A group of drag performers is set to protest President Trump and Vice President Vance’s attendance at the opening night of Les Misérables at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The event is scheduled for Wednesday night, and the performers aim to express their opposition to the administration’s stance on drag shows.
Four to six drag artists, part of a collective known as Qommittee, plan to attend after some ticket holders donated their seats due to discomfort with Trump’s involvement at the venue. One performer, who goes by the stage name Vagenesis, expressed her desire to speak out against the president’s commitment to ban drag shows at the center. She believes that theater should be inclusive and a space for everyone to share stories and celebrate life.
Trump’s recent leadership changes at the Kennedy Center have sparked controversy. He announced that there would be "NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA," following the dismissal of previous board members and the appointment of new ones, including allies from his administration. This shakeup has led to some artists canceling performances, and events like the Capital Pride Alliance’s Pride month activities have been moved from the center.
Vagenesis shared her feelings of fear and anxiety about the protest, noting the uncertainty of how attendees will react. However, she also feels empowered and energized by the opportunity to stand up for her community. She hopes their presence will send a clear message: they will not back down in the face of discrimination.
While the performers do not expect to change the minds of Trump or his administration, they want to reach out to those who support drag culture or are open to understanding it better. Vagenesis stated, "We’re not allowing this kind of bigotry and erasure to stop us from doing what we want to do, or from existing."