Last weekend, Washington D.C. became the stage for a powerful act of resistance. Drag performers and allies took to the streets, marching from Washington Circle to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to protest Donald Trump’s recent takeover of the institution.
DuHon Photography for DMV Social Activist Collective and Qommitte
The rally, organized by the DMV Social Activist Collective and Qommittee, was a response to Trump’s executive orders attacking trans rights and his decision to dismiss the Kennedy Center’s board, replacing it with himself. His first move? Cutting all drag programming and LGBTQ+ performances, including the Gay Men’s Chorus of D.C. and a Pride Month concert.
“We demand that the Kennedy Center reinstate queer programming,” declared drag king Lord Henry to a fired-up crowd. “We won’t let Congress criminalize gender non-conformity and erase queer art.”
DuHon Photography for DMV Social Activist Collective and Qommittee
Trump’s appointment of Ric Grenell, a gay MAGA loyalist, as interim head of the Kennedy Center has only fueled concerns that the arts are being weaponized to push an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.
“This president is demonizing a marginalized community to control the arts in America. It’s shameful, immoral, and weak,” said drag artist Tara Hoot.
The Kennedy Center hosts over 2,000 events annually, making it a cultural powerhouse. But under Trump, its commitment to diversity is under siege. Drag may be under attack, but this weekend’s protest proved that the community refuses to be silenced.
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