BONUS Episode: LIVE! Why Ban Drag?

Last month, we had our first live audience recording of Complexified! Amanda Henderson and Lex Dunbar welcomed Denver Drag Performers Juiccy Misdemeanor and Dixie Krystals for a provocative conversation confronting the efforts across the U.S. to ban drag performances. We laughed, we cried, we learned, and we laughed some more!

00:02 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 The Complexified Live Episode: Why Ban Drag?

01:38 Introducing the Drag Performers: Dixie Krystals and Juiccy Misdemeanor

02:50 The Current State of Drag and LGBTQ Rights

04:41 The Origins and Evolution of Drag

10:41 The Role of Activism in Drag

12:34 The Intersection of Religion and Drag

13:35 The Impact of Politics on Drag and LGBTQ Community

18:37 The Challenges and Joys of Being a Drag Performer

46:57 The Importance of Community in Drag

49:09 Conclusion and Future Plans

Guest Bio & links

Lex Dunbar - Co-Host for this episode

Lex Dunbar (They/Them) is a Black ENBY, June Gemini, and Norf-Philly native. They are a passionate educator, avid protestor, dynamic workshop facilitator, and compassionate neighbor. Lex completed their second Master’s degree at Iliff School of Theology and is currently a PhD candidate in the Joint Doctoral Program at Denver University and Iliff School of Theology.

Guest Panelist and Performer: Juiccy Misdemeanor

Juiccy is a dancer, artist, drag performer, and a growing icon here in Denver, Colorado. Juiccy is the recent winner of Miss Peach 2023, a dynamic performer bringing life of the party energy to the spaces she occupies.

https://www.instagram.com/juiccymisdemeanor/

Guest Panelist and Performer: Dixie Krystals

Dixie Krystals has been dazzling audiences for 25 years. Her passion for community is what drives her to excellence. She is an ordained minister, bingo queen, emcee and fabulous hostess with the mostess.Dixie has been featured in Generation Drags, Streaming on Max and Camp Wannakiki Season 5 on Out TV.

https://www.dixiekrystals.com/

Music by DJ Erin Stereo for the live event:

Erin Stereo is a DJ, curator and record collector from Denver, Colorado. Recently, Erin was named Best House DJ by The Denver Westword, Erin Stereo is known for spinning House music designed to ignite and delight the dance floor.

https://www.erinstereo.com/

Links for things shared in the episode:

Learn more about Mx, the title in place of Mr or Mrs mentioned in the show: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mx_(title)

Want to Learn More?

From police raids to pop culture: The early history of modern drag https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/drag-queen-drag-balls-early-history-pop-culture

12 historic LGBTQ figures who changed the world - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/historical-lgbt-figures-activists-culture

Anti-Drag legislation - https://people.com/politics/anti-drag-legislation-united-states/

Trans History: https://www.historians.org/research-and-publications/perspectives-on-history/may-2018/what-is-trans-history-from-activist-and-academic-roots-a-field-takes-shape

Want to Take Action?

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/branded/authentic-voices-of-pride/drag-as-activism/

https://glaad.org/drag/

https://action.aclu.org/give/support-drag-defense-fund