The newest fundraiser from Emporia’s House of Morrow was focused on more than just raising money for a good cause this past weekend.
The local agency, founded and led by Emporia native Deon Morrow, welcomed residents to the Emporia Granada Theatre Friday night for Drag is Art, featuring drag performers from Emporia and surrounding communities, hosted by Emporia native and Ru-Paul’s Drag Race contestant Q. In an interview with local media during the event and says the show had two main purposes: one, garnering support for House of Morrow so it can expand its local programming.
And two, to create space for everyone to showcase their chosen form of art and expression, a core mission of the agency since its founding.
In recent years, drag shows have garnered significant criticism from some who claim they are inappropriate or offensive. Those who support the art form disagree, saying drag shows are spaces that are welcoming, safe, accepting and fun.
Morrow says by putting on the show Friday, the organisation was not looking to drum up more debate on the subject, but simply provide an opportunity for those who have never experienced drag to do so and develop an “Informed opinion.” After all, he feels that is exactly what art is supposed to do.
Following Friday’s event, Morrow says the non-profit is hoping to make Drag is Art a regular event on the community calendar in years to come. Fundraising totals from the show are currently pending.
In addition to Q, Friday’s lineup also featured KC Sunshine of Kansas City, Irox of Wichita and EV of Kansas City.
Click here for a YouTube short from Drag is Art.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
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