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As soon as I saw Bimini on the first episode of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, I knew that they were going to do so well. Why? Because like most of the queer community, we’ve been through it, and yet, we stay strong. Bimini is no exception. They take no rubbish, they stay level-headed, tough-minded (being in 10-inch heels, as Bimini says on the show, has to do something to you) and grounded in every way.
Bimini is an iconic drag artist, who appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season 2 and finished as a runner-up. Ever since then, I’ve enjoyed watching Bimini grow as a go-to club queen of East London, and they’ve become a flavour of drag I just can’t get enough of.
Seeing Bimini on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, I knew they’d put heart and strength into it and make the queer community proud. Read on for five empowering things I’ve learnt since seeing them on the show…
Queer people can make it, just like anyone else – but you have to focus
Listening to instructions and not getting distracted by the worries and thoughts in your head is one of the greatest struggles, and it can make or break your success. Concentrating and not letting anything bring you down will always be a work in progress. Bimini has shown us that you can be your true self in your life and be challenged in many other ways that aren’t simply focused on your sexuality or gender.
They remain strong in drag and out of it
Drag can be an armour for some, so it was nice to see Bimini out of drag but still radiating strength. Perhaps military wear can be another kind of costume that changes your psyche, or perhaps you reach a point where it doesn’t matter how you look, you are strong no matter what.
The quotes are giving
Here are just a few quotes that I know will be on a wooden plaque from Etsy and hung on your mum’s wall soon:
‘If you can climb a pole, you can climb a mountain.’
‘I love being underestimated, because it gives me a determination.’
‘I’m gonna be there right at the end. Flying the flag for all the misfits.’
‘I feel like a different person, I feel like I’ve learnt so much, and just fucking realised I’m a hardcore bitch.’
‘I think a lot of the time, femininity can be seen as a weakness. You don’t have to be the most masculine person in the room. The strongest, the fittest. It’s about determination. Like we’re all in it together. Team spirit.’
‘I don’t know the Batmans by the Batman - I know them by the Catwoman.’
‘Actually I’d say to that person [Bimini’s younger self] “Don’t try and fit in. Find your weirdness. Find your uniqueness. Find what makes you you.”’’
Empower yourself – and bleach your hair
I’ve been meaning to bleach my hair for a while now, but have refrained from doing so because of others’ opinions. But like make-up and the way you dress, there is something empowering about going against the grain and deciding to do something just for yourself. Bimini has bleached hair in the show, and that may have just been the tipping point for me to get mine done…
Simply lifting your chin can make a difference on your confidence and mindset
I try to practice this often, day-to-day, when I’m feeling a bit low, or am thinking negative thoughts. You stand proud when you lift your chin, and I’ve noticed Bimini does it a lot on the show, which only reminds me to do it more. Just look up; it’s a beautiful world out there.
