Locals will have the chance to participate in the Equality March for Unity and Pride — while enjoying a family-friendly drag show — on a bus en route to the Washington, D.C., march.
Philadelphia Creatives For Change will organize Drag Me to the March, with performances from drag performer Ophelia Hotass, on June 11.
Christopher Jayne, the organization’s treasurer, noted the importance of locals getting involved in the D.C. event, originally conceived of as the National Pride March.
“We want to make sure our community is represented at a national level and we want people in Philadelphia to know this isn’t just something that’s happening in D.C.,” Jayne said of the political climate. “It’s something that’s happening in Philadelphia. There’s a voice that needs to be heard and a visibility that needs to be seen. We wanted to make sure that even if we can’t control the national conversation, we can help enhance those voices locally.”
Jayne and others founded Philadelphia Creatives For Change in January to improve the culture and political climate in Philadelphia. The group is currently in the process of pursuing nonprofit status and has several events planned to fundraise for Drag Me to the March.
The organization plans to collect donations at Ophelia Hotass’ Wednesday shows at the Sprout Music Collective, 130 E. Prescott Alley in West Chester. Additionally, supporters can learn other ways to donate to the group directly by emailing [email protected].
Currently, the group is looking into providing a bus to seat 52 people but will add a second bus depending on interest and funds raised. They will also provide riders with a bag filled with a water bottle, snacks and an itinerary.
Jayne referred to the event as “an entirely unique drag experience.”
“It’s a story that you can tell somebody in 10 years: ‘I was on a bus to a march for LGBT rights back in the day, back in 2017, where we had a drag queen tear the roof off the bus. It was great,’” he said.
Jayne noted the importance of the community attending the national march.
“The LGBT community and the allies of the community need to make sure that the country, state, local [governments and] everybody [else] know that we are here. We’re present. We’re not going away. It’s such a great cause. It’s going to be unique and entertaining. If you’re nervous about attending a march, it’s a safe space so nobody has to feel like they can’t participate, protest, shout or bring their signs. This is a safe space for you.”
Visit www.phl4change.org/events for more information on Drag Me to the March and other future Philadelphia Creatives for Change fundraising events. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/2oI0cp3.