A battle for the arts is brewing in Washington, D.C., and the stars of the show? Drag artists. A collective of drag performers and activists is marching to the Kennedy Center this Saturday to protest Donald Trump’s hostile takeover of the nation’s premier performing arts venue. With a government that seems more concerned with policing wigs than solving real issues, the LGBTQ+ community is taking a stand—glitter, heels, and all.
MAGA Makeover Gone Wrong?
Trump’s latest move—ousting the Kennedy Center’s board and appointing himself as chairman—is raising eyebrows (and not in a good way). His goal? Purge the venue of drag performances and any other queer programming. It didn’t take long for LGBTQ+ artists to feel the sting: the Gay Men’s Chorus of D.C. was booted from the lineup, and Pride Month celebrations were promptly axed.
“This president is demonizing a marginalized community to tighten his grip on the arts,” said drag artist Tara Hoot of the DMV Social Activist Collective. “It’s shameful, immoral, and weak.”
And this isn’t just about drag—it’s about the broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ expression. “These attacks on drag are thinly veiled attacks on trans people,” said performer Brooke N. Hymen. “By calling trans existence ‘drag,’ they’re trying to outlaw our community.”
The Rallying Cry: We Won’t Be Erased
The protest, dubbed the “Rally & March for Drag,” will see hundreds of performers, activists, and allies take to the streets, starting at Washington Circle and marching to the Kennedy Center in full fabulous force. Participants are encouraged to “come as you are—drag or otherwise!” Because in Trump’s America, simply existing as LGBTQ+ is apparently an act of defiance.
“This isn’t just about drag shows,” said drag king & activist Ricky Rosé. “It’s about controlling artistic expression and erasing queer voices. And we won’t stand for it.”
As the Trump administration continues its efforts to scrub LGBTQ+ culture from public spaces, the resistance is growing louder. From drag bans to attacks on trans rights, it’s clear that this isn’t just about theater—it’s about survival. And if there’s one thing the LGBTQ+ community knows how to do, it’s put on a damn good show while fighting back.
Saturday’s march is just the beginning. The question is: will Trump’s attempt at a Kennedy Center rebrand hold, or will the queens steal the show?