What are Drag Story Hours, and what are they up against?

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In this episode of the Laura Flanders Show, we explore both the struggles and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month 2023 by diving into the right-wing extremist backlash permeating the inclusive, family-friendly activity known as Drag Story Hour. We explore what LGBTQ activists are doing about it, and what the media is getting wrong (and right) in its portrayal of this conflict. 

Through the context of the historical brutality at New York's Stonewall Inn in 1969, as well as the modern legal challenges and reactionary legislations threatening queer self-expression — this episode highlights the various adversities faced by the community and what activists, allies and the media can do about it. 

Our guest, Naomi Dix, a drag artist from North Carolina, shares the shocking harassment her show faced in Moore County, which ultimately took place in the dark after a sabotage attack on an energy substation — an attack that left 45,000 households and businesses in the dark for five days in December 2022. 

In spite of such trials, the resilience and courage within the LGBTQ+ community and the role of allies in promoting diversity, acceptance, and empathy are on display through initiatives like Drag Story Hour. 

The media also plays a role in this conflict. Mainstream media often sensationalizes coverage of LGBTQ+ issues — but the movement calls for more nuanced, community-centric narratives. 

When looking at LGBTQIA+ issues through the historical lens of the gay rights movement, trans rights protests, and US Pride protests, the need for visibility, acceptance, and a balanced portrayal of the community's struggles and triumphs has never been clearer. 

Join us for this enlightening episode as we celebrate Pride Month 2023, reflecting on LGBT history, the gay and trans rights movement, and the ongoing fight for equality.

“We never thought in a million years, especially drag artists of my generation, that we would have to be facing the same things and issues that our parents were telling us that they were having to face in the 50s and the 60s and the 70s and the 80s.” - Naomi Dix

“What we're seeing is an overlapping of the identities that our communities represent, and the approach to how we combat these forces. It's really powerful when we can say the counter protestors outnumber those who don't want us here.” - Mitra Kalita

“I think that Drag Story Hour as a whole gives us a great look and a microcosm of drag trans and queer worlds, because it represents how they're being attacked in terms of losing rights to exist safely, and the Proud Boys, specifically digging their heels into inflammatory, destructive and untruthful accusations against these communities.” - Sam Zachar

Guests:

Naomi Dix: Drag Artist, Activist & Member of Durham NC BIPOC Operated House of Coxx; Co-Chair, Pride: Durham, NC

S. Mitra Kalita: Co-Founder, URL Media

Sam Zachar: Reporter, Podcast Producer, Epicenter-NYC

Full Show Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.

Music In the Middle:   “Knockin’” by Nickodemus and Bad Colours featuring The Illustrious Blacks from Nickodemus’ Soul and Science Album, courtesy of Wonderwheel Recordings.

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