Minneapolis, MN – On June 28 Taking Back Pride (TBP) took to the streets ahead of the Twin Cities Pride (TC Pride) parade. The activists were demanding TC Pride cut ties with cops and with the corporations that profit from climate change, racism and the genocide in Palestine, and instead use its huge platform to stand against the massive wave of legal and physical attacks upon LGBTQ people, especially trans people.

TBP says TC Pride ignores the radical legacy of Pride and needs to continue fighting for LGBTQ liberation. Protesters want more than a rainbow State Fair that mainly appeals to corporate sponsors and conservative elements.

This year, TC Pride coordinated with the violent and homophobic Minneapolis Police Department and also hired two private security firms to try to prevent the Take Back Pride march. After meetings last year with TC Pride stating that they “respected” the protest, their security tried to block this year’s protest. They tried to add barricades in front of marchers, attempted to hold the barricades closed, and then drove golf carts at protesters to try to block and intimidate them.

Police hired by TC Pride dangerously grappled a motorcyclist between two of their vehicles leading to injury and damage to the bike. The security hired by TC Pride also harassed at least one bicycle marshal, damaging their bike as well. Several protesters were pushed, shoved and knocked down by security.

One security head for the firm Sequeerity had previously told TBP protest leadership she would, “ride behind you to keep you safe.” Instead, she rammed her motorcycle into a protester’s motorcycle from behind. She then joined in assaulting protesters trying to get on the parade route. Unstoppable, the protesters made their way into the street anyway, where the outrage caused by the security firms’ violence invigorated the crowd.

As in previous years, Taking Back Pride protesters stopped at the TC Pride parade’s grandstand. There they read off the names of trans people murdered during the last year and held a die-in and a moment of silence to honor them. Jae Yates of Twin Cities Coalition for Justice (TCC4J) announced to the crowd, “Hecklers will be punished with additional delay of the parade!” There were no hecklers.

Despite attempts to block them, Taking Back Pride marched the entire parade route, giving speeches and handing out pamphlets to the crowd along the way.

At the end of the parade route is a festival with hundreds of booths in Loring Park. Protesters stopped and occupied the space in front of the Salvation Army booth for over an hour. Several speakers made statements denouncing the Salvation Army's history of homophobia and transphobia. They explained how Salvation Army policies and lobbying harm the LGBTQ community. Onlookers joined the protester’s chants enthusiastically. The Salvation Army response was to throw packages of Oreo cookies.

Protesters then marched to the Marathon Fuel booth to denounce the environmental damage that the oil giant causes. Activists called for a stop to the violence and oppression inflicted on Native American peoples when pipelines are built through their lands and communities. Marathon Fuel packed up their booth and left as protesters were approaching. Another victory for Taking Back Pride.

Several days after the TBP protest, Sequeerity made a social media post stating they were “really proud of how [their] team managed the incident”. It also read, Sequeerity is “owned and operated by queer and poc womxn,” with a stated goal to “create and maintain safe spaces for everyone, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community.”

The security firm falsely claimed in their social media post that they were just trying to keep vehicles off the route, that they didn’t hit anyone, and painted some TBP protesters as violent instigators. But Sequeerity failed to mention in the post how they blocked, assaulted and threatened TBP pedestrians and bicyclists.

Instead, Sequeerity suggested in the post a comparison between queer protesters and right-wing terrorists saying, “No one wanted another NOLA drive through, and there was a number of people in the parade that was listed on the murder manifesto.” This is irresponsible and dangerous rhetoric.

Sequeerity employees and TC Pride leaders know the organizers of Taking Back Pride and know that the group approaching the barriers was hosting a family and community-friendly demonstration. Giving examples of right-wing terrorism confuses people about who their enemies are, while simultaneously doing their dirty work for them.

The experience of protesters this year speaks to the need for community control of police through an all elected civilian police accountability commission (CPAC). TBP’s view is, “We keep our communities safe.”

At Taking Back Pride, the tactical team and marshals kept protesters and the community safe because they are part of the community and accountable. The private security is only accountable to TC Pride that hired them, and in turn the corporate sponsors such as 3M, Wells Fargo and US Bank.

Taking Back Pride will continue to fight to get cops and corporations out of Pride. Pride should be an event that honors the legacy and sacrifice of the queer activists who made such an event possible. TBP promises to bring the spirit of radical grassroots organization to Pride until their demands are met.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #LGBTQ #TBP #Pride

New York, NY – On June 29, upwards of 2500 New Yorkers gathered at the AIDS Memorial for the 7th annual Queer Liberation march which was organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition. The Queer Liberation March is organized to reclaim pride and honor its militant history. It is organized to counter the annual Pride March which takes place on the same day but has become a stage for corporations, cops and liberal politicians to whitewash the legacy of the struggle for queer rights.

To start the rally, several speakers from the Reclaim Pride Coalition talked about the militant history of Pride, giving the Stonewall riots as an example. They also spoke on Trump’s attacks on healthcare, especially gender affirming care for transgender children. Other speakers highlighted how the struggle for queer liberation needs to unite with other struggles such as the Palestinian struggle, the struggle for immigrant rights, the struggle for Black liberation and many other struggles that are taking place. The speaking section of the rally ended with a recital of the queer liberation national anthem.

People then marched down 7th Avenue for 40 city blocks in scorching hot weather. Marshals wearing pink vests were handed out water to keep people hydrated. Queer flags, Palestinian flags and other oppressed nationality flags proudly waved. Marchers held signs denouncing Trump’s attacks on trans rights, the genocide in Gaza, and the whitewashing of queer history.

Several organizations led contingents with banners with slogans such as “Stonewall was a riot!” or “Resist! Reclaim! Rejoice!” or “No pride in genocide!” Chants such as “When trans rights are under attack! What do we do? Stand up fight back!” or “We will not be fucking quiet! Stonewall was a fucking riot!” were being loudly yelled by the people marching. In addition, there were several other activities taking place throughout the march, such as people dancing on cop cars, a large marching band performing songs, and a collective flipping off of the New York Times building.

The march ended at Lenape Circle. The city calls the area Columbus Circle after Christopher Columbus, who the organizers rightfully refuse to acknowledge because of his history of enslaving, raping and killing indigenous Americans. The circle is named Lenape Circle to honor the Lenape people who are indigenous to Manhattan but were ethnically cleansed from the land.

When people arrived at the circle, many gathered to listen to the final speakers of the action while others scattered throughout the park to cool down and rest.

#NewYorkNY #NY #LGBTQ #Pride #Queer

Appleton WI – On Friday, June 27, 100 community members gathered at Houdini Plaza in bustling downtown Appleton for Hate Free Outagamie’s rally to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

This action, cosponsored by Diverse and Resilient, the Green Bay Anti-War Committee and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, focused on the significance of the uprising, and the lessons it teaches us about the present moment.

As the crowd gathered, chants of “Deny existence, expect resistance!” echoed through town as attendees toured organization tables, accessing literature and resources.

Mary Bogen, chair of Hate Free Outagamie, spoke of the LGBTQ movement in Wisconsin. She cited the Black Nite uprising of 1961, the historical occupations of the capitol building in Madison and the development of safe spaces throughout the Fox Valley area. Bogen told the crowd, “This state was called ‘the gay rights state’ not because of politicians, but because we fought for it.” Bogen ended her address by saying, “When we realize Hate Free Outagamie isn't just a name, it’s a demand. That’s Stonewall.”

Lana Ksionek, chair of the Green Bay Anti-War Committee, spoke next. Ksionek spoke of Sylvia Rivera’s experience in New York, Rivera’s gender expression was illegal, and she was unhoused. Ksionek then spoke on her experience as a trans person and the connection to Stonewall, stating “while these are precarious times, I’m not getting arrested for dressing femme, I have a car and a legal job. This is not a ‘be grateful for what you have’ narrative, the point is our material conditions are much better than 1969, Slyvia walked so we could run.”

This was the first of its kind event in the Fox Valley and as the movement continues to grow amidst the second Trump presidency, we are sure we will see more commemorations to come.

#AppletonWI #WI #LGBTQ #Pride #HateFreeOutagamie #AWCGB

Milwaukee, WI – On Saturday, June 28, more than 60 people gathered at Cathedral Square Park in the light of downtown Milwaukee, to commemorate the Stonewall Uprisings and the Black Nite Brawl.

The Black Nite Brawl is a crucial piece of history from 1961, before the Stonewall Riots, where when four individuals chose to go to the Black Nite Bar with the intentions of causing trouble at the locally known gay bar. The bashers were not prepared for the pushback they were to receive. There were countless gays, lesbians and trans people ready to defend themselves, and make it clear that they were ready to fight for their right to exist. The night had quickly escalated, ending with a fight to defend the bar and its patrons.

“This act of resistance predates the more widely known Stonewall Riots and highlights the early involvement of the queer community in standing up against systemic oppression. The brawl has since become a symbol of queer struggle and solidarity, amplifying the role of intersectionality in the ongoing fight for queer liberation,” said Robby Knapp, an SDS member.

The rally featured a handful of speakers, from Students for a Democratic Society Milwaukee (SDS UWM) and the Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee (RJAM), the Milwaukee Anti-War Committee (MAC), the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Endorsing groups included Hate Free Outagamie and Society of Indigenous Students @ UW-Milwaukee. Each of the speakers brought an important piece of pride and how it’s interconnected to their own work as organizers.

A member of MAC, said, “Pinkwashing ignores that both Israel and the United States are themselves violently anti-LGBTQ, as we can see with our current administration as it gleefully attempts to slash LGBTQ rights one bill after the other.” Their speech highlighted the fact that while Israel claims they care for LGBTQ people in the Middle East, the bombs they are dropping on Palestine do not discriminate for the queer people that live there.

Lauren Forbush, from RJAM stated, “Our community is still experiencing the same oppression as our predecessors. The violence hasn’t stopped. We mourn Jonathan Joss, brutally murdered – Infront of his husband. We mourn Sam Nordquist. We mourn Amyri Dior, a vibrant 23-year-old trans woman from Milwaukee, stolen from us. These are not isolated incidents. They are a part of a relentless pattern of violence targeting our trans siblings, our queer family, especially people of oppressed nations who are black and brown, and those facing economic hardship.”

RJAM and SDS UWM had four key demands: “Cops and corporations out of Pride – no more rainbow-washed oppression; Pride was born from resistance, not policing or profit! Keep gender affirming care accessible – trans healthcare is healthcare, no bans, no barriers! Protect trans youth – hands off their healthcare, sports, schools and futures! Healthcare for all! Full access to gender affirming care and trans inclusive services!”

“We cannot stop showing up. We cannot stop fighting! We may have achieved hard-won rights like gay marriage and legal protections for the LGBTQ community, but the Trump administration has proven how easily these rights can be taken away. The overturning of Roe v. Wade, attacks on trans youth, healthcare restrictions for LGBTQ+ communities; we must keep fighting and we will win!” Said Patricia Fish, chair of SDS UWM.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #LGBTQ #RJAM #Pride #SDS #MAC

Denver, CO – On Saturday, June 28, over 200 members of Denver's queer and trans community, along with supporters, gathered at Cheesman Park for a People's Pride March on the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion.

The march was planned by several organizations, including the Bread & Roses Legal Center, Students for a Democratic Society, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, in response to the official Denver PrideFest celebration, which has been becoming an increasingly commercialized event.

Protesters marched from Cheesman Park to the Colorado State Capitol, the site of Denver's annual PrideFest. On the way, the crowd chanted “We will not be quiet; Stonewall was a riot” and “Fuck your assimilation, we want trans liberation” while blocking intersections. At these intersections the crowd listened to speeches from organizers about, among other things, the increasing commodification of Pride.

“Pride has been co-opted and sold back to us by big businesses that make rainbow cups and call it Pride,” said Salem Chadwick, a rank-and-file Teamster speaking on behalf of FRSO. “Enough with corporate Pride and rainbow capitalism.”

The crowd marched onwards to Denver PrideFest, the official celebration organized primarily by The Center on Colfax, the region's largest LGBTQ community center. The Center has come under heavy criticism for its cooperation with corporate sponsors, such as Chevron and JPMorgan Chase, that are contributing to the genocide in Palestine.

The protesters, although initially blocked by event security, were able to take the main stage at Denver PrideFest and delivered several speeches to the crowd before the microphone volume was reduced to barely audible levels.

“We are here today on the 630th day into the genocide in Gaza”, said Alex Borenstein of Jewish Voice for Peace. “And some of the sponsors of this festival are financing that genocide.”

The crowd appeared very supportive of the action, and the march nearly doubled in size as it made its way back onto the streets and back to Cheesman Park for a brief social gathering before the crowd dispersed.

“It was really cool seeing how supportive the crowd at PrideFest was of our message, and how many of them joined us,” said Katherine Draken after the event. “It shows that queer and trans folks want more than rainbow merchandise, we want real community and real resistance. We should absolutely do this again next year.”

#DenverCO #CO #LGBTQ #Pride #PeoplesPride #FRSO

San Jose, CA – On Saturday, June 21, around 280 people rallied at Saint James Park in downtown for the Second Annual People's Pride, a march and celebration spearheaded by community organizers of San Jose to return LGBTQ Pride Month mobilizations to their radical and militant roots.

Romaine Charite, a San Jose transgender and nonbinary activist of the San Jose People's Pride organization, emceed. They started by leading chants such as “Donald Trump has got to go” and “Trans rights are here to stay.”

In a statement read at the protest by Charite, the organizers cite Trump and his administration's posture on transgender people, stating, “His executive order, ‘Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism,’ legally erases trans, nonbinary, and intersex people by defining gender as male or female, and inseparable from sex. And recently, cut over a billion dollars in funding for HIV prevention programs.”

Charite also stressed that 900-plus bills that would negatively affect trans and gender non-conforming people are being considered nationally, a trend that Charite says is not just policy but “a blueprint for erasure.” This year's theme for the Pride protest was “Smash Trump's Trans Bans.”

In solidarity with other popular movements in San Jose, a program of speakers started with two representatives of the Silicon Valley Immigration Committee, Colin Garcia and Jessica Aviles, who provided speeches in both English and Spanish, respectively.

The immigrant rights organization demands “No deportations and no separation of families” as they work to advocate for victims of brutality and detention in the wave of ICE raids and arrests initiated by the Trump administration. SVIC is involved in the campaign to free Ulises Peña Lopez, a Sunnyvale father who they say was “brutally and unlawfully arrested by ICE and is being held at the Golden State Annex.”

Garcia tied together the fight for immigrant rights and trans rights, saying, “Racism, anti-immigrant and anti-transgender bias all work together, often with devastating results in the lives of Latino transgender people. The Trump administration has increasingly increased their attacks on both the trans, queer and immigrant community.”

Tim Phan from the San Jose State University chapter of Students for a Democratic Society, the national progressive student activist organization, spoke on attacks on trans athlete Blaire Fleming, a former student volleyball player. After a class action lawsuit against the NCAA in which Fleming was outed as transgender by her teammate, Phan said, “Death threats were sent online, she was getting harassed from right-wing transphobes everywhere she went, there were entire teams that dropped out just because they feared her existence, and her daily life was disrupted.”

Public support was built by students, who stormed her games with signs to counter hecklers, and a decision by a U.S. magistrate judge for the District of Colorado, who won Fleming the right to play in the tournament, in response to an injunction initiated by rival teams to sit her out. However, once in office, Donald Trump withdrew the Biden-era Title IX policy within the Department of Education that expanded protections against sex discrimination to transgender people and launched an investigation against San Jose State University as part of his executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports.”

Shaena Reyes with San Jose Against War stated, “Often as an out and queer person, when I say, 'Free Palestine' I am met with a 'Well you wouldn’t be free if you lived there' or 'You know they hate queer folks over there'. To that I say, liberation is not conditional.”

Lyla Salinas recited a statement for the Freedom Road Socialist Organization on the legacy of the Stonewall uprisings, saying, “Pride began as an uprising against a brutal police raid, in New York City, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street. When bigoted police threw down the gauntlet, the inn’s patrons threw back the brick.”

Salinas added “Our Pride must honor Stonewall’s legacy, celebrate our identities, and struggle tooth and nail to defend our civil liberties. The best way to do this is to build a united front against Trump.”

The first half of the program speakers wrapped with chants like “Stonewall was a riot, we will not be quiet!” and attendees marched towards the heart of downtown into San Pedro Square, where the city of San Jose held a Pride shopping event. Onlookers watched and cheered in support as hundreds of protesters flooded the alley shouting, “It's a trans revolution!” The march paused at the Qmmunity District, a patch of San Jose's downtown known for its LGBTQ-owned businesses and the community's staple gay bar, Splash.

A second round of speakers, like Sera Fernando, a trans rights activist and manager of Santa Clara County's Office of LGBTQ affairs, added her experiences as a “Trans Filipina” growing up in San Jose.

The march ended with a return to the park, where local LGBTQ talent, like DJ headbdead and rock band Friendship Games, performed live music. Tacos from Silicon Valley Immigration were distributed, and safe sex resources were handed out from the table of Alyssa, Sex Educator and Doula.

Charite highlighted, “This is not a festival, it’s a mobilization and celebration for existing in spite of every attempt to exterminate us.”

#SanJoseCA #CA #LGBTQ #Pride

New Orleans, LA – On the evening of June 14, around 30 community members and organizers gathered outside of Louis Armstrong Park to protest Shell Oil’s Pride sponsorship and march ahead of the New Orleans Pride parade.

“If Shell gets to roll through our streets with a police escort, then we are going to march. You don’t get to attack us and expect us to play nice,” said Molly Frayle from the Queer and Trans Community Action Project (QTCAP).

Heavy thunderstorms threatened to shut down both the parade and the protest, but the rain eventually receded, and the parade was only delayed by an hour. Chanting, “We refuse to be silent, Stonewall was a riot,” the protesters jumped into the street and began marching in front of the parade’s police escort to denounce Shell’s corporate greed.

Police attempted to hinder the march when the parade route turned into the French Quarter. Two police vehicles blocked the right side of the road where protesters attempted to turn, and officers threatened to escalate if the march tried to get through. Undeterred, protesters marched onto the sidewalk and moved around the police cars, chanting “Bottoms and tops: we all hate cops!”

The march continued down Royal Street while demonstrators chanted, “Gave half a million to the right, Shell’s not with us in this fight!” and “Queer people know the time, it’s time to stand with Palestine!” Paradegoers cheered in support.

As the march ended back at Louis Armstrong Park, Blu DiMarco of QTCAP closed out by saying, “Shell likes to pretend they care about LGBTQ people. But they use their politician dogs to attack us year ‘round. We’re not fooled by their little ‘ad-on-wheels’ [parade float] at Pride. We know what they are: the enemy of LGBTQ people in this country and around the world.”

Organizers with QTCAP will be holding a People’s Pride event on the anniversary of Stonewall this year – Saturday, June 28 – to honor the historic uprising and a long legacy of queer resistance. The rally and march will begin at Washington Square Park, near the city’s Marigny neighborhood, at 5:30 p.m.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #LGBTQ #QTCAP #Pride

Tallahassee, FL- Tallahassee SDS hosted its annual pride talent show at The Bark on June 12. Members of the community were encouraged to share their talents in celebration of Tallahassee’s diverse queer community.

Queer community members came together to show solidarity in a state where the LGBTQ community has been increasingly under attack by the state government’s Republican supermajority. Several bills have been passed and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, including bans on gender-affirming care, removals of classes deemed “woke” due to the inclusion of LGBTQ history, and restrictions on the discussion of LGBTQ identities in the classrooms.

Community members shared their art through music, poetry and dance, showcasing their creativity. And while the event was a jubilant celebration of creativity and community, it also served as a reminder of the need for continued activism and advocacy.

Tallahassee stands at a crossroads as continued attacks against the LGBTQ community, both on the state level and now on the national level from the Trump administration, continue.

Even locally in Tallahassee, which is often considered a “progressive” city, the attacks have taken a toll. In February, Florida State University attempted to silently axe its LGBTQ housing program, a lifeline to queer students who could potentially face discrimination or even violence if placed in other housing.

It was only due to the swift action of student groups like Tallahassee SDS, TCAC, and the Pride Student Union that the decision was reversed. In what was a true testament to the power of the people – even before a planned protest, the sheer public response was so negative that the university administration was forced to reverse its decision. LGBTQ housing at FSU began only due to the work of local activists, and it was ultimately the work of other activists that would maintain it.

The Pride talent show was also a time of reflection and mourning, as attendees recognized the ninth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting. Over 49 were killed and 53 injured at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando after it was targeted by a shooter in a horrific act of hate and violence. The gay night club was specifically targeted, and most of the victims were LGBTQ and Latino, as the shooting occurred on “Latin Night” at the nightclub.

As attacks continue against queer people, solidarity has become more critical than ever. The Pride Talent Show, while not a protest or rally, was a great place to build community, to come together, to celebrate and to remember the past.

#TallahasseeFL #FL #LGBTQ #Pride #StudentMovement #SDS

Pride month this year starts with Trump attacking the LGBTQ community every chance he gets. No matter how desperate and unbearable the attacks from reactionaries become, we must remember that our resistance and history is greater than anything the Trump Administration or any other enemy can throw at us. Pride month is a reminder of our courageous history, of our struggle to win our democratic rights.

Pride began as an uprising against a brutal police raid, in New York City, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher street. When bigoted police threw down the gauntlet, the inn’s patrons threw back the brick. Pride celebrations started with that rebellion, and must continue to honor its spirit. It was the revolutionary attitude of LGBTQ people fighting back against police repression in the street that started our liberatory movement.

This fight back was a united one. Patrons were Black, Puerto Rican, gay, trans, and working class. All of those patrons knew the police officers who threatened them for who they loved and how they dressed were their enemies. The movement that they sparked forged community through struggle, and taught those facing political repression an important lesson: united, they could win and overcome even the most repressive laws and violence.

Today, anti-LGBTQ attacks are surging, and the corporations that used to wave the rainbow flag are cowering. But the people’s movements are still growing and developing in spite of all the pushback. Our Pride must honor Stonewall’s legacy, celebrate our identities, and struggle tooth and nail to defend our civil liberties. The best way to do this is to build a united front against Trump. Pride shouldn’t be seen as the isolated issue of one community. If you recognize LGBTQ people’s revolutionary potential to help tear down this rotten system, now is the time to stand with them.

Solidarity with the LGBTQ community is vital for all movements fighting for liberation, whether it be those fighting to end police brutality, fighting to end the deportation and mistreatment of immigrants, or fighting for working class people to have political and economic power.

Join local Pride Actions being put on in your community – any Pride month rallies, marches, or events being hosted. If your community already has a large LGBTQ movement or consistent organizing, take part in advanced actions that honor Stonewall’s revolutionary legacy. Unity is critical, and moving people forward with a fighting spirit is the next step. We need to prepare people for the upcoming fight against repressive LGBTQ legislation, and rally those who have become politically conscious and engaged to struggle against the heightened repression of the Trump presidency.

#LGBTQ #Pride #FRSO #Statment

Mandeville, LA – On Saturday, June 7, over 1000 protestors gathered in Mandeville to celebrate the second annual Northshore Pride. The streets were closed along the Mandeville Lakefront for the determined protesters to march carrying signs and flags in 100-degree temperatures. Supportive crowds from diverse Northshore communities lined the route, creating a buffer between the marchers and small groups of Christian-fundamentalist counter-protesters.

Large signs towards the front of the parade carried messages such as “We march not just for joy, but for justice” and “We will not be silent. Will you raise your voice with us?” Behind the main banner for the parade, flag holders carried the flags representing different communities in the LGBTQ+ umbrella. In the center, a Palestinian woman flew the flag of Palestine to show solidarity amidst the genocide being carried out by Israel with the support of the U.S. government.

The Northshore is a string of small suburban towns 40 minutes north of New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain, and the area is politically dominated by wealthy conservative Republicans. After facing longtime barriers from local politicians and reactionaries, organizers were able to successfully host the first Northshore Pride in 2024.

This defiant step was significant because it was taken during the first year of MAGA Governor Jeff Landry’s repressive administration. Landry has been a reactionary leader of anti-LGBTQ and anti-choice attacks in Louisiana, even before becoming governor, when he served as attorney general. In his first year in office, he has taken every opportunity to pass anti-LGBTQ legislation such as a “Don’t Say Gay” bill and attacks the inclusion of LGBTQ people in public life.

March attendance doubled from last year for the second annual Northshore Pride in 2025. The event also received growing support from the local community, with many rallying in opposition to attacks from the Trump administration. This year, organizers chose the theme “Protesting with Pride” to capture the broad anti-Trump movement’s spirit of solidarity and resistance.

The march featured solidarity with Palestine prominently despite pushback from local Zionist groups. The organization Northshore for Palestine led a contingent with members of New Orleans groups Queer and Trans Community Action Project and New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports. The contingent carried on the militant legacy of Stonewall as it led the crowd in radical chants while most other contingents danced to music on stereos. The crowd was fired up by a chant quoting the Stonewall hero Marsha P. Johnson, “Not one of us is free, until all of us are free!”

#MandevilleLA #LA #LGBTQ #Pride #Trans #NorthshorePride

Minneapolis, MN – For the seventh year running, community members disrupted the Twin Cities Pride parade, June 30, to protest the inclusion of cops and corporations. Their inclusion comes at the expense of queer community members who want the event to honor the spirit of radical resistance Pride came out of and to continue the fight for LGBTQ liberation. This year, more than 1000 protesters marched with the Taking Back Pride Coalition for not only LGBTQ liberation, but especially for Palestinian liberation.

TC Pride is one of the largest such events in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of people. Taking Back Pride, a coalition initiated by Twin Cities Coalition for Justice (TCC4J), took the street in protest ahead of the corporate-sponsored parade.

The first Taking Back Pride protest focused on demanding an end to police presence in the parade and the festival, but organizers soon expanded their demands to address Pride’s failure to address the needs of Black, brown and indigenous community members, especially trans folks. They have long called on Pride to break ties with the corporations that dominate the parade and festival.

As TCC4J organizer Loretta VanPelt put it, “These corporations funnel millions of dollars into conservative campaigns and laws, they pollute the planet, they support war and genocide. Then once a year they throw a rainbow on their logo and think we’ll just forget all that. But we remember and we want to remind people that our rights as LGBT people are far from secure and that these corporations only care about us when we’re profitable.”

The first Pride march was held in New York City in 1970, marking one year after the Stonewall rebellion, when LGBTQ folks fought back against a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar. The confrontation lasted five nights where, with bricks and molotov cocktails, the community fought back against police terror. This was the time when the LGBTQ liberation made strong connections to other movements, from the Black liberation movement to the movement to end U.S. war in Vietnam. Cities across the country continue to celebrate Pride, but most of these events, including in Minneapolis, have devolved to a party for tourists instead of a political event commemorating the Stonewall uprising against police brutality.

Hundreds of anti-trans bills are set to pass in the next year. Black and brown people continue to be brutalized and killed by police. 40,000 Palestinians have been murdered since October 7. Taking Back Pride Coalition organizers say TC Pride is complicit in these injustices, through silence, inaction and even making space for the FBI, the National Guard, and weapons manufacturers to participate.

A statement by organizers said, “We refuse to allow this disgusting pinkwashing of genocide to continue unchallenged. We march for a free Palestine and an end to all imperialist occupations, for substantive accountability for those impacted by police brutality through community control, for our queer and trans siblings who have been stolen by violence, and for true queer liberation. We march to honor the legacy of Black and brown trans women and nonbinary people who fought for the rights and acceptance of all LGBTQ people.”

Led by Bikers Riding Against Police Brutality (BRAPB), a social justice motorcycle group, and Fury du Nord – a queer and trans motorcycle riding club, protesters marched the same route as the corporate parade, to the beat of the Yalla Drum group and the Unlawful Assembly Marching Band. The corporate parade was delayed, as protesters stopped every few blocks for speakers and performance. One powerful stop was a die-in, where the names of trans people killed in the last year were read aloud. Parade organizers and security complained about delays, but most onlookers were supportive, joining in many of the chants. Some even left the sidelines and joined the march.

The protest ended with multiple actions inside the massive Pride festival at Loring Park. First, protesters took over the Stonewall Stage. Organizer Jae Yates explained the reason for the protest, and then Levi Lake spoke in tribute to Liara Tsai, a trans DJ who was killed just the week before.

Smaller groups broke off to disrupt problematic festival vendors. The FBI and the National Guard both had booths, aiming to recruit from the LGBTQ community. Protesters blocked their booths with massive banners and addressed the crowds of people about their role in oppressing people’s movements at home and abroad. Another group disrupted the Target corporation photobooth, by displaying images of Palestinian martyrs as a protest of the U.S.-backed genocide.

In addition to TCC4J, the Taking Back Pride Coalition includes Anti War Committee MN, Bikers Riding Against Police Brutality, Climate Justice Committee, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, MN Abortion Action Committee, MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee, MN Workers United, People’s Pride, UMN Students for a Democratic Society, Unlawful Assembly Marching Band, and Women Against Military Madness.

#MinneapolisMN #TakingBackPride #TCC4J #WAMM #AntiWarCommitteeMN #Pride #LGBTQLiberation #StandUpFightBack #FreePalestine #MIRAC #SDS #UMNSDS #TwinCitiesPride #TwinCities #Stonewall

Tallahassee, FL – On June 30, two days after the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, students and community members gathered at Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society’s annual pride talent show, one of the longest-running non-corporate pride events in the city. 

SDS organized the talent show to celebrate the historic victories that queer people have won through mass struggle, keeping the spirit of Stonewall alive while resisting rainbow capitalism.

Students enjoyed a wide range of performances from their queer classmates, centering the focus on the real heart of Pride - popular struggle, by and for the queer community, against oppression at the hands of the capitalist system. There are no Chase logos or Raytheon employees here – the students are standing up to corporate co-opting and carrying Stonewall’s torch of liberation.

The event was hosted by local drag queen Hahina Hollywood,who recounted their experiences as an organizer with SDS through the years from the fight against Florida’s anti-queer legislation to the movement for divestment from Israel. Their introduction was followed by music, poetry, comedy and dance.

The SDS pride talent show is one of Tallahassee’s largest Pride Month events, as the city government’s pride events are held in the spring academic semester to maximize profits and disconnect Tallahassee from the global queer movement. SDS presents an alternative for Tallahassee, a beacon of authentic queer culture and resistance. As SDS organizer Joelle Nunez said before her performance, “It is our duty as queer and trans people to know our roots and resist oppression everywhere.”

In July, Tallahassee SDS will be sending a contingent to the March on the RNC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information on the march, go to marchonrnc2024.org. To join or support the Tallahassee contingent, reach out to @tallysds on Instagram.

#TallahasseeFL #TallySDS #Pride #TakeBackPride #SDS #MarchOnTheRNC #Stonewall #LGBTQLiberation

Tallahassee, FL – On June 29, the Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC) along with other activist organizations held a rally in remembrance of Stonewall, the 1969 queer uprising that led to the creation of the current LGBTQ rights movement that exists around the world.

Around ten attendees joined together to talk about the history of the Stonewall Riot and the progressive movements that represent the spirit of Stonewall that exist today.

“Stonewall is about real solidarity, solidarity with the majority of oppressed people around the world, solidarity with Palestine, a solidarity that criticizes the politicians that pretend to stand up with us,” said Delilah Pierre, president of TCAC.

Organizations pointed out the pinkwashing used to disguise and dismiss the oppression of Palestinians in particular. Cas Casanova, who spoke for the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, talked about pinkwashing at Pride. “Pinkwashing still exists in our movements,” said Casanova. “There needs to be a conversation about how to fight back against organizations that say they support queer people but try to betray the radical foundation of our movements, and ignore how the struggle for queer liberation is connected to Palestinian liberation.”

“Stonewall may have been the spark for the queer rights movement, but we will be the flames,” said Kingsley Early, the speaker for Students for a Democratic Society. Participants stated that they would continue fighting for queer, Palestinian and Black liberation.

#TallahasseeFL #FL #LGBTQ #Pride #TCAC

San Jose, CA – On Saturday, June 22, around 200 people gathered in Saint James Park to celebrate the first San Jose Peoples’ Pride.. The event focused primarily on reclaiming the radical militant origins of Pride.

Drusie Kazanova of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization emceed the event and started the program by saying, “We are here today to take back the radical, militant origins of pride. We do not align with the corporations and politicians who try to co-opt our movement while they enable the genocide that Israel is committing against Palestinians.” She emphasized the importance of calling out mainstream Pride celebrations’ ties with genocidal politicians and corporations, such as Lockheed Martin and Nancy Pelosi.

Kazanova added, “Pride is a commemoration and celebration of the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Stonewall was a response to police violence, state repression, and systemic homophobia and transphobia.”

Kazanova finished by drawing parallels between the struggle against police brutality, for the full equality of LGBTQ people, and for a free Palestine, saying, “The oppressed peoples of this world have a common enemy in U.S. imperialism. Our struggles are interconnected. Every blow against our common enemy weakens U.S. imperialism and brings us closer to our collective liberation.”

Tarentz Charite, Haitian-American and member of Students for a Democratic Society, closed the program by speaking about the similarities between the struggles of Caribbean nations and Palestine in fighting against imperialism and neo-colonial foreign policy. “The Dominican Republic receives military training and violent border technology from the Zionist regime of Israel,” Charite stated, emphasizing the direct role that Israel plays in the national oppression of not only Palestine, but other nations as well.

The event was organized by a coalition made up of Students for a Democratic Society, Freedom Road Socialist Organization and Silicon Valley Immigration Committee, along with other organizations

After the program, San Jose Peoples' Pride continued for several hours with live DJs, bands, resource tables and vendors. Organizations present included the local San Jose Brown Berets Chapter, Food Not Bombs, and Justice for Palestinians. Amigos de Guadalupe, a local immigrant’s rights organization, sold tacos to fundraise for their campaign to update and restore immigration registry (HR 1511).

Organizers plan to hold San Jose Peoples’ Pride annually in order to build the popular movement for LGBTQ liberation and create a people-powered, community-oriented pride that prioritizes LGBTQ liberation over the corporate interests.

#SanJoseCA #CA #LGBTQ #Pride #FRSO #SDS #BrownBerets #FoodNotBombs #AmigosDeGuadalupe

Denver, CO – On Sunday, June 23, the Colorado Palestine Coalition (CPC) organized a protest at Denver’s annual Pride Parade to draw attention to the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people and the complicity of companies like Lockheed Martin in that genocide. Denver’s Pride Parade was sponsored by several arms contractors that sell weapons to Israel, like Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. The protest was attended by about 500 people.

Starting at 8 a.m., protesters gathered in a contingent at the beginning of the Pride parade route. Demonstrators held signs and chanted “From Stonewall to Gaza, globalize the intifada!” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” As the crowd grew larger and larger, eventually protesters marched onto the street to join the parade, ignoring the growing line of riot police from the Denver Police Department. Effectively becoming a large contingent in the parade, the protesters continued to march the route to Civic Center Park, stopping to give speeches along the way.

“We gotta unite and fight! We need to build a fightback here at home just like the fightback at Stonewall! Just like the fightback in Gaza!” said Paul Nelson of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Along the march, the vast majority of onlookers supported the protest, raising their fists or even joining in on the march.

Once at Civic Center Park, the crowd marched through security with no resistance and onto the main stage at the Civic Center Park amphitheater. Now having the opportunity to address a much larger crowd of everyday LGBTQ people attending Pride, protesters gave several more speeches.

“The tide is turning, and we have people power! We are in the belly of the beast, and it is our duty to rise up, to reject this in every way we can, however we can, because America is the aircraft carrier from which this offensive is launched!” said an organizer with Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and a third-generation anti-Zionist Jew.

After exiting the stage, protesters gathered in a grassy area for more speeches. In a victory for the demonstration, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, anticipating the backlash they would receive, had already pulled their tables from Pride after the protest was announced.

Despite the presence of dozens of riot cops and an armored police vehicle, the protest faced minimal repression and no arrests were made.

#DenverCO #CPC #SDS #PRIDE

Los Angeles, CA – On June 16, in the heart of Boyle Heights, a neighborhood known for its Chicano culture and activism, hundreds gathered for Orgullo Fest. The yearly festival brings together different communities and allows participants to celebrate both their Chicano and LGBTQ identities in an important cultural and social celebration.

Orgullo Fest was born out of a grassroots effort by local activists and leaders who recognized the need for an inclusive space. Juarez, an events organizer from the neighborhood, managed this year’s celebration.

Boyle Heights, with its strong history of Chicano activism dating back to the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, provides a fitting backdrop for this unique festival.

The festival is a lively mix of cultural events, including a parade, live music, dance performances, art exhibitions, mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, and contemporary artists. This blending of cultural and sexual identities creates a more inclusive environment, encouraging solidarity and mutual respect. This historical context enriches the festival, providing attendees with a profound sense of pride.

Orgullo Fest has had a significant positive impact on Boyle Heights. It provides a platform for LGBTQ Chicanos to express themselves freely and fosters greater understanding and acceptance within the broader community. Local businesses and organizations also benefit from the increased visibility the festival brings to the area.

Orgullo Fest is more than a celebration; it is a powerful statement of identity, resilience and unity, and embodies the spirit of inclusivity and activism that has long defined Boyle Heights. Centro CSO members attended the event, participating in the festivities and celebrating with the community.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #LGBTQ #Pride #OppressedNationalities #ChicanoLatino #CentroCSO #Feature

Mandeville, LA – In a groundbreaking advance for the Louisiana LGBTQ rights movement, a Pride parade has premiered in Mandeville for the first time on June 1. Organized by Queer Northshore, over 500 people signed up to participate in the historic march called “PRIDE Northshore 2024.” The parade’s slogan was, “Y’all Means All.”

Mandeville is a strongly Republican-governed city on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans. With a population of roughly 14,000, it is located in Saint Tammany Parish, with Tangipahoa Parish and Washington Parish collectively known as the Northshore.

In the state of Louisiana, three anti-LGBTQ bills were proposed this year, and the nationwide book-banning movement all originated borders of Saint Tammany. In a 2023 incident a billboard that said, “Ban hate, not books” and illustrated by a transgender teenager was burned down in Abita Springs.

“It’s visibility. When people see trans people and queer people in our communities and begin to become familiar with them, the kind of boogeyman bullshit from the far right starts to dissipate,” states co-founder of Queer Northshore, Jeremy Thompson. “That was the point of [our PRIDE Northshore] billboard too, to be an invitation, and also as a reminder that we’re your neighbors – that we do live there, and you probably know us and don’t even realize it.”

The parade began at 5 p.m. on Lakeshore Drive, with participants and krewes marching down the scenic Lakefront behind a specially-created art piece of the “PRIDE Pelican,” which was designed and illustrated by Ashley Franklin and then sculpted by Ruby Porter. Immediately following the sculpture were large, colorful letters that spelled out “PRIDE.” held by volunteers who marched along the route. Over 25 walking krewes participated in the event, including several groups that varied from local library anti-censorship movements to LGBTQ-inclusive churches, as well as healthcare that support women’s rights and gender-affirming care.

One of the contingents appearing in the parade consisted of Louisiana Allies for Palestine and Northshore Community for Collective Liberation, which also included members of the Queer and Trans Community Action Project (QTCAP) and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO). This contingent was cut from all media attention on local news stations but was included within Queer Northshore’s online archive of photos taken at the event.

“Look at the struggle that queer people have faced here and still do. People have died for being who they are right here,” says Jasmine Joumah, an Arab-Mexican member of Louisiana Allies for Palestine. “Love is always the root for every revolution. Whether people accept it or not, there are queer Palestinians and every LGBTQ person deserves to be seen and fought for. Struggles recognize other struggles. We can’t have full liberation if everyone isn’t liberated.”

Days before PRIDE Northshore debuted, a rainbow flag that flew in front of a Queer Northshore member’s house was ripped and burned in the street. In response to this event, the individual received Pride memorabilia and flags from supportive neighbors across the parish. Homophobic hate groups posted to their social media accounts, planning to disrupt the action. PRIDE Northshore participants stayed steadfast and disciplined in their mission to display their Pride for the first time.

This mobilization of the masses draws similarities to the first Pride parade that took place almost 54 years ago, in commemoration of the Stonewall riots. The initial revolutionary character of Pride continues even in the suburbs, where no corporation has sanitized a natural escalation of the social and political oppression felt by queer and queer-allied Northshore individuals.

Until now, many have lived in silence due to fear of hate and violence. PRIDE Northshore defies the previously established status quo and sets a new precedent for the area, setting the stage for more mobilization and organizing for liberation of not just queer individuals, but all of those affected by capitalist exploitation and oppression.

“Corporations don’t care about queer identity or culture, instead they use us, and pride parades, as a means for profit,” says Blu DiMarco, a member of QTCAP. “Queer liberation will never come from those in positions of power that [are] capitalist tools of oppression, but instead will and should come from the actual queer community. We hear and see each other as people, not a means of profit, and queer resistance has and will always be about community and collective liberation.”

Mel Manuel and Jeremy JF Thompson, the co-founders and co-directors of Queer Northshore, initially founded the group in 2022 in hopes of building a community of LGBTQ people in a place that lacked LGBTQ visibility. Since then, they have held over 100 events for the queer community in their area. Manuel is also the Director of Operations for the Louisiana Abortion Fund, and both have experience representing the working class. Notably, Thompson is also Manuel’s campaign manager as a congressional candidate, where they are hoping to establish a universal basic income, uplift voices of LGBTQ individuals and people of color, and support reproductive rights.

Manuel, raised in Covington, recalls that growing up queer on the Northshore felt isolating and unwelcoming. “I knew lots of queer people, but I didn’t know I knew lots of queer people, because nobody was out. I felt like there was something wrong with me, that I was weird, and I wasn’t like other people. In reality, there was just no visibility in the queer community, so I felt like it was only me. As an adult, you know there are a lot of queer people. But when you’re eight, that may not be so apparent.”

While separate grassroots movements based upon different issues in the area exist outside of Queer Northshore, PRIDE Northshore successfully united many of these groups in a single march with demands of visibility, equality and community.

With 30 events coming in the next month from Queer Northshore, parade-goers and those unable to attend are encouraged to attend future events in the area, which includes support groups, parties, book club meetings, and more.

Despite the challenging political climate throughout the state, the first PRIDE Northshore proved to be a historic and monumental moment in the fight for queer liberation in Louisiana. Thompson states that “queer joy is an act of resistance” in the context of the social oppression of queer individuals in the area.

Thompson also discussed the willingness of the community to show up and be visible together, with 60 volunteers coming together among the hundreds of participants to help with the more organizational aspects of the parade. When asked what the organizers wished for guests to leave with, they wanted guests to leave with hope for the future, and new connections with the community around them. In a context where the queer community was not incredibly visible, yet had such a strong turnout, it was an astounding success and opened a new chapter for many queer individuals.

Thompson said that PRIDE “was a demand the people clearly wanted. It’s not like we had to beg them to come out.” On account of how successful the event was, they likened it to Saint Tammany’s Coming Out Party. “You know, now that we’ve come out, we can’t go back in.”

The results of the event far exceeded any expectations Thompson or Manuel had, further proving that this was something the LGBTQ community wanted, and simply needed strong enough organization to make such a large event happen.

“I think we can leave now, knowing we can see each other,” Manuel says.

After the parade, an afterparty was hosted at Pat’s Rest-a-While. On June 28, at 6 p.m., Thompson and Manuel will host a Pride Talk on Queer Joy to close out Pride Month at the Hammond Library.

On June 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Jackson Square, QTCAP and other organizations are calling a rally against New Orleans’ corporate and pro-Zionist Pride.

#MandevilleLA #NewOrleansLA #LA #LGBTQ #Pride #QTCAP #FRSO

Marshfield, WI – Over 100 community members packed the chambers and overflowed into the lobby of an otherwise routine common council meeting, May 9, in the 18,900 person town of Marshfield, Wisconsin. On the agenda was a period devoted to open comments from the public, and religious reactionaries in the community had attempted to rally comment in opposition to the upcoming Marshfield Pride event in June.

The Pride organizers have already secured rental of the public park, but these people opposed having Pride on public property. In addition to the entire event being moved out of town, the reactionaries demanded a complete ban on a scheduled all-ages drag performance. Of the more than 100 people there, less than 10% of them were a part of this reactionary bloc.

17 people were able to secure public comment time to address the mayor and committee. Only four of those who spoke did so in opposition to Pride while the remaining 13 spoke in favor. The capacity crowd made the chamber walls reverberate with applause at each of the speeches in support of Pride. The four opposition speeches received support from less than a dozen.

Allyson Kildahl, a resident of Marshfield and member of the trans community, was one of the speakers. After the public comment period she said, “In my opinion, this [Pride] is an event of acceptance. I attended the first local Pride. These events gave me the confidence to come out as my true self.”

Kildahl was not the only community member to feel a sense of acceptance from their community at the meeting. An organizer with Marshfield Pride, Kellyn Jepsen, spoke to the council about prior Pride events' successes and the importance of inclusion in the community. “We hoped for a large community turnout at this meeting. We have a message of support, and we were very happy with the showing of support,” Jepsen said.

When asked if the diverse crowd was important in supporting the Pride event and the LGBTQ community, Jepsen agreed.

“Diversity grows solidarity. Seeing broad support from the community for us will ideally lead to other marginalized groups in our area feeling empowered to demand an equal and safe space.”

Three common council members were approached for comment, but all declined. Marshfield Pride is planned for June 24 at the Wenzel Family Plaza.

The struggle for LGBTQ rights is on the rise in response to several state and national level attacks stemming from the reactionary GOP, and often with only lukewarm opposition from Democrats at best or hand-in-hand collaboration at worst. While the spotlight in the fight for LGBTQ liberation is often on the movements taking place in bigger cities, it's in places like Marshfield, Wisconsin or Missoula, Montana where some of the most pitched battles are being waged. Organized resistance to organized reaction is the way forward.

#MarshfieldWI #Pride

Tallahassee, FL – For the last couple of months, I have binge-watched hundreds of hours of YouTube content related to RuPaul's Drag Race. I find myself emotional watching drag queens lip sync to Demi Lovato’s, Sorry Not Sorry. It is excellent television. Seeing talented queer people, especially those of color, grace the screen moves one. Even Shangela's epic read of Mimi Imfurst brings me to tears. That read is absolute poetry.

Going down the rabbit hole of Drag Race-related content, I found a video about Drag Race’s contracts between the show and the contestants.

I’ve also been following a Jacksonville drag performer, Izzy “The Izzmaculate” A’Mon, who has been outspoken about the follies of Drag Race. Their statuses have inspired this article. I asked her what she thought about Drag Race, and she replied, “[I] want to start by saying I feel that Drag Race has done amazing things when it comes to giving visibility to the queer and drag community; it would be foolish to say otherwise. However, things could be improved.”

What I learned absolutely shocked me – even though it isn’t shocking. It’s a familiar tale in the 1% society – stealing the labor power of those who work and exploiting LGBT people.

Behind the beautifully beaten faces, the shimmer and chiffon, death-defying death drops, there is a dark side to this television show. The show has been accused of low pay for participants and creating a monopolization of drag, meaning that viewers conflate drag performance as a whole with Drag Race. This further limits viewers' understanding of drag and implies that there is only one type of drag performance or one way to do drag. Additionally, those participating in drag shows outside RuPaul's Drag Race are not given proper credit or recognition. This exploitation of queer performers needs to be addressed if drag will be adequately appreciated and respected within our society. It's terrible already that reactionaries are committing terrorist acts against drag shows; the last thing we need is further exploitation of our community by mega-corporations like Paramount (the newest season is on MTV) and RuPaul.

As the 15th season of RuPaul's Drag Race begins, it's time to take a closer look at the show's impact on the world of drag performers. Let's delve deeper.

What is drag?

First, let's start with a very brief, incomplete history of drag. Drag is an art form that has been around since the early 1800s. It is a form of performance art that often involves dressing up in exaggerated clothing and makeup to exaggerate physical features and gender identity. Drag is rooted in queer culture and has historically been used to express creativity and affirm community.

Drag has been a powerful form of expression for the LGBTQ community and has been used to challenge gender norms, create community, and fight for social justice. It has also become more mainstream recently, with drag queens and kings performing in nightclubs, television shows, and more, including children book reading (known as Drag Queen Story Hour – which has been the target of hate crimes and terrible legislation – but that is a whole other article).

Drag has also allowed LGBTQ people of color to celebrate and express their identities in a society where they are often not accepted. While drag is a source of pride and liberation for many LGBTQ people, it also carries its challenges, including discrimination and exploitation.

When primarily white pageants were racist to African American queens, performers like Crystal LaBeija were instrumental in creating new spaces for African Americans and Latino people – see the 1968 film The Queen. Films such as Paris is Burning, released in 1990, brought the vibrant world of drag and queer culture to the mainstream, highlighting the lives and struggles of its performers.

Paris is Burning was the first of its kind and is credited with inspiring many of today’s drag queens. Its influence is seen in popular shows such as Drag Race, which brings drag performance into the limelight and has made drag more accessible to a broader audience. Despite the success of drag on television, the entertainment industry's exploitation of queer performers and drag queens persists.

What is Drag Race? RuPaul’s Drag Race is a reality television show created by famous drag queen RuPaul Charles-mononymous, known as just RuPaul. The show follows RuPaul's search for “America’s next drag superstar.” The show features RuPaul and a panel of judges evaluating performances from drag queens who compete in various challenges that involve singing, dancing, makeup artistry and fashion design while also bringing on their drag style and charisma.

The format of each season typically involves multiple elimination rounds and an overall winner being crowned at the end of the season. The show has become a major hit and is credited with increasing mainstream awareness of drag and queer culture. It has been praised for its inclusiveness, though there have been some criticisms of transphobia.

For example, RuPaul himself said, “You can identify as a woman and say you’re transitioning, but it changes once you start changing your body. It takes on a different thing; it changes the whole concept of what we’re doing.” This statement was criticized by fans and members of the LGBTQ community, who rightfully felt it was exclusionary.

However, despite this controversy, many trans women competed on the show, including All Stars Season 6 winner Kylie Sonique Love – the first transgender person to come out on reality TV. The first openly trans man on the show, Gotmikk, appeared in season 13. I would argue that this is very positive and increases the awareness of drag and queer culture. However, this representation comes at the expense of queer performers and drag queens.

Financial exploitation

The contestants are not only judged on their performances, but they are also subject to the harsh contracts they must sign to be on the show. YouTuber BussyQueen provided a very detailed breakdown of the contract. The agreement includes language allowing the production to use what’s filmed on television and in advertising and that there is “no expectation of privacy.”

Additionally, cast members are paid $400 per episode for their first season, and their pay can increase by 5% for future seasons. According to Reality Blurred, “if an eliminated queen is only shown in a flashback or the ‘previously on RuPaul’s Drag Race’ segment, they’re not paid for that episode.”

Contestants on RuPaul's Drag Race are expected to come in looking their best, which often requires a lot of money. According to Vice, contestants can spend anywhere from $4000 to $20,000 of their own money to prepare for the show.

Furthermore, these performers must also pay for their costuming, makeup, travel expenses, and more. This has led to an unfortunate situation where some drag performers have been taken advantage of and left with little to no compensation for their work on the show.

I asked A’Mon what she thought about this: “As the show gains more popularity, focus is put more on people that look good on camera. Is this a bad thing? As a working queen who hasn't been on TV, it can be very difficult to be held to those standards because people see it on TV. Drag Race is motivated to encourage queens to essentially go into debt for this once-in-a-lifetime (unless you look at those contracts) opportunity causing performers to show up in bigger and bigger costumes every year. Every look needs to have its own wig, jewelry, nails, and shoe and the show has actually gone out of its way to call out performers for reusing elements on the show.”

The financial strain of competing on Drag Race can be immense, especially for those who have yet to establish fan bases. While being on the show can open many doors, it can also put contestants into debt if they fail to win or secure post-show sponsorships.

The show's first season started with a cash prize of $20,000, and over time the prize increased, with season 15’s award at $200,000.

Interestingly, this kind of financial investment into drag is a relatively modern concept. According to a 2021 Vice article, drag queens wore vintage clothing until the 80s and the 90s. Drag performers were socially and financially marginalized, making accessing quality materials or resources for their costumes difficult. As Fitzgerald and Marquez put it, “trans women and queer men couldn’t walk into a department store and buy dresses. It was easier and safer to look for a size 13 pump in a used store than to go into the ladies section. The underground aspect of drag defined the aesthetic for a very long time.”

Adore Delano sues

The realities of financial exploitation don't end there. Adore Delano, a former contestant in RuPaul’s Drag Race, sued Producers Entertainment Group, his former management, for allegedly stealing millions of dollars.

Delano claims that he was forced to sign an overly restrictive contract that prevented him from talking publicly about his experience on the show. He also claims that he was not given any privacy and was filmed at all times without his consent. Furthermore, Delano claims that WOW refused to pay him for his work despite having made millions of dollars in profits from its syndication, merchandise, tours and music.

YouTuber BussyQueen has exposed the shadiness of the contract. The contract signed with World of Wonder and Viacom gives the company’s total control over them and the content they create, which is a significant disadvantage to the performers. It's a clear case of exploitation and a monopoly of drag that goes against the essence of what drag is supposed to be – a form of creative expression celebrated by the community and meant to lift queer people.

This is the show using the image of queens for the benefit of RuPaul and the megacorporation Paramount. Low pay makes it difficult for queer performers to make a living off of drag without playing ball with RuPaul, World of Wonder, and its management. As a result, there is leveraging or bargaining power at the point at which they will negotiate. The contract states the split rate is to be negotiated in good faith between the producer and the contestant by industry standards.

RuPaul owns you

In addition to the contractual obligations, it has recently come to light that RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants are also bound by a provision that requires them to use their Instagram profiles to promote the show. The contract requires that the performers “grant the Producer a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable, sub licensable license to reproduce, transmit, display and distribute your name, image, and likeness in and in connection with the Series.” This means that for as long as the show is on air or as long as the producers wish, they can use contestants' names, images and likenesses without providing compensation or royalty payments. This can even extend to using images posted on contestants’ Instagram profiles. Furthermore, contestants must ask producers for permission to appear in non-WOW media.

On the one hand, Drag Race has created a platform for many talented performers who might not have had an opportunity otherwise. On the other hand, it has restricted how these performers can express themselves and has enabled an atmosphere of exploitation and control.

This control over the public life of queer performers is exploitative and monopolizes further drag culture by giving the producer an additional platform to push their show. By controlling what the queens post on their Instagram profiles and using those posts to promote their brand, they are creating an atmosphere where drag becomes synonymous with RuPaul's Drag Race and its associated merchandise. This restricts the potential for drag to grow and develop outside of the show's influence, preventing independent performers from finding success in their own right.

As A’Mon puts it, “ Drag Race showcases a specific type of drag. With the exception of a recent runway done by Victoria Scone – Drag Race's first AFAB queen – there has never been a drag king on the show. Until the most recent season of Drag Race UK there had not been a bearded queen on an English-speaking iteration of the show. These are very common forms of drag that are not being highlighted; therefore, fans of the show don't know they exist and don't know how to respond to them when they encounter them in their local scene.”

In addition, the producer could exercise their rights to require you to appear in a future show season up to four years after your final episode airs. And they are not obligated to pay you any additional compensation or royalties for this participation. This provision gives the producers an extreme amount of control over the lives of queer performers and drags queens. It restricts their ability to develop as independent artists, forcing them to rely on the show for success.

According to BussyQueen, a clause in RuPaul's Drag Race contract states that the show's producers may force a queen to appear in an episode no later than four years after the initial exhibition of the final episode in the immediately preceding cycle. This means a season 14 cast member may receive a call up to four years after that season's finale, requiring them to appear in a future season.

Bussy explains that each subsequent participation in a future cycle resets the four-year clock.

As Bussy pointed out, signing this non-disclosure agreement could mean they just signed away for the next 20 years of their life.

RuPaul's Drag Race is one of the most successful television shows in the world, and it’s clear to see why. The show is entertaining and showcases some of the most talented drag queens worldwide. However, its success has led to the creation of a franchise with an array of spin-off series and international editions.

From its initial success, various international editions have sprung up in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Thailand, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, the Philippines, Belgium, Sweden, Mexico, Germany, and Brazil. In addition to these installments, international “vs. the World” competitions have been hosted in the UK and Canada.

The creation of these spin-off series has allowed RuPaul and his production company, World of Wonder (WOW), to create a monopoly on drag culture. This includes other properties such as YouTube shows Fashion Photo Review, UNHhhh, and Pit Stop. Not to mention DragCon. As a result, RuPaul and WOW are now the sole proprietors of drag culture, dictating what is accepted as ‘drag’ or ‘good drag’ through their platforms. This monopolization of drag culture gives them control over the industry, allowing them to exploit queer performers and drag queens for their benefit.

Because of the platform provided by RuPaul's Drag Race, many performers have no choice but to try out for the show if they want to be successful. If someone can cut the show, immense pressure can lead to burnout or mental health issues.

Finally, even after a queen leaves the show, they are still subject to the strict NDA, meaning they cannot talk about their experience on the show without risk of legal repercussions. The NDA also stipulates that contestants can face financial penalties or disqualification from the competition if contestants break it. This lack of freedom and accountability leads to further questions about the exploitation of queer performers and drag queens in RuPaul’s Drag Race.

This exploitation needs to be addressed, so that drag queens and queer performers can express themselves without being taken advantage of. Companies prioritize profit over people in today's capitalist society, exploiting queer performers and drag queens.

We need a better society where artists are not exploited. It doesn't just end with Drag Race. For example, HBO Max canceled dozens of cartoons with no notice. Overnight, cartoonists had no jobs and lost access to wages and benefits. Those creators do not even own the rights to their own images.

There must be consequences for those companies who fail to abide by basic workers’ rights; otherwise, there will continue to be exploitative practices taking place within the industry. I won't argue for a RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants union, but the show would not be a multi-million success without the drag queens.

Perhaps, through organized worker power, there can be steps taken toward economic justice for all involved with RuPaul's Drag Race; financially compensating drag queens fairly for their work and ensuring proper contracts are in place to protect them.

RuPaul's Drag Race is a particular instance in the general scheme that is capitalism. These political systems affect our lives because that is how our society is currently organized. Everything we consume, every way we work, and every day we live are because of a profit-driven system, including even the things we watch eating Ben Jerry's in pajamas.

Another world is possible

In Cuba, there is a state-sponsored pageant for drag queens and transgender performers called Miss Transgender Star. Cuba has recently passed inclusive LGBT legalization that legalizes same-sex unions, gay adoption, and provisions against gender violence.

It’s surprising to some that Cuba has such a progressive attitude toward the LGBT community. As one LGBT blog, Dallas Voice, stated, “When I think of enlightened and progressive countries regarding LGBT rights, Cuba has never ranked very high on the list. But it looks like I need to rethink my attitude.” The fact that LGBTQ people aren’t even aware of Cuba’s LGBT support is propaganda of the 1%

There have been errors in the way that Cuba treated LGBTQ people. However, there has been a push by the government to rectify those errors. Since 2007, Cuba has commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia. It runs for two weeks. Feel free to look for more information about Mariela Castro Espín—the lesbian daughter of Fidel Castro and noted transgender theorist – who has been instrumental to this push for LGBTQ liberation.

This contrasts with Florida, where gender-affirming care for transgender adults is no longer covered by Medicaid. In Texas, there is talk of legislation to ban drag shows. In North Carolina, vandals destroyed electrical substations in response to an 18+ drag show.

Even in Tallahassee, where I reside, a Florida man has been arrested by the FBI in connection with a mass shooting threat against LGBTQ people at Florida State University. FSU has yet to make a statement.

Under capitalism, the 1% will parade drag queens and celebrate themselves for the most basic LGBTQ representation while at the same time allowing legislative and physical attacks against LGBTQ people.

What's next?

I won't judge anyone for watching Drag Race (I will be watching pirated versions). However, as viewers of RuPaul's Drag Race, it is our responsibility to be more informed about the exploitation of drag queens that has taken place. We need to look beyond the glamour and glitter of the show and become more aware of how drag performers are taken advantage of.

We should look for inspiration from countries like Cuba. We need to be involved in political work that addresses the issues that LGBTQ people face.

We should support local drag artists and performers, who are often overlooked and underpaid. It is also essential to learn more about the history of drag and how people of color have helped to push gender performance and drag to the forefront (e.g., voguing and vernacular).

Additionally, we must call attention to specific issues surrounding Drag Race, such as lack of privacy, economic exploitation, and contractual obligations. We need to support labor and workers' rights as a whole.

Ultimately, we must remember that RuPaul's Drag Race is a television show with real consequences for its contestants. We must demand better treatment for queer performers, from more transparent contracts to fair compensation for their work.

Regina Joseph (she/her) is a Tallahassee activist with over ten years of political work under her belt. She also watches too much TV. Izzy A’Mon (she/they) is a Jacksonville drag performer. You can follow her on social media platforms @theizzyamon.

#TallahasseeFL #Pride #drag

New York, NY – Thousands gathered at Foley Square in New York City on Sunday, June 26, for the fourth annual Queer Liberation March, organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition. It is a yearly event to commemorate Pride Month by going back to its roots as a protest and an alternative to the corporate Pride events in the city.

This year, the demands of the march were freedom for people of color, including Black and indigenous persons; justice for trans people; reproductive justice, and bodily autonomy. The protest came just days after the announcement of the overturn of Roe v. Wade and amidst legislation targeting LGBTQ+ people.

After the crowd met at Foley Square, they marched through the streets to Washington Square Park, where the crowd then celebrated before ending for the night.

#NewYorkNY #Pride #TakingBackPride