessly. Thanks for always showing up for our community.”
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Featured image: The Manc Group
