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- Drag performers plan to protest President Trump’s attendance at the opening night of ‘Les Misérables’ at the Kennedy Center.
- Trump recently took control of the Kennedy Center, firing its leadership and vowing to end “woke” and drag programming.
- The protest highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Essential Context
President Trump is set to attend the opening night of ‘Les Misérables’ at the Kennedy Center, a venue he has recently taken control of by firing its longtime director and board, and installing himself as chairman. This move has been met with significant backlash from the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly drag performers who have seen their programming and workshops canceled.
Core Players
- Trump – President of the United States, Chairman of the Kennedy Center
- Drag Performers – Including Lord Henry and Tara Hoot, who have been vocal about the protests
- Kennedy Center – National arts institution in Washington, D.C.
- LGBTQIA+ Community – Affected by Trump’s policies and programming changes
Key Numbers
- 4-6 – Number of drag performers expected to protest at the event
- March 8, 2025 – Date of the previous protest against Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center
- January 2025 – Month when Trump returned to office and began changes at the Kennedy Center
- 2025 – Year Trump attended his first Kennedy Center performance as president
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The Catalyst
Trump’s decision to attend ‘Les Misérables’ at the Kennedy Center has reignited tensions with the LGBTQIA+ community. This community has been protesting since Trump took control of the institution, vowing to end drag shows and “woke” programming.
“Our art is not a crime,” said Lord Henry, a drag performer who has been at the forefront of the protests. “We demand that the Kennedy Center board reinstate queer programming, including drag-oriented workshops and shows.”
Inside Forces
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center marked a significant shift in the institution’s leadership and programming. He replaced the longtime director and board with loyalists and named himself chairman, promising to overhaul the center’s management and programming to align with his vision.
This move has been seen as a direct attack on the LGBTQIA+ community, which has historically found a platform for expression and inclusivity at the Kennedy Center.
Power Dynamics
Trump’s actions have consolidated his power over the Kennedy Center, allowing him to dictate the type of programming allowed. However, this has also galvanized opposition from the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.
“A man who hasn’t even stepped foot inside of there has no business deciding what art is or isn’t,” said Tara Hoot, a drag queen who has performed at the Kennedy Center. “They are trying to take over the Kennedy Center to stop our stories from being heard, but we will never stop telling our stories.”
Outside Impact
The protests and Trump’s policies have broader implications for the arts and LGBTQIA+ rights. The community is fighting not just for the reinstatement of drag shows but also against what they see as an attempt to erase their presence and stories from public spaces.
The conflict also reflects a larger national debate on censorship, artistic freedom, and the role of government in cultural institutions.
Future Forces
The ongoing protests and resistance from the LGBTQIA+ community suggest that this issue will continue to be a point of contention. As Trump’s term progresses, it is likely that there will be more battles over the programming and management of the Kennedy Center.
Key areas to watch include:
- Legislative actions affecting LGBTQIA+ rights and arts funding
- Public opinion and support for the protests
- Potential legal challenges to Trump’s changes at the Kennedy Center
Data Points
- January 2025: Trump returns to office and begins changes at the Kennedy Center
- March 8, 2025: Drag performers lead a protest outside the Kennedy Center
- June 11, 2025: Trump attends ‘Les Misérables’ at the Kennedy Center amidst protests
- Multiple protests and rallies have been held since Trump’s takeover
The confrontation between Trump and the LGBTQIA+ community over the Kennedy Center reflects deeper societal and political divides. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor how these conflicts shape the future of arts and cultural institutions in the United States.
