“We’re not going anywhere. Period.” Georgia Pride Drag Show To Go On Despite Threats of Violence
Warner Robins, GA – On Sunday, June 30 at 6:00 pm ET, six Georgia drag artists will perform their Pride Month show, despite threats of violence. The original event was planned to take place about 15 miles away in Perry and was canceled due to a threat of violence and online bigotry targeting the venue owner and drag artists. The new event, entitled “We’re Here,” will take place at Friends on the Hill in Warner Robins with enhanced security. Click here for the flyer image.
Earlier this week, WMAZ Channel 13 and the Macon Telegraph obtained a police report filed by the owner of the Perry bar originally slated to hold the event. The Telegraph reported that “users from a Facebook group called Perry Free Speech posted homophobic comments and questions about the identities of the bar owner, landlord and its location. ”According to the police report, the bar owner’s neighbor allegedly threatened the owner, stating he “wouldn’t be surprised if someone didn’t show up with a 45 and shoot some of these people, that he may even be one of them.” The Perry police said that, under Georgia law, that this could qualify as a “terroristic threat.”
This show goes on as many shows have been canceled, delayed or disrupted due to threats of violence, including in Alaska, Maine, New York, Texas, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Arizona.
Approved quotes and photos are below. Reach out to dragisjoy@qommittee.org for further information.
Show producer and Warner Robins-based drag artist Pynk Univers: “We are not going anywhere. Period. We have the same right to free speech as anyone else. Queer people need safe spaces to be who we are, including Central Georgia. Get ready to be dazzled by spectacular performances and lip syncs! It’s going to be a day full of fun, laughter, and amazing entertainment!”
Approved photos of Pynk for use are available here and here.
Macon-area community leader and drag artist Christina Leòn: “This is why we celebrate Pride! The drag and queer community here is way stronger than hate and we will not let bullies intimidate us out of our pride and our celebration. We invite fans and allies from across Georgia to join us in our celebration of Pride.”
Approved photos of Christina for use are available here and here.
Blaq Dinamyte, DC-based drag king and President of Qommittee, a national organizing effort to protect and promote the lives and livelihoods of drag artists: “This is bravery and beauty personified. We’ve seen shows get canceled due to bomb threats and threats of violence across the country throughout Pride Month. What these bigots don’t understand is that drag performers are the strongest and most resilient people on the planet. They’re not going to let anyone dim their lights.”
Approved photos of Blaq Dinamyte for use are available here.
