ORLANDO | The Dru Project is hosting its second annual “Gun Violence is a Drag Show” with a virtual Valentine’s Day event featuring some of the best drag performers working the stage today.
Hosted by the original “Queer Eye” culture aficionado Jai Rodriguez, “Gun Violence is (Still) a Drag” will showcase performances by Thorgy Thor, Denali, Vico Suave, Lucy Stoole, Ruby Roo, Roxy Brooks Lords, Jess Gallo and Mistah Aphrodite.
Funds raised from the virtual event will go towards The Dru Project’s annual Spirit of Drew scholarship program.
The first “Gun Violence is a Drag Show” was held as an in-person event at Flaming Saddles in West Hollywood, California Feb. 1, 2020 just before events started to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While we had every hope of being back in Los Angeles for this year’s show, we are excited that the virtual setting has allowed performers and viewers from across the country to join us,” said Sara Grossman, The Dru Project Communications Director, in a press release. “What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than showing love for queer young people and helping blaze their paths to success?”
The Dru Project is also celebrating Valentine’s Day with digital Valentines, which were created by queer artist Cartier Avonte Saucier, to send to the LGBTQ youth in your life via social media. The Valentines are available on the organization’s website.
“Simply save one or more [of] the images below and share them on social media, tag your favorite queer kiddos and/or LGBTQ+ Center, and spread the love. Don’t forget the hashtags: #TheDruProject & #QueerValentines! We’ll be sharing them on our socials, as well,” The Dru Project stated on its website.
The Dru Project launched in June 2017 to help promote Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) across the country. It is named after in honor of Christopher “Drew” Leinonen, one of the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse tragedy. The organization is responsible for creating the most comprehensive classroom guide for GSAs in the U.S. The Dru Project has also awarded more than $75,000 in college scholarships since its inception.
“We set out five years ago to keep the best parts of Drew alive,” Grossman said. “His compassion. His tenacity. His belief in a world that celebrates queer young people and gives them the support they need to thrive. The Dru Project was born out of love for our best friend and has grown into a force for good thanks to the support of the LGBTQ community across the globe. We are honored to be working alongside the cast and crew to give more young people a shot at their wildest dreams.”
“Gun Violence is (Still) a Drag” will stream online at TheDruProject.Veeps.com on Feb. 14 starting at 2 p.m. and will remain available to re-watch until the end of the month. Tickets are a recommended donation of $10 and can be purchased at the same link above. More information on the event can be found on The Dru Project’s Facebook event page.
The Dru Project’s LGBTQ youth Valentines can be found at TheDruProject.org/Valentines.
To learn more about The Dru Project’s GSA guide, grants and for information on the Spirit of Drew scholarship program, visit TheDruProject.org.
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