Controversy or not, the Olympics’ Opening Ceremony was very gay. There were drag queens on the Seine!
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the Opening Ceremony at the Paris 2024 Olympics, dismissed claims that the drag queens were mocking Christianity by depicting the Last Supper.
The televised section garnered ire from Catholic groups and conservative talk show hosts, including American fitness guru and out lesbian Jillian Michaels. She told Fox News that she believed the Opening Ceremony was a big “F. U. to Christians.”
The ceremony section that created a stir was titled “Festivity.” It featured French singer and actor Philippe Katerine as the god Dionysus, semi-naked and painted blue, on a banquet table.
Jolly, who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, said, “There is Dionysus who arrives on the table. He is there because he is the God of celebration in Greek mythology. The god of wine, which is one of the jewels of France.” He added, “Dionysus is also the father of the goddess Sequana, who is connected to the river, the Seine.”
Jolly’s idea was to have a pagan celebration connected to the gods of Olympus. He said, “You will never find in me a desire to mock and denigrate anyone. I wanted to make a ceremony that repairs, reconciles, and reaffirms the values of our Republic — liberty, equality, fraternity.”
Anne Descamps, spokesperson for Paris 2024, said, “Clearly, there was never an intention to disrespect any religious group.” Descamps apologized, “We are very sorry.”
Ralph Brenner, Tech Director, Sports & Live Entertainment, is in Paris with Team USA. Brenner’s team oversees the logistics for Team USA’s gear and wearables. Brenner said, “We focus on form, fit, function, and of course, fashion!”
Brenner, an out gay man, saw the Opening Ceremony in Paris. He said, “I was fortunate enough to see several of the dress rehearsals in the months and weeks leading up to the ceremony. Nothing prepares you for the wonderment of the moment when the first time, Greece, embarks down the Seine.” He added, “Yes, there were stars, fireworks, special effects, and artistic controversy. With all the fanfare, it’s easy to forget about the athletes. Their journey to become an Olympian. Let’s not lose sight of their struggle and their commitment.”
Brenner was awestruck by the event despite the controversy. The rain didn’t even bother him. He said, “Paris shines with light, brilliance, and love regardless. It poured, and it didn’t matter.”
Michael Buzzelli is our out Olympic correspondent. Not from the Seine but the Mon.
