Jodie Sweetin’s Got History (and She’s Not Afraid to Use It): Defending Drag at the Olympics

It’s a tale as old as time: two sisters, two opposing views, a public spat, and the internet eating it up. This time, the drama unfolded not on the set of *Full House* but on the global stage of the Tokyo Olympics.

The Setup: A Drag Queen and a “Disgusting” Performance

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony, held in 2021 due to the pandemic, featured a diverse array of performers showcasing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. One particularly striking performance involved a drag queen – a controversial choice in the eyes of some.

Enter Candace Cameron Bure, best known for her role as D.J. Tanner in *Full House* and for her conservative Christian views. Bure, who has publicly spoken out against the LGBTQ+ community in the past, took to Instagram to express her disapproval of the performance. She called it “disgusting” and even suggested that it was “not what the Olympics are about.”

Jodie Sweetin to the Rescue: A Defense Rooted in Art History

Bure’s criticism sparked a firestorm of debate, and her former *Full House* costar, Jodie Sweetin, quickly stepped into the fray. Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner, was not afraid to defend the drag queen’s performance, showcasing a different perspective rooted in both her own experiences and historical facts.

“There are people in the world who are very scared of things they don’t understand,” Sweetin said in a statement. “I think it’s important to remember that drag has been a form of performance art for centuries, and has been used as a tool for social commentary and activism.”

She further explained that drag performance has historical roots in Japan, dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). In fact, a 2018 study by the Japanese Ministry of Culture found that drag has been a prominent part of Japanese culture for over 400 years, with documented performances in kabuki theater and other traditional art forms.

Beyond the Performance: A Deeper Conversation on Acceptance

Sweetin’s response was praised by many for its calm yet assertive tone, and for its focus on historical fact and cultural understanding. She didn’t engage in personal attacks against Bure, but instead chose to elevate the conversation by providing context and highlighting the diverse history of drag performance.

The controversy, however, goes beyond the performance itself. It raises a larger issue about acceptance and representation in the world, and especially within the sports world. This is not just about drag performance at the Olympics; it’s about the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for inclusion in all aspects of society.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Growing Movement for Inclusion

The LGBTQ+ community is growing in size and visibility, and their voices are becoming increasingly powerful. According to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center, 5.6% of adults in the United States identify as LGBTQ+, a significant increase from previous years.

This growing visibility is reflected in the sports world as well. The YouGov-Cambridge Globalism Project conducted a 2021 survey which revealed that 62% of Americans support the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports. While there are still ongoing debates about policies for transgender athletes, this data clearly indicates a shift towards greater acceptance.

The Future of Inclusivity: A Path Forward

The “Full House” feud sparked a crucial conversation about acceptance and inclusion. It highlighted the importance of understanding different cultures and art forms, especially those that may seem unfamiliar or even “disgusting” to some.

Jodie Sweetin’s defense of the drag performance is a testament to the power of knowledge and understanding. It serves as a reminder that we must challenge our own biases and embrace the rich diversity of human expression. As we move forward, it’s essential to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and represented, whether in the world of sports or in any other aspect of our lives.

Keywords: Jodie Sweetin, Candace Cameron Bure, Full House, Tokyo Olympics, Opening Ceremony, Drag Queen, LGBTQ+, Inclusion, Diversity, Art History, Japan, Edo Period, Kabuki Theater, Social Commentary, Activism, Acceptance, Representation, Sports, Transgender Athletes