Photos: DC drag is here to stay
Last week President Donald Trump fired several members of the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees, citing drag performances at the cultural institution as part of his reason. The president swiftly installed a number of loyalists to the Board who late yesterday elected Trump as the new Board Chair. Trump has stated his intention to make changes to the arts and cultural programs at the Center.
According to the Human Rights Foundation, "Authoritarians have always understood a certain truth: creativity is a threat to their power. The suppression of artists and the creation of state-approved art have historically characterized totalitarian regimes...Art allows one to express their opinions, beliefs, identity, and humanity. That is why its ability to exist and be created freely must be safeguarded as the cornerstone of a truly democratic society."
Trump is trying to ban drag performances in our community — but DC drag artists and the queer community are here to say that this is our house, we'll do it anyway.
On February 13, 2025, Free DC, Claudia Jones School, Harriet's Wildest Dreams, Good Trouble Cooperative, DC Dyke March, Occupation Free DC, and some ✨ special guests✨ showed up loud and proud in our best looks to say we’re not going anywhere.
News about this event
Hundreds of drag queens, activists & LGBTQ+ allies converge on Kennedy Center to protest Trump’s takeover (The Advocate)
PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Protesters Drag Trump’s Kennedy Center Takeover (Washingtonian)
Dancing protesters denounce Trump’s Kennedy Center takeover (Washington Blade)
Protesters rally against Trump-led changes at Kennedy Center in DC (ABC 7)
DC residents, artists and relatives of JFK react to Kennedy Center shakeup (NBC Washington)
DC’s queer, trans community protests Trump’s takeover of Kennedy Center (DC News Now)