Out front mag: Introducing Qommittee: A Drag Organization Serving Looks, Loyalty, and Support
In the near future, we hope to see Qommittee become a significant part of the LGBTQ+ and drag communities. Qommittee wants to turn their passion of looking out for one another into an all-drag-led organization that aims to provide support and resources to other drag artists.
Drag artists affected by the Pulse Nightclub and Club Q shootings, along with other performers, are working on an organization that focuses on uplifting the drag community.
Drag is not just entertainment; it is a talented form of self-expression, admired not only by the queer community but by so many people of all kinds and from all over. The love for drag becomes evident when we witness the immense practice, skill, and passion that go into it. As drag continues to dominate various entertainment venues, the risks associated with it continue to escalate, including the emergence of legislative laws that restrict the rights of drag performers.
Qommittee is a network of drag performers who are passionate about the art of drag and the safety of other drag performers. They are committed to establishing an organization that aids artists and performers by offering mental health resources, navigating the drag industry, and instructing performers on how to safeguard themselves against harassment.
Threats during protests, the presentation of 21 anti-drag bills in the past year, club shootings, and death threats have all contributed to the unnecessarily difficult times for drag.
In the letter, it goes on to say, “ We’ve always had to fight tooth and nail for our place in this world. We bust our asses to make a living as independent entrepreneurs, dealing with shady venues, building our own audiences, creating looks, and putting on unforgettable shows. But now, we’re also battling a title wave of hate-doxxing, harassment, death threats, armed protests, bombings, and even shootings. Hateful politicians want to police gender expression and our art through intimidation and legislation.”
The letter mentions the great queer leaders and activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivers as icons with whom this organization resonates. In a press release, Blaq Dinamyte, president of Qommittee, says, “We’ve always created networks to share information between each other when the need arose but this will be a chance for the people to step in and build a more permanent base of support for any future work.”
Qommittee is calling on the LGBTQ+ community, drag artists, fans, and allies for support and to help raise awareness for the organization. The community is already receiving encouragement from this initiative,
Tiara Latrice Kelley, who performed at Pulse Nightclub and Club Q, says “Things can be so serious out here—and for good reason—but drag is about being real, helping people relax and have a good time too. I wasn’t going to let these hateful people dim my considerable light. I hope that people learn about what we’re doing here and decide to join us.”
