Drag Isn’t Dangerous campaign fights back for LGBTQ+ community under attack
A coalition of LGBTQ media groups and companies is teaming up to fight back against harmful political and media narratives about drag performers and trans people. The “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ causes and organizations that support drag and trans performers, especially in areas that are under attack.
Led by Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), GLAAD, Q.Digital, OUTtv, Five Senses Reeling, Trixie Cosmetics, SERV Vodka, and other companies, the “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” campaign will kick off with a social media and digital awareness campaign. The campaign’s website, www.dragisntdangerous.com, will offer resources and information on how to support local drag performers and LGBTQ causes.
The highlight of the campaign is a one-night-only telethon on Sunday, May 7, at www.moment.co/dangerous.
Hosted by a wide range of drag performers and celebrities, the event will feature a mix of live and pre-taped performances, appearances, and testimonials from drag performers, LGBTQ entertainers and straight celebrity allies. Initial confirmed talent includes:
- Alaska
- BeBe Zahara Benet
- Bob The Drag Queen
- Brandon Stansell
- Darienne Lake
- Desmond Is Amazing
- Divina De Campo
- Eureka O’Hara
- Frankie Grande
- Ginger Minj
- Jackie Beat
- Jiggly Caliente
- Jinkx Monsoon
- Jujubee
- Justin Martindale
- Katya
- Kerri Colby
- Laganja Estranja
- Manila Luzon
- Miz Cracker
- Monét X Change
- Nina West
- Peppermint
- Salina EsTitties
- Sherry Vine
- Trinity The Tuck
- Trixie Mattel
- And many more names to be announced!
All net proceeds from the event will be divided among approved charities that support LGBTQ causes and drag performers in need, especially in states where they face discrimination and bans. None of the performers or organizers are taking fees for their work on the campaign.
Many of the artists were asked for comments, including drag artist Trixie Mattel, star of Viacom’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, Paramount+’s Queen of the Universe and HBO Max’s Trixie Motel. “The only place where men in dresses sexualize children is church”, she said.
Bob The Drag Queen, star of HBO’s We’re Here and special guest on Madonna’s upcoming world tour, said: “The most traumatizing thing about drag isn’t harming kids, it’s getting sent home first on drag race. . . but I can’t relate.”
Other organizations, companies and media groups are also taking a stnd in support of drag through the “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” Campaign, including Producer Entertainment Group, GLAAD, Queerty, LGBTQ nation, GayCities, Obsessed, OUTtv, and more.
“We are sick of it. These bans are not just about trans people or drag performers. It is a systematic subjugation of LGBTQ people,” said Jacob Slane of Producer Entertainment Group, the management company behind many of the world’s top drag artists. “Through the ‘Drag Isn’t Dangerous’ campaign, we want to show that drag performers are not dangerous groomers, sexual deviants, criminals or whatever is the latest evangelical slur du jour. We want to raise awareness and funds to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ people who are under attack.”
“In a time when bans and attacks on the LGBTQ community continue to escalate, it is more crucial than ever to remind the world that drag is art, drag is inspiring, and the politicians spreading lies about drag are only seeking cheap political points. Not only do our beloved drag performers have to be protected, they should also be celebrated” said Anthony Allen Ramos, Vice President of Communications & Talent, GLAAD.
“As an organization whose entire mission it is to amplify queer artistry, we are outraged by the collective efforts to send queer culture, creativity, and people underground,” remarked Jason Brotman, Founder and President of Obsessed, the company behind several worldwide drag tours. “We are devoted now more than ever to creating safe spaces for our brilliant artists and our wonderful fans. We are honored to join forces with colleagues across our industry and beyond to say loud and clear: we are here and we will not be going anywhere any time soon.”
“As the proud son of an openly gay pioneering father and as a longtime television, film and theater producer, I am outraged that my LGBTQ colleagues and friends are still having to fight for equal rights in 2023,” said Matt Weaver, prolific executive producer of projects like Rock of Ages and the upcoming Drag The Musical, who is co-executive producing the telethon. “It is an honor to join this distinguished group of organizations in doing something about it.”
Campaign merchandise can be purchased on PEG’s webstore, with all proceeds going to charity.
For more information and updates on the campaign, visit www.dragisntdangerous.com. The direct ticket link for “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” fundraiser is: www.moment.co/dangerous
