Following last month’s shooting at the LGBTQ+ nightclub, Club Q, in Colorado Springs, the community is left grieving for those lost and in fear of more violent attacks.
The shooting left five people dead and more than a dozen injured after a shooter opened fire during a drag show celebrating Transgender Day of Remembrance.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, several RuPaul’s Drag Race alums spoke with NBC news, saying they are traveling with increased security, utilizing safeguards like metal detectors at gigs, and mapping out possible escape routes at venues.
“It’s mortifying that we even have to think about these things for something as joyous and celebratory as a drag show,” said RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2 winner Alaska, who has planned escape routes and had police stationed down the block from venues.
“Why do we have to be worried about where the exits are and where a safe route to get to safety is? It’s terrifying, but that’s the reality of it.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 winner, Jinkx Monsoon said, “We’re trying to smile and make people happy for the holidays, and in the back of our heads we’re thinking, ‘I hope I don’t get shot.”
Monsoon additionally said that she has hired armed guards and banned re-entry at her shows as precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, Latrice Royale explains how the rise in popularity of drag through TV competition shows had lead to an increase in attacks throughout the drag and LGBTQ+ community.
“Back in the day, before drag was so mainstream and on every television channel and all of the media and daytime, we were underground,” said Royale.
Events in the community have become so threatened that earlier this week the Department of Homeland Security warned in a terrorism advisory bulletin that targets of potential violence include the “LGBTQI+ community.”
A recent GLAAD report also found that 124 drag events in 47 states have been the target of protests and threats this year.
Hey queen! Don’t miss out on our exclusive curation with the one and only fashion RAJA! Subscribe to Drag Society today.