The organizers of “Drag Isn’t Dangerous,” the biggest fundraising effort to combat recent anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation to date, are proud to announce they have raised over $500,000.00.
The highlight of the campaign – a one-night-only telethon – co-executive produced by prolific TV, Film and Broadway figure Matt Weaver (Rock of Ages, Chef’s Table, Jiro Dreams of Sushi) with management firm Producer Entertainment Group, Di Sorbetto and BC Livewas held Sunday, May 7, at www.moment.co/dangerous
The livestream event was hosted by writer/actor/comedian Justin Martindale (Hulu, E!) who also served as head writer and co-host alongside Drag Superstar Alaska 5000, Director/Choreographer Adam Shankman and actress/Drag Entertainer Peppermint (“A Transparent Musical,” “Survival of The Thickest”).
The inspiring show featured a mix of live and pre-taped performances (Jinkx Monsoon, Jake Wesley Rogers, Tammie Brown, Bob The Drag Queen, Leadr, Lagoona Bloo, Lala Ri, Ginger Minj, Kelly Mantle, Tony Award nominee Tom Kitt w/Idina Menzel & Friends, Trixie Mattel, Joey McIntrye and son Griffin McIntyre, Monét X Change backed by a choir, Peaches & Alaska 5000 ), appearances (Marcia Gay Harden, Leslie Jones), and testimonials from drag performers, LGBTQIA+ entertainers (Margaret Cho, Frankie Grande, Lance Bass) and celebrity allies (Charlize Theron, Sarah Silverman, Melissa McCarthy), as well as a live celebrity phone bank accepting callers’ donations (Laganja Estranja, Jai Rodriguez, Kerri Colby, Sherry Vine, Trinity The Tuck).
“I wish I could say that I am glad to be here, but I am appalled I have to be at something called ‘Drag Isn’t Dangerous’. Imagine a world where dancers are told they can’t dance; imagine a world where artists are told they cannot take paint to canvas…because it is ‘bad for children.’ That is what is happening to drag right now.” – Michelle Visage
“Drag isn’t dangerous, but Leslie Jones IS!” said an irate Leslie Jones.
“All my children are queer… “One is non binary, one is gay. My first boyfriend was gay and my conservative Naval Officer dad loved him. “Why are we having to advocate for creativity and imagination? It is so fear-based. We know what love is.” – Marcia Gay Harden
“Drag brings hope, truth and laughter to a community that desperately needs it. We need to fight for drag rights because we need to fight for gay rights. For our rights.” – Margaret Cho
The initiative created by Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), a full-service artist management firm, record label and production company representing many of the world’s top drag queens and LGBTQIA+ talent were joined by a coalition of media groups and companies including Warner Music Group’s ADA, ACLU, GRAMMY Museum, Amazon’s Glamazon, UTA, Concord, GLAAD, HeadCount.org, Q.Digital, OUTtv, Five Senses Reeling/Obsessed, Trixie Cosmetics, SERV Vodka, Loyal Studios, DeleteMe, Victory Institute, Black Queer Town Hall and others who all contributed significant funds and/or resources to the cause. See below for a full list of participating talent.
In addition, a charity single, “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” Click Here featuring Jayelle & Ocean Kelly (Bob The Drag Queen) written by Ashley Gordon (Alaska, Trixie Mattel), Drew Louis & Ocean Kelly and produced by Drew Louis aired live on the telethon and has been released on all streaming services. All revenue from the streaming and downloads of the song will be donated to the telethon.