Three prominent drag queens are converging on Capitol Hill to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the face of an increasing number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills sweeping the nation. Jiggly Caliente, Joey Jay, and Brigitte Bandit are meeting with lawmakers to lobby for the Equality Act, which seeks to amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include gender identity and sexual orientation, thus extending federal nondiscrimination protections. This initiative, dubbed “Drag Lobby Day,” is spearheaded by MoveOn Political Action.
The three artists, including RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Caliente and Jay, are also championing the Transgender Bill of Rights. Introduced by Democratic legislators, this proposed law aims to ensure specific rights for transgender and nonbinary individuals across various public sectors, including employment, housing, and healthcare. Nakia Stephens, campaign director, highlighted the urgency of their mission, noting the severe threat posed by MAGA Republicans to LGBTQ+ freedoms and lives.
The legislative push comes amid a backdrop of more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2023, with 80 becoming law. This year, nearly 523 similar bills have been proposed, and while many target drag performances, others threaten broader LGBTQ+ rights. Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett, expected to join the rally, condemned the demonization of drag performers and the harmful rhetoric from some Republican colleagues. She emphasized the detrimental impact on those who defy conservative gender norms, underscoring the necessity of these legislative protections.