Oregon House Hosts Drag Show After Democrats Pass Black Drag Resolution

Oregon House Democrats recently held a drag performance on the House floor to honor a resolution recognizing the history and contributions of Black drag performers in the state. The event, featuring lip-syncing by two Black drag queens, drew sharp criticism from Republican State Rep. Dwayne Yunker, who called it "political theater" and a waste of taxpayer money, arguing that the House floor should be reserved for serious legislative work. The performance sparked widespread debate on social media, with detractors labeling it a partisan spectacle and supporters viewing it as a celebration of LGBTQ and Black culture during Pride Month. Nationally, President Donald Trump has expressed strong opposition to drag shows, particularly those involving youth, and has taken actions such as replacing the Kennedy Center board over similar concerns. Supporters of the resolution emphasize Oregon’s rich LGBTQ history and the vibrancy of its Black drag community, while opponents see the event as a distraction from pressing state issues like homelessness and drug addiction. The incident highlights the ongoing cultural and political divides surrounding LGBTQ representation in government spaces.