6 | Produced by ST Content Studio Drag queen Versace Doll, aka “The Seattle Medusa,” fell in love with drag after college, where she earned a bachelor’s in musical theater. “I love drag because it’s a way to showcase my ability to entertain, have a platform to discuss current events and entrance guests with top-tier excellence. Drag is an important art form and should be taken seriously. As entertainers, we are able to influence culture and it’s important that we take the keys we have been given and use them to unlock the doors of equality and acceptance.” “Recent political attacks on drag feel like an attempt to silence gender nonconforming individuals and the entire LGBTQ+ community. But continuing to entertain is a powerful way of resisting those e!orts. By being visible and expressing yourself through drag, you’re sending a message that you refuse to be silenced. Not to mention, drag can often challenge societal norms and promote acceptance. So I want my kings, sisters and community to keep being fabulous and know that you’re making a di!erence!” Versace Doll and Ceasar Hart are co-emcees for Seattle Pride in the Park on June 3 and Seattle Pride Parade announcers on June 25. Why we love drag By Bree Coven rag is a revered art form and mode of self-expression. Growing up in theater, I was surrounded by drag queens. I wanted to be just like them when I grew up: glamorous, fierce, beautiful, strong, sparkly and unapologetically myself. Across the country, drag is under attack. Here in Seattle, drag is thriving. This Pride, we present a reminder of drag’s vital role in the LGBTQIA+ community with a tribute to why we love it so — from the perspectives of drag performers, audience members, parents who bring their kids to drag queen story time and the kids who are entranced by it all. “It brings our communities together. Drag is the one universal language for love and acceptance.” – Versace Doll “There’s no end to the creative possibilities of drag. Some performers are really into makeup, others might really love costuming and styling wigs. Drag people really are multifaceted artists.” – Cookie Couture Cookie Couture does podcasts about drag and hosts online bingos and trivia in drag for groups from all over the world. She says, “Even though we’re in Seattle, it’s important to stay on top of what’s going on throughout the country and support however you can.” She did a local fundraiser for the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, which raised $10,000. “There are all kinds of ways to show your support and solidarity, especially if you are a non-queer person who enjoys drag,” she says. “We need all the allies to come together to speak out that there are way bigger problems in this country than a drag queen lip-syncing Taylor Swift at a drag brunch.” Cookie will perform and lead Rainbow Story Time at Seattle Pride in the Park on June 3.
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