RuPaul’s Drag Race protests drag bans with Times Square billboard

Uncommon Creative Studio, Voss Entertainment and RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour are behind a billboard that appeared in Times Square yesterday (4 July). It contains one key message: Drag, like any other art form like dance, fashion or music, is a form of creative expression and is therefore protected by the First Amendment.

Using hot pink type, the billboard also calls attention to the construct of gender. Gender expression and fashion changes over time; what is considered drag today, was not yesterday. “The declaration of independence was written by men in wigs, heels and tights,” it says.

The billboard aims to highlight the attack on LGBTQIA+ rights using the language surrounding Independence Day – a holiday that many illustrate is not inclusive to all. “This billboard aims to raise awareness and show the hypocrisy of right-wing figures using the Founding Fathers rhetoric to pass bills that go against the freedoms they fought for. That’s why, now more than ever, it’s so important to support your local LGBTQ+ charity.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race encourages onlookers to support LGBTQIA+ charities as anti-LGBTQIA+ bills continue to sweep America; as of 5 July, an anti-trans bills tracker is tracking 560 bills in 49 states. On 1 July, legislation went into effect in Tennessee banning gender-affirming health care for minors.

A release from Uncommon adds: “Most recently, the US Supreme Court dealt a major blow to LGBTQ+ rights by ruling that a Colorado wedding website designer can refuse to create work for members of the community if it conflicts with religious beliefs. The decision was reached by a six to three vote of the conservative supermajority and opens the door for businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ people based on their sexuality.”