The Drag Defense Handbook

created with, by, and for drag artists to respond to an ongoing epidemic of threats, harassment, bans, and discrimination.

View the Handbook

“What makes us unbreakable is our shared knowledge and solidarity. We’re still here, still creating joy. This handbook transforms our collective trauma into power—we urge all to use it, read it and make it even better.”

— Veranda L'ni, Ohio

“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

A message from Blaq Dinamyte, DC-based drag king and President of Qommittee

Real Stories of Resilience

Madame Sassysquatch the Rafting Queen

Transformed a shooting threat in Steamboat Springs into "A Night of Drag Delight and Defiance" with community leaders performing alongside drag artists.

Naomi Dix

After her show was targeted by extremists who attacked a power grid, she responded by opening her own LGBTQ+ venue, Club ERA, and continuing to advocate for the community's right to have safe spaces.

Maxine LaQueene

Rose above political targeting and harassment to be a persistent advocate for drag and the trans community in Texas.

Jack King Goff

An anti-LGBTQ+ group and a local right wing influencer targeted them for cyberbullying, but they worked with advocates and media to fight back.

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 bomb threats and threats of violence, coordinate security, and build community coalitions to transform threats into opportunities for solidarity.

Defamation Defense

Responding to false accusations including "grooming" allegations with legal strategies, understanding the key elements of defamation, and connecting with free legal resources.

Mental Health Resources

Supporting your wellbeing while under attack with practical self-care strategies and connections to community and professional support.

What Drag Artists Are Saying

The Drag Defense Handbook was created by and for drag artists who've faced threats, harassment, and violence. Here's what performers who reviewed and contributed to the handbook have to say:

"What makes us unbreakable is our shared knowledge and solidarity. We're still here, still creating joy. This handbook transforms our collective trauma into power—we urge all to use it, read it and make it even better."

Veranda L'ni
Cleveland, OH performer and Qo-Founder of Qommittee

"We deserve to perform without fear, and this handbook helps ensure that those who target us face consequences while we continue to thrive and create."

Maxine LaQueene
Austin, TX performer and Qo-Founder of Qommittee

"The threat is not your fault, you didn't bring it on yourself, and there is no shame in who we are or how we handle the threat. Our best resource is our community—we keep us safe."

Freddie Hercury
Buffalo, NY performer and member of Qommittee's Peer Support Qollective

"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

"I hope this handboook gives performers a sense of community and its spirit, some validation of our work and craft, and most importantly a sense of safety and knowing they are supported. Because I had to navigate through my own journey on my own. I believe it's everyone's responsibility to make life easier for the generation that comes after them."

Brittany Lynn
Philadelphia, PA performer and founder of Philly Drag Mafia

"As the showrunner of Draggieland, I felt a deep responsibility to review this handbook because our performers aren't just artists. Drag is a form of resistance, making performers the frontline voices when our existence is politicized and threatened. To express oneself, especially in drag, is and should be a human right."

Angelo Rios
Draggieland Showrunner for the Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council (TAMU QEC)

"I know what it feels like to stand up for your community and be told to sit back down. I reviewed this because I've lived it. And because I want the next person who gets targeted or silenced to have something I didn't: a clear guide, a sense of power, and the knowledge that they're not crazy for fighting back."

Mitski Avalox
Utah-based performer and founder of the Southern Utah Drag Stars