My friend group and I attend drag shows and brunches year-round. For the most part, these shows are beautiful displays of queer art and joy, and are valued spaces for the Seattle queer community. In the past month, I have been to several shows where drunk straight people (yes, I’m assuming) had to be kicked out for talking over the performers, shit-talking the venue, and/or transphobic bullshit. As if that isn’t bad enough, I’ve been noticing straight people are not tipping throughout the performances, and rarely clapping or cheering.
Drag was predominantly built by and for Black queer and trans people, and drag shows have a culture of welcoming everyone. At a time of heightened violence towards trans people, we need these spaces to come together as a community. I would like to remind folks that if you are straight, you are a guest observing a culture that is not your own. When you come into this space, especially when you are buying tickets beforehand, it is on you to understand and participate in this culture. Bring out that cash and prepare to scream and clap throughout each performance. If your throat isn’t raw by the end of the show, you owe the queens an extra $20.
Signed, Your Local Unamused, Headstrong, and Unyielding Lesbian
Side note to the editor: Feel free to edit any grammar errors or unneeded commas, I was high when I wrote this.
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