Republican lawmakers in South Carolina proposed a bill in early 2023 that would restrict drag queens from performing in certain venues and prohibit public funding for their shows. This sparked significant backlash, leading to protests and advocacy efforts, including a march at the South Carolina Statehouse by drag queens and their supporters. The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina (ACLU-SC) also opposed the bill, stating that “drag is a form of creative expression, and just like dance, fashion, and music, it is protected by the First Amendment.”
One year later, nearly 1,800 attendees got a taste of creative expression at a very high caliber as one of the world’s most well-known drag queens took the stage at Spoleto Festival USA last evening.
Sasha Velour nearly filled the Charleston Gaillard Center with many attendees highly anticipating her “Big Reveal Live Show!” That included some people who knew little about Velour, winner of the ninth season of Emmy Award-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“I came in with no expectations,“ Kenzie Hill said before entering the show. “I don’t know anything about the performer but I am definitely a fan of drag.”
Charleston appreciated drag as high art
Velour interwove her skits, outfit changes and iconic reveals with a narrative of her history and how drag has in many ways always been a part of that history. “In my entire life, I never imagined I’d be on a stage like this,” she said after her first number. Along the way, she gave a history of the word “camp” and discussed the origins of drag itself and the importance the art form has played in the building of community.
The crowd roared in applause after each number, cheering the fiercest for Velour’s final number. The performance featured a screen projection filled with stars, creating a cosmic backdrop. Velour emerged in a stunning gold and metallic outfit, perfectly positioned in the center. She lip-synced with her back fully aligned against the screen, creating a magical effect as the projections traced her shape onto the screen.
Audiences afterward found themselves in awe and appreciation. “It was impeccable,” said Josiah Thomason. “It was a clear showcase of how drag is not only art but high art – it is a masterful kind of craft. Sasha did that, and I am so glad the Charleston community got to witness.”
Charleston native Drew Lawley agreed, believing that events like this could be a possible bridge amid the current political climate. “Having Sasha come is a good way for season ticket holders who are not really familiar with drag to get introduced to it,” Lawley said, “and for drag fans to get introduced to Spoleto and see more of what Spoleto has to offer.”
Thomason agreed about the significance of Velour appearing at Spoleto. “I think Charleston is such a blue dot in a big sea of red,” he said. “It has its liberal tendencies, but realistically a lot of this town is still of old Southern values. And for Sasha to not only be in Charleston but to be at Spoleto, the art event of the year, is incredible.”
Prior to the show, attendee Hope Wells said her only wish was for the event to inspire progress in the city’s evolving views. “It’s Spoleto and it’s Pride,” Wells said, “and I just hope that it’s something that is moving Charleston forward and into more acceptance.
“I hope we move forward and we don’t go back.”
While thar 2023 bill has not been passed, its status does remain active to be considered at a later date. Judging from the enthusiastic support at the Gaillard last night, and from the growing drag queen and LGBTQ+ community in South Carolina, lawmakers can expect continued pushback.
Take it from a top drag queen who told nearly 1,800 people that she can’t wait to come back to Charleston.
Rayshaun Sandlin is an arts journalism and communications graduate of S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
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