Meet the 8-year-old who fulfilled his dream of becoming a fierce drag queen

This eight-year-old boy fulfilled his dream of becoming a drag queen – thanks to his supportive mum and a professional make-up artist.

Florida makeup artist Joey Killmeyer shared the photo of Ethan, who is a fan of musician and fashion designer Jeffree Star.

He wrote in a Facebook post: “A couple weeks ago I got my certification in lessons for MAC. Today I got to do my first one.

“I was not originally scheduled today but was filling in. This is Ethan, he is 8. He wanted to learn drag make-up.

“He loves Jeffree Starr. His mom is so supportive of him and is letting him discover who he is. I did one side of his face and he did the other.

“He did soooo great! He is a very talented guy. And I expect he will be a great artist in life.

“But I was so touched that his mum said I gave him confidence in letting him be himself. And it truly was meant to be that I worked today.

“It shows me the world is changing from when I was his age and that there is hope for kids who are different.

“And whether he is gay or not who knows. But I really respect the mum who is letting him be himself and discover who he is and what he wants to do in life.

“Please share if you like. Spread the message of acceptance.”

However, some of the commenters seemed pretty upset about some make-up and hair gel.

One wrote: “No. Just no. How does an 8yo know who he/she wants to be?

“Support all you want, that behaviour/look, is totally inappropriate for a girl or boy that age.”

But Ethan had some supporters – with one user writing: “This literally brought tears my eyes. It takes an amazing mother to notice and embrace all the things that make their children who they are, especially in a society that’s hell bent on gender roles.

“In all actuality it has nothing at all to do with sexuality. He just happens to be a boy who likes make up.

“No different than having a girl that might like to play football.

“I have an amazing and accepting mother and I love her dearly but it would have been amazing to have had the freedom of expression as a child, instead if always getting in trouble for messing with her make up.”

• Dec 31 2024

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