Dublin drag queens will raise funds for the Russian LGBT Network to help evacuate gay people from Chechnya with ‘Drag Aid for Chechnya’

The Russian LGBT Network in Ireland will be raising funds at Drag Aid for Chechnya to assist in the evacuation of gay people from the extremely homophobic Russian territory.

Drag Aid for Chechnya is a ‘Music Icons’ themed night which will take place in the Generator Hostel, Smithfield on April 27 at 9pm.

As part of the fundraiser, there will be a Drag Show with some of Dublin’s finest drag queens, a Table Quiz with incredible prizes, Drag Dollars so the performing queens can holler for a dollar and more.

In a press release for the event James Keogh revealed which queens would be performing alongside the motivation for Drag Aid for Chechnya:

In light of the violation of the human rights of gay men who are being kidnapped and tortured in anti-gay camps in Chechnya, a group of drag queens and drag enthusiasts have put their resources together to do something proactive. DRAG AID, taking place in the Generator Hostel, Smithfield on April 27th from 9pm, has a spectacular line up of some of the best drag acts Dublin has to offer as well as a table quiz to test your musical knowledge.

Dublin queen, Bonnie Ann Clyde, who is spearheading the event, said: “having heard what was happening in Chechnya, we felt so strongly about getting out and actually doing something for these people.
“We all have to do what we can because at the end of the day no one else is going to. As drag queens, we are given an opportunity to bring people together for a cause and have fun while doing it. It’s what we do well, so a drag show was the most obvious option for us.”

The Queens

“We have a specatular line up of some of the best drag acts Dublin has to offer,” the event’s page on Facebook declares. “Performing some of the greatest hits by the biggest stars of all time, this Music Icons themed night is one any drag fan shouldn’t miss! Full line up revealed soon!”

On the night there will be appearances from queens such as Victoria Secret, Davina Devine, and Bunny who will be performing some of the greatest hits by the biggest stars of all time.

“We will be rasing funds for this non-governmental LGBT rights organisation in Russia [the Russian LGBT Network]. Currently, they are working to evacuate gay people out of Chechnya before the are taken to the prison camps. They also provide hotlines and legal advice for Russian LGBT people. Every cent we raise will be donated to this organisation.”

Tickets

Tickets are €10 at the door and Drag Dollars can be purchased to tip your favourite queens as they perform. Full lineup and prizes to be announced on the Facebook event. All money raised will be go to The Russian LGBT Network.

What’s a Drag Dollar you say? It’s a donation matching currency which will raise even more funds for the Russian LGBT Network.

“Have you ever seen your stunning Dublin queens perform and thought, ‘Wow, I’d like to give them my money’? Well now you can. Buy drag dollars on the door to give to your favourite queen as she does her thing right in front of you.

“Every drag dollar you buy will be matched, helping us raise even more funds for the Russian LGBT Network. And for the person who buys the most drag dollars, you also get a special drag prize!”

If you’re looking for other ways to help LGBT people in Chechnya take a look here.