07/16/2026
Happy International Drag Day! 🌈✨
As we celebrate International Drag Day, we must remember where so much of this history began, with the vision, creativity, and resilience of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ pioneers. The first known drag balls in the United States were held in Harlem during the 1920s at the Rockland Palace. These events featured extravagant performances by gay men and le****ns impersonating the opposite s*x while competing in fashion and performance. Harlem's drag balls were largely created by and for people of color. While white people were not excluded, they were not the primary participants. These gatherings provided community, joy, and a safe space for people living on the margins of society; often meeting in secret because they were denied the freedom to live openly. As we celebrate today, let's continue learning about the many subcultures within the LGBTQ+ community. Ballroom, drag, and pageantry have long been more than entertainment; they have created opportunities for people to experience joy, build confidence, earn income, and find chosen family. That's one of the reasons I brought back the Platinum International Icon Pageantry as part of the programming at TAKE Resource Center. It's about preserving our history, celebrating our culture, and creating opportunities for our community to thrive. I'm also excited to launch our monthly Sensational Sundays showcase! Stay tuned for details about our August show, and don't forget to join us on August 30th for The Revival at the Platinum International Icon competition. Let's continue honoring our history, celebrating our artistry, and uplifting one another. I hope to see you there!