The Key West Art & Historical Society, the non-profit organization that embraces and educates the community on the islands’ many unique cultural aspects, presents a colorful, zoomed-in view of Key West’s famed drag queens and the men who embody them in a special exhibit. What a Drag! is set to run September 18 – December 2, with a gala opening reception on Friday the 18th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street, Key West.

The exhibit explores the presence and cachet of drag queens in the Key West community via costumes, shoes and accoutrements, historic paraphernalia, media documentation and a series of lenticular photographs of the queens created by photographer Johnny White. Exhibition topics will include a peek into drag artists’ daily glamour rituals, the cabaret theaters where they perform, and how the audience perceives the role of drag queens in Key West. Also featured will be the giant, glittering red shoe from which world-famous drag queen Sushi rings in each New Year by dropping two stories at the stroke of midnight to the delight of throngs on Duval Street and millions of viewers via annual CNN coverage.

“The drag queens have been amazing when it comes to participating in this exhibition,” says KWAHS Curator Cori Convertito, PhD. “Many of them have loaned us their costumes, shoes, wigs and jewelry, as well as answered both professional and personal questions about their life in Key West.”

While many see the men in drag as a subculture of pure entertainment, their reach goes farther than the cabaret stages where they perform. The exhibit will also explore their participation in community events and how they positively impact so many in need here on the island.

“The drag queens are central to the life of the LGTB community in Key West but also to local philanthropy,” says Convertito. “There are several charitable events that take place throughout the year, and the queens are always present.  Their fundraising efforts-historically and present-day-benefit local non-profits including AIDS Help, the Hospice and Visiting Nurse Association, Helpline, Metropolitan Community Church, the Leukemia Society, Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys, and the local SPCA.”

Convertito also notes the queens’ presence in the island’s marketing efforts, with their colorful images appearing on posters, commercials, in travel blogs and in books, making them a central element to the unique appeal of Key West as both a place to live and visit.

Sponsored in part by the Key West Business Guild, Aqua Bar & Nightclub, Leather Master of Key West, 801 Cabaret, Bourbon Street, and Monkey Apple Art, the exhibit opens to the general public at 6:00pm, with a suggested donation of $10 for non-members. KWAHS members enjoy VIP access from 5:30-6:00pm. Some of Key West’s famous drag queens will be in attendance, mingling with the evening’s guests.

The exhibit will layer in special events and programs as Halloween and Fantasy Fest approach; stay tuned to KWAHS.ORG for more information. To learn more about the exhibit, call KWAHS Curator Cori Convertito, PhD, at 295.6616 x 112 or visit WWW.KWAHS.ORG. To become a member, please contact Gerri Sidoti at [email protected] or call 295.6616 x106. Your

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