Sunday, July 16 is International Drag Day, a time to recognize, honor and celebrate the artistry and contributions of drag performance. IntraSpectrum Counseling stands firmly alongside our drag-performing friends, allies, and the entire drag community. Drag has played a pivotal role in increasing the visibility of and support for the greater LGBTQ+ community, and drag performers have become powerful symbols of LGBTQ+ empowerment. Drag helps people – children and adults – try on different expressions and identities, while being supported by their peers and community. By creating lifesaving and affirming spaces, drag helps people find a family, grow as individuals and leaders, provide support to their community, and understand themselves.
The current onslaught of legislative attempts to ban or restrict the art of drag and drag culture weaponize gender identity and expression and perpetuate discrimination. Rising levels of hateful legislation and rhetoric from the far-right is also responsible for a staggering rise in violence and threats against drag performers and the larger LGBTQ+ community across the country. In 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, one out of every five hate crimes committed in the U.S. were motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias. There are also numerous studies that show correlations between not being allowed our full expression and mental health consequences (including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation), and between these mental health implications and physical health ailments.
IntraSpectrum Counseling stands in solidarity with drag performers. We encourage all members of our community to do the same, and speak out in every way that feels safe to you. Click for info about which states have anti-drag legislation, the harms these drag bans pose to performing arts, and facts and talking points.
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IntraSpectrum Counseling is Chicago’s leading psychotherapy practice dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, and we strive to provide the highest quality mental health care for multicultural, kink, polyamorous, and intersectional issues. For anyone needing affirming and validating support, please click here or contact us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.
On Lesbian Visibility Day, we celebrate lesbians and show solidarity with all LGBTQ+ women and non binary people in our community. Lesbian visibility has evolved immensely over the last 2 decades, especially in the music industry. Representation and visibility has the potential to instill hope and provide affirmation of identities which were once vilified or erased from our culture. In a world that continues to be hostile to sexual and gender minorities, having awareness of safe and affirming lesbian and queer adults is paramount for maintaining hope of a life beyond the closet.