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$100 of every fine art purchase will be donated to the GLBT Historical Society to help preserve our community’s proud history in the “Big Queer Bubble” that is San Francisco

In the wake of rising waves of hate, vitriol, idiocy, and attempts across this country to erase us, to make us “lesser thans,” to ban books that cover our struggles, artistry, and history, and to take away our hard-won rights as a proud and growing LGBTQ+ community, we stand together, stronger than ever, and fully woke and ready for the fight of our lives in the months ahead.  

Regardless of a lack of representation on Ru Paul’s Drag Race (minus, of course, our Honey Mahogany), San Francisco is known for its abundant, hilarious, and sometimes political drag. Our queens in the Emerald City by the Bay are busy bees who do so much for our community. 

You can now celebrate them, and be a part of preserving our history by purchasing one of our fine art prints featuring our San Francisco Legends of Drag, including: Donna Sachet, Juanita More!, Glamamore, Heklina, Mutha Chucka, and Sister Roma. $100 from every purchase will be donated directly to the GLBT Historical Society between now and 12/27/23 (Celso’s birthday). 

The art of self-expressionism in the form of drag has a long history that goes back to ancient Greece. Back then, men disguised themselves as female characters, and allegedly complained that their long dresses “dragged” across the floor. The art form continued into the modern age, including outstanding female impersonators in Shakespeare’s plays and later on, in vaudeville. 

During the last century after World War II, there was a shift towards heteronormative culture, and drag artists and queer individuals suffered for many decades. But in the 1970s, drag started its rise in popularity - most notably in New York where some of the most Ab Fab drag balls were organized and the notion of drag mother/daughter relationships were birthed. And drag quickly  became a key part of the LGBTQ+ rights movement with famous protests against police raids. 

Today drag is alive and kicking, and has experienced a mass-media comeback from the likes of Ru Paul on international TV. San Francisco has become an international hotspot for drag performers known for their comedic performances and social activism. Yet until recently, there have been few drag performances available to enjoy in the Haight/Ashbury area of San Francisco that is famous for spawning the “Summer of Love” and was once known as a queer neighborhood with plenty of gay and lesbian bars back in the day.