Don’t be a Drag, Join the Celebrations for Pride Month

By Kadence MaKenna

Assistant Copy Editor

The drag community is joining in on the Pride Month celebrations in San Marcos, Texas. The month of June is filled with events to honor the LGBTQIA+ community and their ongoing achievements.

People around the world join together to celebrate Pride Month each year since the Stonewall Riots. The riots began in Manhattan, New York after police raided the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. The event launched the rise of a gay liberation movement, leading a wave of individuals to fight for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ Americans.

While drag has been around for over a century, it has become more popular due to shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Drag is an art form that is used to highlight gender expression as a form of entertainment. It has helped to destigmatize various gender identities for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and more. It has evolved constantly to remain inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

There are many different events for Pride Month occurring in and around San Marcos. From Queer Game Nights at the San Marcos Public Library on June 14, Pride Prom at Austin Public Library on June 16 and Pride of Dripping Springs beginning on June 24, residents have many opportunities to continue celebrating.

Performers like Beauregard Elliot, drag king, are spending Pride Month celebrating through various drag gigs and performances.

“I’ve been doing a bunch of drag gigs in Austin to celebrate Pride. I’ve had the privilege of performing at Dyke March and for a private party with the Google committee. Those are just two of the many shows I’ve gotten to be a part of,” Elliot said.

Elliot is constantly reminded of the love within the LGBTQIA+ community during these events. Rather than being stuck at home and wishing he was at a Pride event, this year he has been a part of the celebration through his performance.

“I still see Pride the same way I always have, which is a time for our LGBTQIA+ community to come together and celebrate love. Pride means so much to me because it reminds me that I’m not alone,” Elliot said.

Coming up, you can purchase tickets for Austin’s Five Star Drag Brunch at The Courtyard in Austin from June 18 through June 25. The drag-themed brunch is fundraising for local LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations. You can celebrate at The Vixens of Volstead Drag Brunch beginning at 1 p.m. every Sunday at Volstead Lounge. The event is hosted by May Magdalene with dancers, Veronica Valentine and Mars. 

On June 16, The Porch will be hosting the Pride Month Drag Show along with their weekly Queer Club: Out Youth Benefit on June 20. They will also be hosting Queer Club: Zodiac Birthday Party to celebrate individuals with the Cancer zodiac sign on June 27, an event that occurs the last Tuesday of every month. Other events can be found on The Porch Google calendar.

KTSW will be hosting a Drag Brunch on June 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lazy Daze. This is a free event for all who plan on attending.

Pride Month is intended to celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals and recognize the accomplishments the community continues to make over the years. It is a month filled with love, compassion, respect, diversity and enjoyment. Don’t be a drag and join in on the celebration for Pride Month!

Featured Photo by Kadence MaKenna.