With drag under attack all over America and bills being proposed nationwide that are literally banning drag performances, the LGBTQ Asbury Park entertainment complex Paradise has announced that May 7th will be officially Drag Queen Visibility Day in Asbury Park, NJ. This official proclamation from the City of Asbury Park comes on the heels of the State of Tennessee becoming the first state to sharply restrict drag shows by banning performances on public property and in places where they could potentially be viewed by minors (a ban that received a last minute reprieve from a federal judge). This has now set a precedent for other states to make subsequent moves to create similar laws.
On May 7th, Paradise will be setting a precedent of their own by declaring that day officially “Drag Queen Visibility Day”. This will symbolically show support for both the art of drag and the community as a whole, nationwide. Paradise be holding a day-long drag festival highlighting various drag performers who through their own individual talents, will demonstrate that drag is much more than just entertainment. Paradise will be holding everything from a bake sale to a child-friendly Drag Queen Story Hour to a Drag Queen Comedy Hour to a Drag Zumba class!
Paradise is already well-established as a star making venue, (even receiving a nod from the RuPaul’s Drag Race judges panel this season). Former Miss Paradise winners include Drag Race alumni Honey Davenport and Olivia Luxx, withDrag Race superstars Luxx Noir London, Jasmine Kennedie and Alexis Michelle all paying Paradise return visits this year. On May 7th, former Miss Paradise winners Jolina Jasmine, Victoria Courtez, and current Miss Paradise 2023 Sapphira Cristal will all be taking part in the event among others, with other surprise queens and performers yet to be announced.
For events prior to 5pm, Paradise will ask for a suggested donation of $5, with events after being a $10.00 cover charge. A portion of the queen’s tips and other proceeds from the event will be donated to the Human Rights Campaign.
Empress Hotel Asst. Manager Ryan Jimenez expressed the need for this crucial need for this event right now. “Enacting these types of laws allows for harassment and the silencing of LGBTQIA+ individuals and opens the door for harsher and more dangerous legislation. We cannot be afraid, and must do as we always have as a community to battle such blatant hatred. We hope by declaring this day, other municipalities will follow in step and show their support for our brothers and sisters nationwide.”
For a full list of Drag Queen Visibility Day events click here
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