Qommittee, a group of drag performers, has announced its formation ahead of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in response to threats, harassment, and violence targeting drag performers. The group consists of about 10 drag performers nationwide who have experienced or witnessed these acts of hatred. Qommittee aims to provide support and resources to drag performers and communities lacking local support, including legal aid and therapy. The group also plans to create dialogue between its members and local law enforcement agencies to navigate the business of performing.
Conservative activists and politicians have raised concerns about the “sexualization” or “grooming” of children by drag performers, particularly through events like drag story hours and drag brunches. However, there is a lack of evidence that drag performers harm children. In a recent case, a performer in Idaho was awarded over $1 million in a defamation lawsuit against a far-right blogger who falsely accused him of indecent exposure. Despite this, the portrayal of drag as a threat has become a form of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, leading to incidents of violence and even state laws restricting performances.
As Pride Month approaches, it is important to recognize drag as both an art form and an industry that fosters entrepreneurship and creates jobs. Community organizer Scott Simpson, who helped connect the members of Qommittee, emphasized the importance of fans getting involved in supporting drag performers. Simpson views drag as a form of revolution and calls for unity in the face of ongoing challenges and threats to the drag community. The formation of Qommittee signifies a collective effort to protect and promote the art of drag amidst growing hostility towards drag performers.
Qommittee President B Williams, a drag king who performs in Washington, D.C., as Blaq Dinamyte, highlighted the group’s mission to serve as a central hub for drag performers across the country, offering resources to negotiate with venues and defend against protests targeting drag shows. The group’s focus on providing support and resources to drag performers reflects a commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods and artistic expression of those in the drag community. By establishing dialogue with law enforcement agencies and advocating for the rights of drag performers, Qommittee aims to address the challenges faced by the drag community and promote unity and solidarity among drag performers nationwide.
In response to the threats and challenges faced by drag performers, Qommittee stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the drag community to defend their art form and assert their right to self-expression. The group’s formation coincides with a larger conversation about the role of drag in society and the need to protect the rights and safety of drag performers. As Pride Month approaches, the message of unity and support for the drag community is more important than ever, as drag performers continue to face discrimination, harassment, and violence. Qommittee’s advocacy for the drag community underscores the importance of solidarity and empowerment in the face of adversity.
