While the month of October is always a favorite because of Halloween it also holds a special place within the LGBTQ community as it serves as LGBTQ History Month.
With that in mind, several hundred residents and a star-studded lineup of talented drag queens all convened inside the Bourbon Cowboy Friday night for a special Halloween-themed drag show titled Drag-O-Ween. The event was organized by Emporian and Emporia High School Gay-Straight Alliance President Orion Turner.
This was the second drag show hosted at the Bourbon Cowboy after the drinking establishment put on a previous show as part of Pride Month activities back in June.
Turner says events such as this are essential to maintaining and growing an inclusive and supportive community for all people regardless of their gender, race or sexual identity.
Many of the performers for Friday’s show were returners from June including Kansas City-based drag queen Brett Shyanne. Back in June, Shyanne stated that drag queens are essentially ambassadors for the LGBTQ community who help educate non-LGBTQ individuals while promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
Shyanne believes they are accomplishing that goal given the amount of love and acceptance the community has displayed both Friday and back in June.
Turner wished to thank several local businesses including Trox Gallery and Gifts, Gravel City Roasters and Radius Brewing Company who assisted with hospitality for the performers. Turner says there are plans for additional drag shows in the near future as well as other activities focused on promoting support and education of the local LGBTQ community.
All proceeds from Dragoween will go to support the EHS GSA and Pride 2022 activities.
LGBTQ history month began in 1994 and is recognized internationally every year in the month of October. Aside from the US, LGBTQ History month is also recognized in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Greenland and the city of Berlin in Germany.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
