San Francisco Naming First Drag Laureate Sparks Huge Debate
limit drag and wider LGBTQ+ inclusion. As of April 25, there were 14 state legislatures considering bills to restrict or ban drag, according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).Lawmakers have previously expressed concerns over Drag Queen Story Hour—readings for children by drag performers at libraries—arguing the proposed laws are necessary to protect children, but critics argue they create a hostile environment and infringe on LGBTQ+ rights."While drag culture is under attack in other parts of the country, in San Francisco we embrace and elevate the amazing drag performers who through their art and advocacy have contributed to our City's history," San Francisco's Democratic mayor, London Breed, said in a statement."In the face of anti-trans, anti-queer and anti-drag legislation, San Francisco has one thing to say: 'Hold my earrings!'" wrote Sister Roma, a drag queen and activist and member of the laureate review panel.While some praised the initiative for shining a positive light on the city's LGBTQ+ community, others noted that, like many large metropolitan areas, San Francisco had acute issues with crime and deprivation.Jim Minardi tweeted that San Francisco had become a "national joke," adding mockingly: "Ignore the s***-covered streets overrun by crackheads & rampant homelessness, we just named our first Drag Laureate."San Francisco, a once-great American city that turned out so many comedic geniuses in the 80s, is now itself a national joke.
