I received this press release from Logo yesterday. At the risk of sounding like a hater, I have to say my first thought was "Dear lord! An entire month of drag queens? You're kidding, right?" Ya have to know our local Rockford, IL/Beloit, WI drag queens to know where that thought came from.
They inspire. They change lives. They define fabulous. And by the powers invested by Logo, the drag community finally has their own first ever national history month this January 2009. Who brought back fake eyelashes in style? Who taught us how to wear makeup (lots of it) to achieve that youthful look? Who inspired us to "sashay" and "shante" in times of potential paparazzi opportunities? This national history month will demonstrate the drag community as the vital cornerstone of modern popular culture as they courageously fight for a more sparkling tomorrow.
Logo will bring in the new year with the launch of the drag-dedicated site, draghistorymonth.com, that honors the achievements and heritage of drag icons from centuries past to today.
Logo has also created a public education campaign designed to raise awareness about all things drag and its impact on American culture. A series of original PSAs, featuring drag queen superstar Varla Jean Merman, builds off the dedicated website and honors the "generations of gender illusionists" and the days before press-on nails. Viewers in the PSA are then directed to draghistorymonth.com for more information on the evolution of the artistry of drag.
