Hundreds of drag queens, activists & LGBTQ+ allies converge on Kennedy Center to protest Trump’s takeover

The LGBTQ+ community in the nation’s capital is sending a clear message: they will not be erased. Hundreds of activists, drag performers, and allies took to the streets Thursday night, marching from Washington Circle to the Kennedy Center in defiance of President Donald Trump’s self-appointment as chairman of the Washington, D.C. performing arts institution. The demonstration, filled with music, dancing, and resistance, was a rallying cry against Trump’s abrupt takeover and his directive to eliminate drag performances from the center’s programming.

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Protesters held signs reading “Drag is here to stay” and “Free D.C.,” while others played music and danced in the street.

“When we restrict the arts, we restrict the ability of people to fight back within the culture,” protest organizer Bennett Shoop of the Claudia Jones School for Political Education told D.C. television station WDCW.

Related: National Symphony Orchestra’s WorldPride concert disappears from Kennedy Center website after Trump takeover

Trump, who dismissed the existing board members before installing himself as chairman, has attempted to justify the move by pointing to past drag performances at the Kennedy Center—a popular conservative bogeyman—despite their small share of programming. The president vowed to reshape the institution’s offerings in what he described as an effort to purge “woke” culture from the arts. Days ago on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST,” when he announced gay MAGA loyalist Ric Grenell, Trump’s special envoy as the Kennedy Center’s “executive director,” though that position doesn’t exist.

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Adding to concerns about LGBTQ+ erasure at federally affiliated institutions, the Kennedy Center removed a National Symphony Orchestra concert, “A Peacock Among Pigeons: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride,” from its website. The May 21 and 22 event, part of the Conflux initiative for WorldPride 2025 in D.C., was expected to showcase LGBTQ+ composers and allies. Just days after Trump’s takeover, its sudden disappearance has fueled concerns of cultural censorship.

The protesters were joined by comedian and activist W. Kamau Bell, who has long advocated for racial and social justice. Bell, known for his Emmy-winning CNN series United Shades of America, expressed solidarity with the protesters. “I’m in full love and support for the LGBTQ+ community, full support of Black Lives Matter, trans lives matter. I love you. Thank you for doing this,” Bell said.

Related: Trump taps gay MAGA loyalist Ric Grenell as interim head of Kennedy Center

For many, Trump’s targeting of drag is about more than performance—it’s an attack on the broader LGBTQ+ community. “These attacks on drag are thinly veiled attacks on trans people,” a drag performer named Brooke told the station. “They want to classify trans people living their authentic lives as them ‘doing drag,’ so we really need to be here today, show up, and stand up for trans and drag rights.”

D.C. drag queen Tara Hoot was firm in her mission. “We’re not going to let people steal our joy,” shetold CBS affiliate WUSA.

The administration’s actions have sparked a backlash from the arts and entertainment world. Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and musician Ben Folds pulled their support and canceled planned appearances in protest. Meanwhile, the National Symphony Orchestra’s musicians have authorized a strike.