Actor, writer, director, choreographer, producer, and entrepreneur D'Arcy Drollinger has been named by the City of San Francisco as its first Drag Laureate, serving as a spokesperson for the city's LGBTQ+ community, as well as producing and participating in events and programs that celebrate the area's rich history and diversity.
Among other responsibilities, the new Drag Laureate will be required to partner in an official capacity with various city agencies and community organizations; produce drag events and programming focused on celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community; ensure San Francisco’s rich drag history is shared, honored, and preserved; and help promote and select the next Drag Laureate toward the completion of their 18-month term.
“I am honored and excited to have been chosen as San Francisco’s Drag Laureate, and proud to live in a city that is a pioneer in this position, while other parts of the U.S. and the world might not support drag,” said D’Arcy Drollinger.
At an event held by the city council, the new Drag Laureate highlighted that “this role will build bridges and create partnerships, whilst elevating and celebrating the Art of Drag.”
“As the first ever Drag Laureate, I am dedicated to continuing to uplift my fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community with the support and backing of the Mayor’s Office, and I look forward to the positive impact this will have on Bay Area artists and our great city,” the artist said.
The San Francisco Drag Laureate Program is a joint initiative of the Mayor’s Office, the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC).
D'Arcy was selected by Mayor London Breed from among 15 applicants, following a vetting process that included an 11-member Review Committee from various City Agencies.
“While drag culture is under attack in other parts of the country, in San Francisco we embrace and uplift the incredible drag artists who through their art and advocacy have contributed to our city’s history around civil rights and equity,” the mayor said.
“I am proud to invest in programs that create a platform for people like D’Arcy who send a message to the nation and the world that our great city is a model of acceptance and opportunity for all,” he added.
To be considered for the Drag Laureate position, interested individuals had to meet certain criteria, including being a full-time resident of San Francisco, having a fundamental knowledge of the city's drag history, and having experience in community activism, engagement, and philanthropy.
The San Francisco Public Library will provide D'Arcy with a grant of $55,000 over the course of an 18-month period to support her work and community involvement.
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