Drag Defense Handbook: A Resource for Artists Under Attack

Here's a layout designed specifically for a standalone Squarespace page that showcases the Drag Defense Handbook, organized with sections that highlight different aspects while maintaining a cohesive, professional look.

Hero Section

[FULL-WIDTH BACKGROUND IMAGE: Drag performers at protest]

THE DRAG DEFENSE HANDBOOK

Created by Drag Artists for Drag Artists

DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK GET DRAG ALERTS

Introduction Section

What Is The Drag Defense Handbook?

A comprehensive resource created by and for drag performers facing increasing threats, harassment, bans, and discrimination. Developed by Qommittee and the Qommittee for Qreative Freedom, this handbook compiles legal strategies, documentation methods, and practical advice drawn from actual cases where drag performers successfully defended their rights.

This handbook represents our collective wisdom and resilience. Your strength in the face of adversity makes us all stronger.

Quote Slider

"Drag is more than an art form—it's an act of courage, freedom, and defiance. When we face threats, we're not just defending our performances, but our fundamental right to exist authentically in public spaces. We want this handbook to serve as a shield, a megaphone, and a hand to hold when you need it most." — Blaq Dinamyte, DC-based drag king and president of Qommittee

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What's Inside Section

What's Inside The Handbook

Crisis Response

Immediate steps to take when facing threats or harassment, including documentation strategies and finding community witnesses for law enforcement engagement.

Digital Security

Protecting yourself from doxxing, online harassment, and identity attacks with comprehensive account security fundamentals and emergency response plans.

First Amendment Protections

Understanding your legal rights to perform, including recent court victories confirming drag as protected speech and strategies for challenging venue denials.

Threat Response

How to handle violent threats, coordinate security, and build community coalitions to transform threats into opportunities for solidarity.

Defamation Defense

Fighting back against false accusations with legal strategies and documentation methods, including state-by-state protections against harmful claims.

Mental Health Resources

Taking care of yourself while under attack with practical self-care strategies and connections to community and professional support.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL HANDBOOK

Pride Month Alert

PRIDE MONTH ALERT: Courts Affirm Drag Is Protected Under 1st Amendment

Recent federal court victories have affirmed that drag is protected speech under the First Amendment. The courts have ruled that:

Cities CANNOT ban outdoor drag performances
Cities CANNOT impose age restrictions on family-friendly shows
Cities CANNOT charge excessive security fees based on anti-drag sentiment
Cities CANNOT use "security concerns" to restrict performances

These rulings provide Pride organizers and performers with powerful legal precedent to defend against discriminatory restrictions.

VIEW PRIDE MONTH ALERT

Success Stories

Real Stories of Resilience

Sign-Up Form Section

Stay Connected: Join the Drag Alert Network

Don't miss critical updates on legal protections, active threats, and community responses. Join our Drag Alert Network to receive important information directly to your inbox.

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Email *

<div style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
  <label for="name" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 8px; font-weight: bold;">Full Name</label>
  <input type="text" name="name" id="name" style="width: 100%; padding: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 4px;">
</div>

<div style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
  <label for="zip" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 8px; font-weight: bold;">Zip Code</label>
  <input type="text" name="zip" id="zip" style="width: 100%; padding: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 4px;">
</div>

<div style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
  <label style="display: block; margin-bottom: 8px; font-weight: bold;">I am a:</label>
  <div style="display: flex; gap: 20px;">
    <label style="display: flex; align-items: center;">
      <input type="checkbox" name="drag_performer" value="1" style="margin-right: 8px;"> Drag Performer
    </label>
    <label style="display: flex; align-items: center;">
      <input type="checkbox" name="venue" value="1" style="margin-right: 8px;"> Venue Owner/Manager
    </label>
    <label style="display: flex; align-items: center;">
      <input type="checkbox" name="supporter" value="1" style="margin-right: 8px;"> Supporter
    </label>
  </div>
</div>

<div style="text-align: center;">
  <button type="submit" style="background-color: #E580A1; color: white; padding: 15px 30px; border: none; border-radius: 4px; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; font-size: 16px;">SIGN UP NOW</button>
</div>

One Year of Qommittee

One Year of Qommittee: From Crisis to Community

<p>Released on the one-year anniversary of Qommittee's founding, this handbook represents our collective wisdom and resilience. In our first year, Qommittee has:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Worked directly with over 20 performers impacted by bomb threats, doxxing, shooting threats, and harassment</li>
  <li>Fought bans and advocated for law enforcement accountability at national and regional levels</li>
  <li>Built partnerships with legal and advocacy organizations to support drag artists</li>
  <li>Established a growing network of nearly 50,000 supporters and dozens of monthly donors</li>
</ul>

"I'm hoping this handbook will give performers a slight leg-up on their response to any threats or bans. If you are going to continue performing in our increasingly hostile country, you have to be prepared to fight harder than normal for your right to exist in public. Get creative, be bold, and refuse to let your joy be stolen." — Cali Je, Idaho performer and member of Qommittee's Peer Support Qollective

Support Section

Support Our Work

Qommittee is an all-volunteer organization working to defend drag artists' rights nationwide. Your support makes our work possible.

DONATE NOW JOIN THE NETWORK

Footer Section

Contact Us

This handbook is a living document. Please reach out to DragisJoy@qommittee.org to provide ideas, updates, case studies or corrections.

Contributors

The Drag Defense Handbook was assembled and edited by our Qommunity Organizers, Julian Applebaum and Scott Simpson, assisted by Qommittee's intern, Hulda Stenroos.

<div style="flex: 1; min-width: 250px; margin-bottom: 20px;">
  <h4>Special Thanks</h4>
  <p>Special thanks to all the drag artists who shared their stories and expertise, the legal experts who provided guidance, and David Spears from Magic Box for artistic direction.</p>
</div>

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Implementation Notes for Squarespace

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Create a new page using the "Blank" template option
Add section blocks for each major component:
- Hero section (Page Header block)
- Content sections (Text blocks, Image blocks, Video blocks)
- Quote slider (Gallery block set to Slideshow)
- Content Grid (Summary blocks or a Grid layout)
- Form section (Form block or Newsletter block)
Custom styling:
- Use the "Custom CSS" option in your Squarespace settings to add any specific styling rules
- Apply Qommittee's brand colors (#E580A1 for primary pink)
- Ensure responsive behavior for all elements
For the form integration:
- If using Action Network, use their embed code in a Code Block
- Style the form container to match the page design
For the video:
- Upload to YouTube or Vimeo and use their embed code
- Set responsive options to ensure proper display on all devices

This layout prioritizes key information while maintaining a clean, accessible design that will guide visitors to download the handbook, sign up for alerts, and support Qommittee's work.

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