Drag artists organize rally outside Kennedy Center to protest Trump's hostile takeover

(photo) Erik Cox Photography/Shutterstock; (flier) Courtesy Qommittee

The Kennedy Center Washington DC illuminated rainbow.

A collective of drag artists is taking to the streets of Washington, D.C. on Saturday.

A collective of drag artists is taking to the streets of Washington, D.C. on Saturday to protest Donald Trump's hostile takeover of the the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The DMV Social Activist Collective, a D.C.-based collective of drag artists, is organizing a "Rally & March for Drag" on Saturday, March 8th at 6pm. The march will start at Washington Circle NW and proceed to the Kennedy Center. Participants are encouraged to "come as you are — in drag or otherwise!"

"This president is demonizing a marginalized community in order to control the arts in America. It’s shameful, immoral, and weak," drag artist Tara Hoot of DMV told The Advocate. "At a time when our artists and LGBTQ+ communities are under attack more than ever, we need to show up and speak up against this fascist takeover of the arts."

Trump dismissed the board of trustees at the Kennedy Center last month and replaced the chairman with himself, saying that he was specifically motivated to overhaul the center so he could end the drag shows it occasionally hosts. Trump then appointed MAGA loyalist Ric Grenell as interim head.

The Kennedy Center hosts over 2,000 events each year, making it the nation's busiest performing arts center. It is the official home of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. Beyond ending family-friendly drag shows, the center has cancelled performances by other LGBTQ+ artists, including a show by the Gay Men's Chorus of D.C. and a Pride Month concert, since Trump's takeover.

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"This egregious misuse of power is affecting generations across the country while targeting those most marginalized and vulnerable," said drag artist Ricky Rosé. "To stifle artistic expression is to stifle passion and progress toward a brighter, more loving, and ultimately more inclusive future."

DMV Social Activist Collective is a newly-formed group of drag artists and allies who are "acting up and joining the queer resistance to this administration's attacks on our community," according to lead organizer and drag artist Lord Henry. Their action Saturday is to demand that the Trump Administration reinstate queer programming, including but not limited to drag-oriented workshops and shows, and any other DEI initiatives at the Kennedy Center. The group is also calling on Congress to "drop the multiple attempts at criminalizing gender nonconformity."

"These attacks on drag are veiled attacks on trans people. This administration wants to label how trans people live their authentic lives as drag, in an effort to outlaw trans existence," said drag artist Brooke N. Hymen. "We must stand up against the attacks on drag, but also focus on our trans siblings and the threat that this poses for them."

"To attack one of us is to attack all of us," added drag artist Mari Con Carne. "Our community is strong and will not fall at the hands of fascism. We are here. We are queer. We are fighting back!"

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