Survivor of Club Q shooting joins artists in preserving drag culture.
In the wake of recent anti-LGBTQ legislation and hate-crimes against drag performers, a collective of artists led by a Club Q shooting survivor, Hysteria Brooks, has unveiled Qommittee. This initiative is dedicated to uniting drag artists and fans into a national network for safety and advocacy.
In a note to CNN, Scott Simpson, a strategic manager at civilrights.org, foregrounded the group's intentions: "[The organization] is designed to assist drag performers in shielding themselves from prejudice and navigating the business aspects of their profession while also championing free expression."
Last year, a staggering 510 discriminatory bills were tabled in US state legislative houses, smashing previous records. Over 40 of these addressed the issue of drag performances, categorizing them under "adult cabaret" law.
During the six-month span from June 2022 to April 2023, there were 138 documented cases of harassment, intimidation, or assault toward drag performers or related events, as per the Anti-Defamation League.
Qommittee offers legal support, therapy, and even community connections for drag performers. Five artists, including Brooks, joined the movement and affixed their signatures to the call to action document at launch time.
The emotional weight of post-shooting life has proven far too difficult for Brooks to articulate. "The healing process has mainly been in our hands," she said. "Our mission is to rebuild, and this time, we aim to make it more resilient."
Tiara Latrice Kelley, a fellow performer from Colorado who shares associations with both Club Q and the Pulse Nightclub, the scene of a 2016 shooting that left 49 dead, is equally enthusiastic about the project. "Amidst the gravity of this situation, it's crucial to acknowledge the joy that drag brings. Drag enables realness, relieves tension, and allows us to loosen up."
Kelley stressed the importance of resistance in the face of vitriol: "Though the negative energy is strong, I remain unwavering in my determination not to let these ignorant individuals subdue my brightness. I invite others to witness our work and potentially join us."
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In support of preserving drag culture and combating discrimination, Qommittee, led by Hysteria Brooks and other artists, aims to provide legal assistance, therapy, and community connections for drag performers. Furthermore, this initiative seeks to uplift entertainment through drag performances, promoting joy, relaxation, and resilience in the face of adversity.
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