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As Anti-LGBTQ Bills and Threats Increase, San Francisco’s First Drag Laureate Takes the Stage
As the media is increasingly focused on negative headlines regarding a wave of anti-LGBTQ bills and threats of violence against the LGBTQ community, San Francisco’s drag performers are fighting back. D’Arcy Drollinger, known for using feminine pronouns when in drag, made history last week when San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced her appointment as the nation’s first drag laureate. This paid position serves as a cultural ambassador and spokesperson for the LGBTQ community in San Francisco.
At this critical moment, 2023 has already broken anti-LGBTQ legislation records in the United States, with the American Civil Liberties Union stating that hundreds of bills have been proposed across the country since January. Furthermore, the rise of far-right extremist groups targeting drag performers has led to a sense of urgency in the LGBTQ community to fight back.
Drollinger is a well-known figure in the LGBTQ nightlife and arts space in San Francisco. She founded OASIS, an internationally acclaimed cabaret theater and nightclub, and later founded the nonprofit Oasis Arts, which raises funds for LGBTQ artists in the Bay Area. In response to the pandemic, Drollinger created programs like Meals on Heels, where drag performers delivered food and drinks while lip-syncing. When the pandemic forced nightclubs to shut down, she set up a drag streaming site that not only kept people entertained but also kept performers employed.
As drag laureate, Drollinger will receive a $55,000 stipend for her 18-month stint, during which she will organize drag and speaking events, as well as help officials ensure the city’s drag history is “shared, honored and preserved.” She will also raise the Pride Flag at San Francisco City Hall with Mayor Breed in June to kick off Pride Month.
Breed stated during Drollinger’s inauguration that the drag laureate job description starts but does not end with “being fabulous all the time.” It is also essential to represent San Francisco and its values for inclusion and ensure that there is always someone who has a voice to represent and speak on behalf of anyone who faces discrimination.
Although there is already an “outline” for the position’s goals, as the inaugural drag laureate, Drollinger stated that it would be her responsibility to ultimately define her role. Drag performers have always played a vital part in San Francisco both in politics and economics and have been a constant source of sparkle and joy for the community.
Drollinger believes that this position could inspire other cities or states worldwide to follow San Francisco’s lead. New York City councilmembers began attempting to create a similar position in 2021, but these efforts stalled. West Hollywood plans to appoint its own drag laureate in the coming weeks.
Drollinger cited the 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria riot in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco, which was a response to constant and violent police harassment of drag queens and transgender people at the time. She also noted the International Imperial Court System and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, both prominent LGBTQ organizations born in San Francisco.
Despite the escalating attacks on the LGBTQ community and the threats against them, Drollinger hopes that drag performers can continue to play a special part in diffusing hatred by focusing on joy and sparkle. By inspiring people to be a little more fabulous, there is less room for prejudice and violence.
