Pleas to vote, celebrations of the downfall of an attempted drag ban in Arkansas and the talents of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Latrice Royale created a kaleidoscope of performances at Central Arkansas Pride on Oct. 21.
A backup dancer passes out "Say Gay" flags to an attendee.
Royale, a contestant in season four of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” drew a crowd for an impassioned speech on the importance of drag performance and being true to yourself.
Royale said she hoped sharing her “love and light” would “let people know that drag is nothing to be feared.”
“It is an art form and it’s full of love and creativity. We will embrace you if you embrace us.”
Royale noted she was happy to see so many families at Central Arkansas Pride and emphasized the freedom of expression that comes along with drag.
“It’s so wonderful because there’s a lot of things being said, that kids should not be around drag queens.
“However, we are the ones that they should be around because we are the example that you can be whatever it is that you want to be in this life,” Royale said.
Athena Sinclair, drag queen and parade grand marshall, chimed in by noting that children were allowed at this year’s Pride because of a push to defeat Arkansas Senate Bill 43, which aimed to restrict drag performances out of the view of minors and off public property.
The drag-specific language was removed from SB43 and it became Act 131. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the revised bill into law Feb. 27.
Sinclair said, “We actually beat SB43 because of y’all. Kids are allowed to be here because the community came and showed up to say that this is not right.”
Royale said, “See, your voices matter. At the end of the day, no matter what they say and what they try to do, they’re never gonna stop this because the change is already here. We already fought this fight before.”
“We’ll continue to be resilient. We’ll continue to prosper. We’ll continue to galvanize and be stronger than ever. So keep coming out,” Royale said. “Keep supporting and keep being proud of who you are because there’s only one you and one life to live, and you have to live it to the fullest.”
Sinclair encouraged politically minded Pride goers to get involved in their local governments and be the power of change.
“I want to remind y’all that we need more people in office like y’all. Do not get it twisted to think that all of these politicians are these crazy-educated individuals, all these people that have been to Harvard. No, these are people just like you working in restaurants, working in schools, just like you,” Sinclair said.
“So if you’ve ever thought about wanting to run for office — run for office,” Sinclair said.
Fan claps, finger snaps and cheers vibrated throughout the main stage lawn as the two gave their speeches, followed by Royale’s tongue-in-cheek performance of her single “Weight,” a jingle celebrating food and bigger bodies.
Alongside the drag performances of Royale and many local queens, vendors and food trucks set up shop in North Little Rock’s Argenta neighborhood. Across the way, flanked by a rainbow arch and colorful bouncy houses was the kid’s area of the fest, with another soundstage for performers.
To get involved with Central Arkansas Pride or learn more about the group, visit https://www.arpride.org/.