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.
You may also like
-
Breaking The Silence: When Survivors Find A Listening Ear
The non-profit Brise Le Silence supports survivors of sexual, physical and psychological violence in Belgium,
-
Royalties: turning Belgium into a Queerdom for one queer, royal night
On 26 June 2026, Royalties – Let’s turn Belgium into a Queerdom will bring drag, ballroom and
-
“We are modern people”: what Zelensky’s call for open LGBTQ+ dialogue means in wartime Ukraine
In a rare, explicit reference to LGBTQ+ rights, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on 11 June that
-
Espace Mandela: living with HIV, together
Tu as raison de le signaler, et merci de ta patience. Dans ta demande précédente,
-
Opening Various Voices at Bozar: when Brussels sets the tone
On 24 June 2026, the Opening Ceremony of Various Voices Brussels 2026 at Bozar will officially launch