Tyra Sanchez posts lengthy apology and explanation of behavior

After staying largely quiet on social media in recent months, drag queen Tyra Sanchez has posted a lengthy apology and explanation of her sometimes hot-tempered past behavior.

As all RuPaul‘s Drag Race fans know, Sanchez (real name James William Ross IV) won the second season of the show back in 2010. She scooped $25,000 and plenty of bookings to appear all over the country. However, she’s been embroiled in several controversies since.

This included a spat with Morgan McMichaels after the latter said she refused to perform on the same bill as Sanchez.

Sanchez has also lashed out at fellow queens Raja, Phi Phi O’Hara, and Tatianna. The latter dispute escalated last year.

Back in late 2017, Sanchez appeared to threaten O’Hara and Tatianna in a video posting, saying: “‘When you see Ms. Phi Phi and Ms. Mother Fucking Tati’s ass stretched out on the motherfucking ground, you will know it was me. Yeah, I may not have physically did it, but it will be my doing. Remember that shit, bitch.”

O’Hara then complained to organizers of DragCon 2018 in Los Angeles that they should not host a drag queen who condones violence against others. Sanchez then warned her followers not to attend DragCon with a cryptic message stating: “Fair warning: DO NOT attend RuPaul’s DragCon on May 12, 2018. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Related: Tyra Sanchez posts cryptic threat against RuPaul’s DragCon and fans are NOT having it

That was enough to ensure DragCon banned Sanchez from appearing, despite her protestations that she did not intend her statement to be taken as any sort of threat.

Since that time, Sanchez, 31, has kept her social media postings to a minimum. Last night, she posted a long message to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, with an accompanying message saying: “Because I owe this to each of you.”

“Please excuse my absence.

“Really needing the escape, last year I disappeared from the grid. The calmness of my introverted personality and the level of public recognition I received over the years has been a lot for me. I couldn’t quite grasp how to balance everything. The judgment, criticism and opinions I received daily really affected my vibes and it began to control my environment.

“I was on an extreme roller coaster of emotions. So many ups and too many downs. Exhausted, I was just ready to get off the ride. Last year I finally did just that. Exit the ride.

She goes on to say she dedicated time to finding her true, authentic self and do some “serious soul searching.”

“I learned that for years I’ve been unknowingly beating myself up. Never believing I was good enough, I looked for acceptance in the wrong places and accepted undeserving treatment … I allowed the negativity to consume me. Bottling it inside and smiling through tears I became rebellious; thought it empowered me.”

She admits that “many times I expressed myself without thinking things through. I reacted out of fear and with anger … I had taken the term ‘Don’t come for me!’ to a whole new level. I responded and expressed myself in ways that were misunderstood and offensive to some. I was angry, hurt and lost.

“To each of you reading this I humbly apologize for the online behavior I have displayed in recent years. Though it represents emotions I may have felt, it does not represent my true character. I have failed you and I know I am much better than that.”

Related: ‘Drag Race’ winner Tyra Sanchez blasts ‘psychotic,’ racist fans

Sanchez goes on to say she has been analyzing her strengths and focussing on the positive.

“I know right from wrong and I for damn sure know the online behavior I displayed in recent years ain’t how my momma raised me!

“No more fighting wars with hearts and anger, instead I decided to lead by example with dignity, honesty and integrity. I am here to encourage others and to stand together in love.”

She goes on to acknowledge there are individuals to whom she owes a personal apology, and says she has reached out to people privately.

“I am working hard to correct my wrongs and moving forward on my journey to greatness.”

She concludes by saying: “I understand second chances are rarely given, but I’m asking for a second chance with you. Please excuse my absence and understand why I needed the time to grow and mature. Please forgive me for my online actions prior to this letter and continue to pray for me as I enter into the next chapter of my life.

“Allow me to be the king you were rooting for me to be.”

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#AM_Equality Tipsheet: October 9, 2019

ICYMI — HRC RALLIED WITH COALITION PARTNERS AT THE SUPREME COURT YESTERDAY IN AN INSPIRING SHOW OF SUPPORT, SOLIDARITY FOR LGBTQ EQUALITY: The Court heard three cases that could decide whether federal non-discrimination laws apply to LGBTQ people. HRC SVP of Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof (@JoDeelive) spoke at the rally — watch here, and read more from USA Today and Metro Weekly. 

Incredible display of support for LGBTQ equality as hundreds rally outside #SCOTUS. How the justices rule in these cases will define their legacies. It is imperative they uphold protections for the millions of LGBTQ people who still face discrimination today. t.co/9FCLdTPvvW

— Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid) October 8, 2019

STEVEN REED ELECTED MAYOR OF MONTGOMERY, ALA. IN HISTORIC WIN: “Steven Reed is a longtime, unapologetic ally of the LGBTQ community, and last night, he made history as the city’s first Black mayor,” said HRC Alabama State Director Carmarion D. Anderson (@cander01). “HRC was proud to endorse Reed and help turn out the vote for this steadfast champion of equality. We congratulate Steven Reed on his win and look forward to working closely with him to keep moving Montgomery and Alabama forward.” More from HRC. 

WELCOMING WEDNESDAY — IT’S BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH, AND HRC’S WELCOMING SCHOOLS HAS GREAT GUIDANCE ON CREATING SAFE & INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS:  Welcoming Schools, which provides training and resources to elementary school educators to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bullying and support trans and non-binary students, offers these resources: “Steps to Prevent Bias-Based Bullying” and “What Do You Say to ‘That’s So Gay’ & Other Anti-LGBTQ Comments?,” as well as suggested books to engage students on bullying and bias. For more information, visit www.welcomingschools.com. 

MAN ALLEGES HE WAS HARASSED ON MANHATTAN STREETS FOR BEING GAY: The NYPD is investigating the incident, which targeted street activist Anthony Dolci. More from Pix 11. 

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH’S LGBTQ PRIDE FLAG REMOVED, BURNED IN SYRACUSE: The church’s pastor, Rev. Jennifer “Jo” VonRue, said the incident only “solidifies our message of love and inclusion, and fortifies our desire to make our world a better place.” More from Syracuse.com.

MAN CHARGED WITH HATE CRIME AFTER BRUTALLY ATTACKING GAY MAN IN WISCONSIN: More from The Journal Times.

GET CULTURED – Entertainment, arts and sports news!

OPERA SINGER LUCIA LUCAS (@lucialucasde) BECOMES FIRST OPENLY TRANS SINGER TO PERFORM WITH ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA: More from PinkNews.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

HONG KONG COURT TO RULE ON CASE OF “MK,” WHO IS FIGHTING FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX UNIONS: Kamilyn Choi, a student at Yale Law School, and Jan Wetzel (@janwetzelHK), a senior legal advisor with Amnesty International, write on the importance of this case: “If the Court accepts as a legitimate public policy aim that stable, enduring, close and caring relationships should be encouraged… then legal recognition should not be limited to opposite-sex relationships.” Read the full piece from HKFP. 

LEADER OF POLAND’S RULING PARTY SAYS LGBTQ PEOPLE ARE A THREAT TO SOCIETY: More from BBC and HRC.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!
HRC celebrated the diversity & beauty of our community yesterday for International Lesbian Day

.@HRC is proud to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our community with advocates around the world this #InternationalLesbianDay. pic.twitter.com/4d6QxGDK4N

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) October 8, 2019

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