This Fourth of July holiday, RuPaul's Drag Race lit up Manhattan’s Times Square, comparing our founding fathers to drag queens and sharing ways to support LGBTQ+ organizations.
Produced by Uncommon Creative Studio and RuPaul's Werk the World tour, the billboard illustrates the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In bright pink text, a message reads: "The Declaration of Independence was written by men in wigs, heels & tights. Drag is a first amendment right. This Independence Day, support your local LGBTQ+ charity. “
The billboard also urged viewers to donate to LGBTQ+ charities this Independence Day, even suggesting organizations such as the Trans Law Center, The Point Foundation, or National Black Justice Coalition.
RuPaul’s Drag Race protests drag bans with Times Square billboard > https://t.co/6RQ8yrvtX4 pic.twitter.com/p4SAOgtfRy
— It's Nice That (@itsnicethat) July 5, 2023
In a statement, Uncommon Creative Studio explained the protest visual aims to highlight the current attack on LGBTQIA+ rights.
“This billboard aims to raise awareness and show the hypocrisy of right-wing figures using the Founding Fathers' rhetoric to pass bills that go against the freedoms they fought for,"
Currently, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed in just this year alone.
“Most recently, the US Supreme Court dealt a major blow to LGBTQ+ rights by ruling that a Colorado wedding website designer can refuse to create work for members of the community if it conflicts with religious beliefs,” Uncommon Creative Studio added.
“The decision was reached by a six to three vote of the conservative supermajority and opens the door for businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ people based on their sexuality.”
Of the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation are the controversial drag bans, legislation which has swept across the country. Some of these drag bans prohibit drag performers from their art in public places where children may be present.
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