Drag Crawl: Power in Community

Get your wigs, boas, and glitter ready Nashville - this event is sure to be a good time! The event is called The Nashville Drag Crawl. It is a simple format inspired by a good old-fashioned pub crawl, where folks are encouraged to show up, in solidarity, by dressing up in drag! Proceeds from the bars and restaurants involved in the crawl will go to the "Just Us" program at the Oasis Center, Inclusion TN & The National Center for Transgender Equality. To provide some background, Tennessee is the first state to restrict drag performances. Just a few weeks ago, Governor Billy Lee, signed a bill banning drag on public property as well as places where it could be viewed by minors. This is just one, in an onslaught of measures, that has passed attacking LGBTQ rights. Tennessee recently passed a separate bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth and one that allows county clerks to deny marriage licenses to interfaith, same-sex, and interracial couples. "We believe this is a direct attack on our community - not only on the art of Drag but on free speech, transgender people, the L.G.B.T.Q. community in general, and on our basic human rights" states Alie Stewart. Stewart is the president of Ragana Creative, an events company in Nashville. She received a call from Jannah Sims-Franciosa , the co-owner of Il Forno, an Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Wedgewood Houston shortly after the legislation passed. "I just spoke with Parker", Parker Loudermilk, co-owner of Fait La Force, a Belgian Brewery and neighbor to Il Forno, "We both agree, we need to do something". Stewart, Loudermilk, and Sims-Franciosa have collaborated previously together on a fundraiser for Ukraine. Their team has strengthened over the past few years, building a larger community, with collaborations with groups like The Residents of Wedgewood Houston, a not-for- profit organization open to its local residents. Earnest Morgan, a member of the organization, states, "Tennessee lawmakers have fabricated a public policy for a problem that doesn't exist, and continue to ignore solutions for proven threats to our children...like mass shootings at schools. Wedgewood Houston is a welcoming neighborhood, and I’m proud of ALL my neighbors...including the ones that are directly impacted by this ridiculous law." Loudermilk adds "The Crawl reflects the motto of our business - to create a space and experience that is inclusive. As we've watched Tennessee make decisions that limit the rights of many of our neighbors, customers, and friends, it is important for us to participate in this event to show support for our community. No matter who you are, we want you to know and feel that you belong". Several surrounding businesses have come through to participate in The Nashville Drag Crawl, there is a lot of momentum and excitement buzzing. Excitedly, Stewart chimes in, "We have something beautiful here. I am so honored by the amount of immense support we are getting, we get to change the narrative and take action in something that is not only fun but powerful. Come out Nashville! We can't wait to see you!!" The Details Saturday April 1st- 6pm - End of Day Rain or Shine Launch of Crawl will be located at 1414 3rd Ave S Drag Queen / King supplies as well as additional information will be provided there Ride Share is encouraged, there is also street parking Proceeds will go to the following organizations - Just Us at The Oasis Center Inclusion TN National Center For Transgender Equality The Crawl Streets- Houston Street between Martin and 4th Ave Hart Ave between 4th Ave and 3rd Ave 3rd Ave between Hart and Il Forno / Fait La Force 4th Ave between Houston and Lucky's Bar Martin St. between Houston and Merritt How to show up - Dress in Drag Borrow a boa, smudge on some glitter, paint your nails, throw on a wig Come as you are, all allies are welcome Safety - Safety is our number one priority. We are in contact with local authorities who have been made aware of our event and support our safety and protection. We have a Safety Measures Plan in effect which will be released to the participants of the Drag Crawl prior to the event. Participants are asked to please call 911 in case of any emergency. This is a free event, come one come all! For more information, such as details on the restaurants and bars involved visit nashvilledragcrawl.com

Event Links

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/1630911-0

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