As drag culture takes heat, WeHo’s 1st Drag Laureate keeps her cool

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West Hollywood is set to anoint singer and performer Pickle as its first Drag Laureate — the city’s first official ambassador for the drag community and the second to hold that title in the United States.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Pickle’s connection to WeHo runs deep. She got her start at Flaming Saddles eight years ago, where she started as a guest performer before becoming the mainstay host of all their drag shows.

Known for her powerhouse hosting skills, captivating performances and dedication to community activism, she has collaborated with numerous individuals and organizations to bring the art of drag to people’s lives. Her partnership with the city on Drag Story Hour has been particularly impactful, promoting inclusivity and sparking interest in reading among children.

Her new role comes with high stakes at a time when drag culture is more visible — and, arguably, more controversial — than ever before.

But Pickle is always the adult in the room.

In April, she bravely intervened to de-escalate a protest and violent counter-protest that erupted over Drag Story Hour at WeHo Library.

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“Ironically, creating a ruckus will actually distract from what the program is trying to do, which is teach kids about compassion, reading, and self-expression,” she told both groups of protesters. “If their core memories of the event are fights breaking out in the lobby, that’s what they’re going to remember, and they may start to feel afraid. Even though I understand the effort it takes to organize and escalate this protest, … we are striving to keep it community-oriented and nonviolent.”

Pickle sees the outrage directed at drag queens in conservative parts of the country as “smoke and mirrors,” a political maneuver more than anything.

“Their issue with drag arises from its connection to the queer community and the fact that it’s an art form traditionally practiced by the queer community,” Pickle said. “So I think that the sort of baseline misconception is that queer people are somehow wrong or somehow dangerous or need to be eradicated, and then the fear of drag stems from that. I mean, they don’t have a problem with drag as a concept because, as we’ve seen in the media, a lot of them have done drag.”

Pickle doesn’t believe it’s her role as Drag Laureate to evangelize the detractors.

“I think my focus has always been on the people who want to participate in the art form,” she said. “You know, with Drag Story Hour, it’s like I provide Drag Story Hour and the parents that want to come and bring their kids, they come. And the parents that don’t, don’t. Like, you know, I’m not gonna go to their houses and knock on the doors and be like, ‘You need to appreciate that.’ I think the best thing I can do for the art form is to continue to be a community leader and a model. And the rest will follow, you know?”

Pickle disputes the idea that drag queens are somehow inappropriate for children.

“Drag isn’t controversial; people make it controversial,” she said. “Drag as an art form is about concealing a part of yourself to reveal a deeper truth that connects with an audience. I find it very conducive to children as many core values of drag such as joy, self-expression, humor, acceptance, and compassion are values we want to teach our children. Of course, there are versions of drag that wouldn’t be appropriate for children, just like there are movies, musical performances, and theatrical performances that aren’t suitable for them. ”

So what do the kids themselves think about it?

“Kids are much more sophisticated, smart, and open-minded than we give them credit for,” Pickle said. “Mostly, children just enjoy it because it’s like dress-up and it captures their imaginations. Many drag performers are charismatic, fun, and just like when kids go to Disneyland and see Goofy walking around, they don’t ask Goofy existential questions. They simply enjoy it because of the character. Occasionally, a child may ask, ‘Are you a boy or girl?’ and I might respond with something like, ‘I’m both.’ But really, it’s the adults who tend to impose intellectual examination on kids. Kids just enjoy the sparkles and the fun.”

She would direct parents with questions to other resources.

“I’m not a child psychologist or therapist, nor am I a professional spokesperson for the trans community. I don’t feel the need to instruct or impose. I’m there to exist. It’s actually quite rare for kids to ask those kinds of questions. They generally take everything at face value. If I walk into a room and say, ‘I’m a unicorn,’ they’ll just go along with it. Kids are just fun and they want their imaginations to be captivated.”

The title of Drag Laureate holds immense meaning for Pickle. It symbolizes the dignity and attention she believes drag deserves. On a personal level, it represents the years of hard work, perseverance, and carving out a unique path in the entertainment industry. As someone who defies traditional norms, Pickle sees the title as a validation of her unconventional journey and a reminder to be proud of her accomplishments.

To stay updated on Pickle’s journey and connect with her on social media, you can follow her at @pickledragqueen and visit her website at www.pickledragqueen.com.

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Outrage
Outrage
1 year ago

So pathetic.

Chris
Chris
1 year ago
Reply to  Outrage

Why the outrage. Get a grip.

Not Cool
Not Cool
1 year ago

Sorry that was July 16.

Not Cool
Not Cool
1 year ago

There are critically real problem to be solved in West Hollywood. Give one good reason why we occupy the time of the residents and the coffers of the city to applaud and sensationalize such trivia. Making public spectacles about this such as a coronation of the Drag Laureate on July 17th appear to exacerbate the climate. Glorifying one individual at the expense of the wellbeing of the residents does not seem right or productive.

CHLOE ROSS
1 year ago

Straight, Gay, Trans, Drag, Race. Way too many humans create problems to relieve the monotony of their own dull, miserable lives. And in doing so they miss the delight of knowing so remarkable many people. Bigotry degrades humanity. Living in a small city that embraces all manner of humans is a relief and a joy.

CHLOE ROSS
1 year ago

WTF offends anyone about Drag Culture? Why? If it is so offensive to some then that “some” should avoid it and stop creating aggro for no damn reason. I betcha large numbers of the folks who are sooooo offended, threatened, upset or afraid of Drag laughed at it at some point and thought it was “just hysterical”. Probably before the Internet. Who cares? Humans dress up as many things. Hallowe’en is drag. Opera is drag. TV and Movies are frequently drag. It isn’t new or sudden or offensive in any way I can figure. When something about which anyone has… Read more »

Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
1 year ago
Reply to  CHLOE ROSS

The only people getting aggressive at drag shows for kids are…Trantifa agitators. Stop grooming kids. A 9-year-old dressing up as Superman and getting candy from a neighbor is not the same as a man doing an inherently sexual and deviant performance for children.

Sanity Now
Sanity Now
1 year ago

How embarrassing.

Kiss it
Kiss it
1 year ago

Drag is fun
But it’s not my focus in life
Hot guys are and getting a hot guy in bed!

BloodshotEyedGuy
BloodshotEyedGuy
1 year ago

After reading this and hearing what Pickle did at the West Hollywood Library, she sounds like a smart, upstanding person. But I do take offense to what she said about drag as an art form causing hateful sentiments. I’m gay and I would much rather go to a Metallica or Megadeth concert than a drag show. But I have supported drag shows in my work for decades. But drag is just not my thing in general, so, I just go every now and again. I do think it is an adult art form that belongs in nightclubs and on stages.… Read more »

Alan Strasburg
Alan Strasburg
1 year ago

There’s a cabal of thought police who think it is their role to tell us what it means to be gay and how to be gay. Individual expression and personal tastes and desires are to be subordinated to collectivism. Live and let live is no longer enough for the identity nazis (yes, I went there!)

Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
1 year ago
Reply to  Alan Strasburg

Live and let live died with Obergefell.

Not Cool
Not Cool
1 year ago

Pillar of the community. What everyone yearns for on their resume. Of all the choices one could possibly make. 🙄😨

Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
1 year ago
Reply to  Not Cool

Dunno, man. Looks pretty good for a company’s ESG score.

Not Cool
Not Cool
1 year ago

Sorry to disagree with you but in the day, people were evaluated on their character and demonstrable academic skills and/or employment history. Brian Moynihan CEO of Bank of America made an astute comment once that he considered the interview most important rather than a resume at which time he viewed the character of a person and determined how equipped they were with skills and attitude, to be adaptable to the standards and values of the company. That was it for me and in my personal memory.

Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
1 year ago
Reply to  Not Cool

Right, the old days. Today it’s all about ESG, be “diverse,” not “effective.”

Not Cool
Not Cool
1 year ago

Some people fortunately believe in high standards that have been effective since the Stoics. Today its all about facade, greenwashing and other inauthentic individuals and causes. Terminally sad, failure of humanity.

Melrose
Melrose
1 year ago

Imagine this being the highlight of your life. Too funny. Whatever floats your boat I suppose. But why the city is doing this is beyond me.

greeneyedguy
greeneyedguy
1 year ago

Congrats to Pickle!!!!

Voter 1
Voter 1
1 year ago
Reply to  greeneyedguy

Oh yes…..isn’t it wonderful? Such a proud moment for us all.

Larry Block
Larry Block
1 year ago

Congrats Pickle! Great job Brandon

Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
Harambe's Vengeful Ghost
1 year ago
Reply to  Larry Block

Yes, let’s go, Brandon!