Qommittee Launches Organizing Drive
Press Release: “We’ve Had Enough,” Drag Artists Impacted by Hate Launch National Drag Organizing Effort
Washington, DC (May 29, 2024) - Ahead of Pride Month, a group of drag artists who have experienced threats, harassment, and violence issued a call for drag artists to join them in building a national organization dedicated to protecting and promoting drag. Among the signers are drag artists impacted by the Pulse and Club Q shootings, an attack on a power grid in North Carolina, a church bombing in Ohio, as well as threats, doxing, and armed protests.
Click here for the full Call for Qo-Founders, as well as a list of signers.
To request interviews with organizers or for more information, reach out to dragisjoy@qommittee.org.
“Drag is joy, but it's under attack,” write the artists. “Our very existence, our self-expression, our art–all of it is being threatened. And we've had enough.”
“We've always had to fight tooth and nail for our place in this world,” they continued. “We bust our asses to make a living as independent entrepreneurs, dealing with shady venues, building our own audiences, creating stunning looks, and putting on unforgettable shows. But now, we're also battling a tidal wave of hate–doxxing, harassment, death threats, armed protests, bombings, and even shootings.”
The call to action marks the launch of a national membership drive for an organization called “Qommittee,” which intends to help drag artists protect themselves from hate and navigate the business side of drag, while advocating for free expression. Volunteer organizers are planning to use the next year to recruit supporters, pilot providing services, and build the infrastructure of a viable institution.
“By being a central hub of support, members of the community can come and find strength in numbers,” said Blaq Dinamyte, Qommittee’s President and DC-based drag king. “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.”
Signing the call are 10 artists from across the country, many of whom have dealt directly with hate, who see a national organization as a chance to spread the joy of drag.
“What drew me to this project was joy,” says Tiara Latrice Kelley, a Colorado-based drag artist and producer who performed at two nightclubs targeted for deadly violence, Pulse Nightclub and Club Q. “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.”
Others have joined the call to action as a means to help drag artists navigate the business side of the art-form as entrepreneurs.
“Drag is art, but it’s also a business and a means of survival,” says Isis Paris York, a Corpus Christi-based performer and producer and owner of AZUL Entertainment. “We have to negotiate with venues with relatively low pay and have to invest a lot of money and time into our art. I’ve built an entire business the hard way, and I’m excited about contributing to a cause that helps show people how it’s done. There’s no handbook for making a living at drag, I think we can write it.”
"Our advocacy has to be fast, because people’s lives and livelihoods are at stake. But our organizing has to be slow—one conversation at a time," says Scott Simpson, a community organizer with Qommittee. "We’re building a constituency that crosses geography, identity and opinions. And not everyone will agree on all points but we need to build as many of those relationships as possible on the front end. It’ll take time, but it’ll be worth it. We’re just getting started."
Signers of the call for Qo-Founders
Blaq Dinamyte (DC) DC-based drag king and president of Qommittee.
Empress Dupree (Cleveland, OH) Cleveland-based drag performer who had a venue firebombed in a 2023 hate crime and an event protested by extremist groups.
Hysteria Brooks (Colorado Springs, CO) - Colorado-based drag artist, Club Q Victim and Community Resource Specialist at The Prism Community Collective.
Isis Paris York (Corpus Christi, TX) - Corpus Christi-based performer and producer/co-owner of AZUL Entertainment.
Mario Wanna (Colorado Springs, CO) - Colorado Springs-based drag king and former performer who was at Club Q earlier in the day it was attacked.
Maxine LaQueene (Austin, TX) - Austin-based drag artist and trans activist who was doxxed and harassed online after testifying against an anti-trans/anti-drag bill in Texas.
Naomi Dix (Raleigh, NC) - Durham-based drag artist and owner of Durham’s own Club ERA. In 2022, her show in Southern Pines (Moore County) was protested, and threatened, resulting in one of the largest domestic terrorist attacks on a substation in U.S history. FBI, state and county officials have yet to confirm the cause of this terrorist attack or charge anyone that was involved.
Sairen Strange (Memphis, TN) - Memphis-based drag performer who had an event canceled in 2023 after armed protesters showed up and performs in a state with an active attempt to ban drag.
Tiara Latrice Kelley (Colorado Springs, CO) - Colorado-based drag artist and producer who worked at two nightclubs targeted for deadly violence, Pulse Nightclub and Club Q. The namesake of Colorado’s “Tiara’s Law.”
Veranda L’ni (Cleveland, OH) - Cleveland-based drag performer who had a venue firebombed in a 2023 hate crime and an event protested by extremist groups.
quotes from THE SIGNERS OF THE CALL FOR QO-FOUNDERS
Blaq Dinamyte (DC) - Instagram | Approved Photos
DC-based drag king and president of Qommittee.
Why he’s signing the call to action: “By being a central hub of support, members of the community can come and find strength in numbers as a few thousand people can equal a lot of power. 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.”
About his drag: “I’m your favorite drag king’s favorite drag king. My performance is a mix of 70’s Blaxploitation characters with influences from Anthony Kiedis, Prince and Lenny Kravitz.”
Veranda L’ni (OH) - Instagram | Web Site | Approved Photos
Cleveland-based drag performer who had a venue firebombed in a 2023 hate crime and an event protested by extremist groups.
Why she’s signing the call to action: “To be able to stand in solidarity with the drag community nationwide while sharing experiences and best practices for a safer environment.”
About her drag: “Dubbed the ‘giant redwood of drag’ Veranda stands heels and wigs above the rest at over 7 feet tall. She is the creator the Drag Pride flag. This seasoned show hostess loves games shows, comedy and reading inspirational stories of love and inclusion to people of all ages.”
Empress Dupree (OH) - Instagram | Approved Photos
Cleveland-based drag performer who had a venue firebombed in a 2023 hate crime and an event protested by extremist groups.
Why she’s signing the call to action: “Drag brings people together and I’m really proud to join any effort that protects artists. We work so hard to make a living, spread joy and build community–all before we ever had to deal with violence and threats. My drag family here in Ohio are the strongest people I’ve ever met and we are getting through this–and everyone deserves to have that. We all need to band together to build something bigger than any of us.”
About her drag: “I’m the Vietnamese Goddess of Ohio. My drag is very glamorous with lots of sparkle. I’ve always loved queer pageantry and give a modern take on it.”
Sairen Strange (TN) - Instagram | Approved Photos
Memphis-based drag performer who had an event canceled in 2023 after armed protesters showed up and performs in a state with an active attempt to ban drag.
Why they’re signing the call to action: “My art makes people think because that’s needed now more than ever. So many people out here are not thinking, they’re acting out of anger and fear and trying to intimidate us out of expressing ourselves. Free speech is supposed to be for all of us and people are trying to ban our art or scare us away with guns and hatred. We are stronger than that, especially when we band together.”
About their drag: “My drag will turn you on, make you think, or teach you something new. I’m always going outside of my own box, mixing heels with contemporary drag with a dash of cosplay.”
Tiara Latrice Kelley (CO) - Instagram | Approved Photos
Colorado-based drag artist and producer who worked at two nightclubs targeted for deadly violence, Pulse Nightclub and Club Q.
Why she’s signing the call to action: “What drew me to this project was joy. 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.”
In her own words: “Tiara Latrice is a Black trans woman, who is a 25+ year entertainer, producer, as well as a vocal human rights advocate, activist, and philanthropist. She’s Miss Trans New Mexico of 2024 and the namesake of Colorado’s “Tiara’s Law” and is the first trans woman in the country to have a gender affirming care law named for her. Tiara’s Law, which was signed by Colorado’s governor in 2024, allows gender affirmation to be a just cause to change one’s name for people with former criminal convictions.”
Hysteria Brooks (CO) - Instagram | Approved Video | Approved Photos
Colorado-based drag artist, Club Q Victim and Community Resource Specialist at The Prism Community Collective.
Why she’s signing the call to action: “The trauma that my community has faced since the shooting is really hard to put into words. The work of healing since then has largely been left up to us to handle on our own. We’re trying to put the pieces back together and build something stronger. The lessons we’ve learned are something I want to pay forward and I’m hopeful building this organization can help do that.”
About her drag: “My drag can be described as classical high drag. I love the high hair, the updos, the rhinestones and the costumes. I love to drip beauty and revel in creativity.”
Mario Wanna (CO) - Instagram | Approved Photos
Colorado Springs-based drag king and former performer who was at Club Q earlier in the day it was attacked.
Why they’re signing the call to action: “Seeing drag kings changed my life–and opened up a world of possibility to express and explore myself and my gender identity. It gave me a community that has lasted far beyond the building that housed Club Q. Everybody deserves the chance to experience what I’ve had and that means creating organizations accountable to drag artists, that understand what we need, and want to help us survive and thrive in any community.”
About their drag: “I’m an androgynous drag king based in Colorado Springs. Drag gave me a therapeutic space for artistic expression and has helped me to heal my relationship to my body. I enjoy portraying anything from the stereotypical play boi to conceptual interpretations as well as shining light on social and emotional issues, and even the occasional live vocals. I hope to inspire those around me to feel free to be their most authentic and unapologetically unique selves!”
Maxine LaQueene (TX) - Instagram | Approved Photos
Austin-based drag artist and trans activist who was doxxed and harassed online after testifying against an anti-trans/anti-drag bill in Texas.
Why she’s signing the call to action: “Being doxxed and targeted, it led to death threats and online harassment. It was the worst thing to ever happen to me–and I got off easier than some people. Drag artists and our community, we are so strong individually and I know that we’ll be unstoppable when we’re together.”
About her drag: “Maxine LaQueene is The Suspiciously Large Trans Woman of Austin Texas! My drag is trans excellence, it is activism and charity focused. It's all about being a community leader while expressing my feminity through the artform!”
Isis Paris York (TX) - Instagram | Approved Video | Approved Photos
Corpus Christi-based performer and producer/co-owner of AZUL Entertainment.
Why she’s signing the call to action:“Drag is art, but it’s also a business and a means of survival. We have to negotiate with venues for our pay and have to invest a lot of money and time into our art. I’ve built an entire business the hard way, and I’m excited about contributing to a cause that helps show people how it’s done. There’s no handbook for making a living at drag, I think we can write it.”
About her drag: “As Isis, I get the chance to showcase my love of performing. As a host of my own shows, I get the opportunity to connect with people in a way that gives them a break from their every routine. I am fortunate that through my years of drag entertainment, I have been able to make a lasting impression in my community and created a space for new growth.”
Naomi Dix (NC) - Instagram | Web Site | Approved Photos
Durham-based drag artist and owner of Durham’s own Club ERA. In 2022, her show in Southern Pines (Moore County) was protested, and threatened, resulting in one of the largest domestic terrorist attacks on a substation in U.S history. FBI, state and county officials have yet to confirm the cause of this terrorist attack or charge anyone that was involved.
Why she’s signing the call to action and opening Club ERA: “Drag is a safe and brave space that was, is, and always will be, to create and facilitate inclusivity no matter the space. Unfortunately, this has become a threat to some within our society. When we perform in community, we are using our platforms to express ourselves but also to give a voice to those that are being silenced by political bullies. WE DESERVE TO TAKE UP SPACE TOO! I know we deserve to take up any space anywhere, and being apart of a domestic terrorist attack made me want to respond, not just with my words but with my actions. I’m starting Club ERA, Durham’s own Gay, Queer, Trans nightclub in Durham as a response to the pressure and hate that is being directed to our community. Being a proud queer POC Durham native and now owner of this space, it was and is very important for me to support my community anyway I can. One way that I can do that is by having a space in which we can call our own, where society and their misguided views don’t matter, and your journey is your own, and every ERA is what you want it to be.”
About her drag: Based out of Durham North Carolina, Naomi Dix is one of the Triangle’s most dynamic, versatile, boundary-pushing drag artists and the owner of Club ERA. As Miss Hispanidad NC 2017, working closely with the Black and Latin HIV community, she has earned the title of the Latinx Barbie of the Triangle, spanning all 3 major NC counties, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
