Chicago's drag superstars unite for massive fundraiser to ensure the rights of LGBTQ community
Wed. April 12, 2023 9:11 AM by Kevin Wayne
drag performer and activist lucy stoole
photo credit // provided
“This event hopes to bring some joy, show the world the transformative and loving nature of drag and raise some major funds for some of our favorite organizations,” says organizer Lucy Stoole
Drag performer and activist Lucy Stoole has teamed with Metro Chicago to organize a star-studded benefit show raising money to fight anti-drag and transphobic legislation passed in Tennessee and other states.
“My drag - and drag in general - has always included an aspect of activism and community outreach,” said Stoole, who is a founding member of the Chicago Black Drag Council and co-organizer of the 2020 Drag March for Change.
With that in mind, Stoole organized the “Chicago Love Drag!” benefit show featuring nearly 50 performers, including "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Dragula" stars and local favorites including Abhijeet, Irregular Girl, Nico and Tenderoni.
Alexia Noelle Paris, a drag queen from Tennessee, will also be among the performers at the April 14 fundraiser happening at Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark St.
“It's important for us as a community to be unified and be using our voices and collective power now more than ever to stand up for our rights and the rights of our LGBTQ family, especially the T,” explained Stoole.
“These drag bans are thinly veiled attacks on the Trans/GNC community and all LGBTQ rights,” Stoole added. “This event hopes to bring some joy, show the world the transformative and loving nature of drag and raise some major funds for some of our favorite organizations in Tennessee and beyond.”
Funds raised through the show will benefit the ACLU of Tennessee, Transformation Project, Tennessee Equality Project and Life is Work, a Black- and trans-led organization on Chicago’s West Side.
Tickets are $20 and available online.
Chicago Love Drag
Friday, April 14, 7 p.m.
Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark St.
“My drag - and drag in general - has always included an aspect of activism and community outreach,” said Stoole, who is a founding member of the Chicago Black Drag Council and co-organizer of the 2020 Drag March for Change.
With that in mind, Stoole organized the “Chicago Love Drag!” benefit show featuring nearly 50 performers, including "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Dragula" stars and local favorites including Abhijeet, Irregular Girl, Nico and Tenderoni.
Alexia Noelle Paris, a drag queen from Tennessee, will also be among the performers at the April 14 fundraiser happening at Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark St.
“It's important for us as a community to be unified and be using our voices and collective power now more than ever to stand up for our rights and the rights of our LGBTQ family, especially the T,” explained Stoole.
“These drag bans are thinly veiled attacks on the Trans/GNC community and all LGBTQ rights,” Stoole added. “This event hopes to bring some joy, show the world the transformative and loving nature of drag and raise some major funds for some of our favorite organizations in Tennessee and beyond.”
Funds raised through the show will benefit the ACLU of Tennessee, Transformation Project, Tennessee Equality Project and Life is Work, a Black- and trans-led organization on Chicago’s West Side.
Tickets are $20 and available online.
Chicago Love Drag
Friday, April 14, 7 p.m.
Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark St.