On the eve of Juneteenth and during Pride Month, the Oregon House adopted a resolution honoring Black drag performers who have shaped the state’s LGBTQ+ history since 1958.
House Resolution 3 passed in a 34-9 vote Wednesday after a floor performance by drag artists Aqua Flora and Isaiah Esquire. The bill includes a four-page list of pioneering Black drag performers and was co-sponsored by Reps. Travis Nelson and Shannon Isadore, the chamber’s only Black Democrats.
“This is a moment in history where we’re actually pinning and writing down Black artists into time,” said Henry Felton, a Portland drag performer known as Kimber K. Shade.
Nelson said the resolution highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black Oregonians in the drag scene. Though Black people make up just 2.4% of Oregon’s population, their influence on LGBTQ+ culture in the state is significant.
Most House Republicans did not attend the performance or vote. Rep. Dwayne Yunker (R-Grants Pass) criticized the event as “political theater.” However, Rep. Cyrus Javadi (R-Tillamook) supported the resolution, saying it affirms all people are welcome.
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