Despite its reputation as a progressive haven, Massachusetts isn’t immune to opposition when it comes to drag performances.
North Brookfield’s Pride event faced backlash from government and private groups in response to its planned drag performance this year.
But for Victoria Obvious, Worcester is a community where she’s supported in her art and gets to use her platform to support others.
“When I started drag, there really was no moral panic,” said Obvious, who performed at Pride Worcester Festival 2023 on Saturday, and has been performing in drag for the last nine years.
She makes sense of the recent nationwide push that included drag bans in multiple states by linking it to emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic and groups trying to deflect attention away from the government’s response.
“Why are you scared of a drag queen? We dress up and we look fabulous,” she said.
Organizers estimated at least 6,000 people attended Pride Worcester’s event Saturday afternoon, which included drag performances, singing, dancing, family and children’s activities and food, but was cut short near the end of the evening by threatening weather.
- Read More: North Brookfield Select Board rescinds permit for drag show, with chair calling it inappropriate
Obvious said she appreciated the support of the community that allows her to make a business out of her performances.
“We’re fortunate to have a community here that supports our entertainment. Not everywhere in this country people get that same support,” she said.
“We just are here to have fun and put smiles on people’s faces. I really don’t know what harm a drag show is causing anyone.”
1/21
