What a Drag!
HAVEN’s HARRT group is one of the nonprofits who will receive proceeds from the event. We spoke with Debbie Soro, one of the founders of our HARRT program, about What a Drag.
Why HAVEN?
Two reasons. One is that Holly Grace Currie and I co-founded the H.A.A.R.T. youth group back in 2015 at Enoch’s High School with the help of HAVEN. It has always held an extremely important place in my heart because we could see immediately the difference that it made, not just for our HARRT kids, but for the people that they shared their message with. That first group of youth leaders went into health classes that first year as part of their advocacy project and taught their peers about what healthy relationships should look like. There is no better feeling than knowing that we provided a safe and supportive space to empower students and we were honored to see the fruits of our labor. Second, I pitched this idea to a few other organizations back in 2019. Haven was the only organization that was willing to take a chance on my idea and really embrace the concept of creating an event where people who normally might not occupy the same space would be brushing elbows with each other. Sadly, COVID quashed the first attempt at What A Drag, but luckily for me, my Kappa Epsilon sisters have been super supportive of bringing it to life this year.
What is your vision for "What a Drag?"
The vision is multi-layered. First, I want to be able to educate the community about what drag is and what it isn't. I want to correct the misinformation about drag and drag performers, especially considering today's political climate. I also want to educate folx about healthy relationships, LGBTQIA issues, and acceptance in general. This is why the Rainbow Resource Center and HARRT have been invited to participate at the event. Second, I want to bring the community together to celebrate local talent and support local, smaller nonprofits. I know this is cliche, but I want unity in the community. Third, I have a theater background and see things in terms of "ACTS" - for example this show has two ACTS. Each ACT has a good deal of entertainment, hopefully a subtle educational component, and a not-so-subtle message about love, empowerment, and acceptance. Like a musical, there will be an opening expert ensemble performance number, an entire cast ensemble closing number and a spectacular curtain call, in addition to drag and other performances.
Are you planning on hosting other events?
In my head I am always planning events and/or having whacky ideas, LOL! Seriously, it is my secret desire that What A Drag will become an annual event with a rotating cast of performers/community leaders and rotating nonprofits who will be the beneficiaries of the money we raise.
