‘All Hail The Queens’ | Despite an alarming spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislature, East Point hosts celebrity event for the community
"Drag Down South" is a star-studded celebration sponsored by The Atlanta Eagle and the City of East Point
East Point, GA — "I Will NOT Comply." - Bella DuBalle, Memphis drag performer
As we approach the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, widely attributed as the watershed moment that crystalized the modern-day LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, we find ourselves culturally at an ugly and yet, unfortunately, all too familiar outbreak of discrimination.
Drag performers are the most recent members of the LGBTQ+ family to fall under the crosshairs of far-right conservatism.
As of the time of this article, at least fourteen states have begun drafting 'anti-drag' legislation -- including Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.
Vox Pop ATL sat down for an intimate conversation with the owner of the Atlanta Eagle, Richard Ramey about his participation in the “Drag Down South” show and the importance of drag to the broader community.
"If you know anything about East Point, it's kind of known for drag," asserts the East Point native. "The Possum Show was around for many years."
When tonight’s event, “Drag Down South” was initially pitched to Ramey by the City of East Point government last year, the current onslaught of political rhetoric was barely a whisper.
However, in the wake of several cities canceling their Pride ceremonies, the need for such an event has become more critical than ever.
"We're not asking anybody to come to a drag show here at this point if you don't want to," Ramey states. "But just let us be."
Ramey shares with Vox Pop ATL that his love for the art form of drag stretches all the way to high school and that he hopes that Georgia doesn't take the same steps that other US states have to ban or limit drag performances.
The lineup for tonight's show features a virtual who’s who of Atlanta drag legends including – Mr. Charlie Brown, Shawnna Brooks, Bubba Dee, Amber Divine, Chucky Deville, Charmaine Sinclair Dupree, Misti Shores, Lena Lust, Myah Ross Monroe, and Tatianna Tuesday Dickerson.
In addition to that impressive roster of talent, the remaining original Possums, Prissy Cilla, and Shenita Lott, are set to perform at tonight’s celebration, along with none other than Grammy and Tony Award Winning performer, Jennifer Holiday!
The “Drag Down South” show will be held on the front steps of the East Point City Hall located at 2757 East Point St. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
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