'Drag Race UK' star Bimini Bon Boulash praises Norwich mural as 'a beautiful thing'

Norfolk-born drag queen Bimini Bon Boulash was one of the breakout stars of the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK — and they are now the subject of a striking Norwich mural.

The 27-year-old performer has been painted in the city's Pottergate underpass by artist Knapple and transgender activist Sharpay Salazar.

Speaking to the BBC, Bimini described the mural as "a beautiful thing" and said they were "blown away" to be the subject of such prominent artwork.

Read more: Drag Race UK stars reveal how to turn a knockback into a positive

Bimini used their platform on the BBC reality show to speak out about their non-binary identity in an exchange with fellow queen Ginny Lemon, which drew praise from across the LGBT+ community.

The mural represents Bimini's advocacy for trans rights and includes the lyric "whether you're he, she or them" from their verse in the track UK Hun? — which reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart.

"Growing up around that area, I think I really lacked a queer presence, so it really makes me so happy that there's more happening," said Bimini, who grew up in nearby Great Yarmouth, of the mural.

"I think it's just such a beautiful thing to see the art of people, thank you so, so much."

Read more: Eddie Izzard urges those criticising her pronouns to "relax"

The image in the mural refers to Bimini's Norwich City-inspired runway look in the first episode of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which landed them in the bottom two and at risk of elimination.

By reaching the final, they became only the second drag queen in the history of the Drag Race franchise to make it all the way to the end after narrowly avoiding elimination in the series opener.

Salazar said: "I'm super proud of Bimini's journey on the show. Even though they didn't win they still won our hearts.

"They've opened the doors to many, many discussions that are going to affect people's lives for the better."

Read more: Frankie Boyle criticises Ricky Gervais over trans jokes

Drag Race UK was ultimately won by Scottish queen Lawrence Chaney, with Bimini and Welsh performer Tayce making up the top three ahead of fourth place finisher Ellie Diamond.

Meanwhile, there is social media clamour for UK Hun? — featuring Bimini, Chaney, Tayce and fellow queen A'Whora — to be Britain's official entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Even Lorraine Kelly, who was a guest judge on the show, is in on the act.

Watch: Bimini Bon Boulash discusses trans and non-binary identity