On Saturday, a drag queen named Shi-Queeta Lee took on a group of anti-LGBTQ+ protesters who had gathered outside a popular LGBTQ-friendly eatery in Washington, D.C. Nearly 150 people had come to Crazy Aunt Helen’s in the Capitol Hill neighborhood when a small group of anti-LGBTQ+ radicals arrived with signs and bullhorns. Lee, who grew up in the church, confronted the detractors and challenged them about God’s love for LGBTQ+ people. When the detractor quoted the Bible, Lee challenged them to cite where in the Bible the matter was discussed and corrected them by quoting the complete verse the person was referencing.
As the person refused to stop, Lee, in a full gown, began singing on the sidewalk, “God is the joy and the strength of my life. He promised to keep me, never to leave me.” This powerful song silenced the protesters, and Lee eventually returned inside, leaving the protesters flabbergasted, ridiculed, and stumped outside.
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Lee’s response is an example of the continued fight against anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, which is perpetuated by right-wing extremists across the country. As a performer, drag queens depend on gigs to support themselves, and the anti-drag sentiment Republicans perpetuate nationwide is upsetting for multiple reasons, including the obvious rights and identity issues. Lee says that if Republicans were honest brokers, they’d realize that drag queens are, first and foremost, entertainers who are there to put on a show tailored appropriately to the audience for which they are hired to perform. Just like any other act one can book.
Lee has a message for those out there who are concerned about drag: go check out a brunch or story hour with your kids or leave the kids at home and come with your friends to an evening performance. “The shows are not about trying to transform somebody or convert somebody to be gay or trans,” Lee says. “See the show for yourself before you judge a drag entertainer.”
In a time where the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is still ongoing, Shi-Queeta Lee’s confrontation with anti-LGBTQ+ protesters shows that there are individuals who are willing to stand up and fight for their community. With her powerful voice and unwavering conviction, she was able to silence the protesters and send a message of hope to those who continue to face discrimination and prejudice.
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