Drag sensation and RuPaul's Drag Race UK favourite Bimini Bon Boulash has broken their silence after a gruelling appearance on Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, describing the experience as the "toughest thing" they have ever done.
The non-binary star, known for their charismatic personality and advocacy work, was pushed to their absolute limit by the show's infamous Directing Staff (DS), a team of ex-special forces soldiers. The experience culminated in a raw, emotional breakdown captured on camera.
The Breaking Point
Bimini revealed the immense pressure of the course, which is designed to break down even the toughest celebrities. "I broke down on the show because it was so intense," they confessed. The relentless physical demands, combined with psychological warfare tactics employed by the DS, created a perfect storm that challenged their every reserve.
Despite the hardship, the experience was far from negative. Bimini reflected on the profound personal growth that came from being stripped back to their core self, away from the glamour and performance of drag.
Beyond the Drag Persona
For Bimini, participating was about more than television exposure. It was a mission to showcase their authentic self, separate from the Bimini Bon Boulash persona. "I wanted to go on the show to prove that I am more than just a drag queen," they stated, aiming to demonstrate their raw resilience and mental fortitude without the armour of makeup and costumes.
The star spoke candidly about the unique challenge of tackling the course without their drag identity, a core part of their everyday life and strength. This vulnerability added an extra layer of difficulty to the already brutal selection process.
A Transformative Experience
In a powerful testament to the show's impact, Bimini confirmed they would endure the entire harrowing ordeal again without hesitation. The journey, though one of the most difficult of their life, proved to be incredibly transformative.
The experience provided a unique perspective on their own capabilities and limits, offering lessons in resilience that extend far beyond the military-style course. Bimini's participation has been hailed by fans as a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation on mainstream reality television.
