Emporia’s one and only drag superstar returned home Friday to a welcome like no other.
Emporia native and RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 competitor Q came home to the Emporia Granada Theatre for a combination drag show and watch party of the latest Drag Race episode. On top of an opportunity to speak with Q during the episode’s airing, residents got to watch as Q was crowned the episode’s winner.
Friday’s event was organized by Emporia’s Pride Celebration Committee with proceeds going to support the Emporia Pride activities in June. Sarah Bays of Emporia Pride says putting on the event was something they felt they had to do not only to celebrate Q’s accomplishments but to also say thank you for all Q has done to help legitimize Emporia’s now annual Pride festivities.
Q didn’t make the trip to Emporia alone as several members of his drag family from Kansas City came along and put on a special drag show for all in attendance. RuPaul’s Drag Race began airing in 2009 and currently consists of 16 seasons. Since its inception, the show has gained tremendous popularity and praise winning multiple Prime Time Emmy Awards.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
