LAKEVIEW — Metro is throwing a massive drag show this month to raise money to fight anti-drag and transphobic legislation across the United States.
The Chicago Loves Drag! benefit show starts 7 p.m. April 14 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., featuring a stacked lineup of Chicago’s top drag performers, ranging from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Dragula” contestants to fixtures in the city’s nightlife scene.
Funds raised through the show will benefit the ACLU of Tennessee, Transformation Project, Tennessee Equality Project and Chicago’s own Life is Work, a Black- and trans-led organization on the West Side.
The show is meant to counter the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation seen in states like Tennessee, where a federal judge has temporarily halted a “drag ban” law that criminalizes such performances on public property or in locations where minors could be present.
Such laws have been proposed in at least 14 states, according to Time. No such bills have been filed in Illinois.
Metro’s drag show features a star-studded lineup of nearly 50 Chicago-based drag performers and Alexia Noelle Paris, a drag queen from Tennessee.
Other performers include “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Denali, Kahmora Hall and Utica; “Dragula” contestant Saint; as well as local favorites like Tenderoni, Abhijeet, Nico and Irregular Girl.
Organizer Lucy Stoole, a prominent drag performer and host, promised it will be “the show of the year.”
Tickets cost $20 and are available online. A separate donation drive will be set up for people who can’t make it to the party.
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