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Alaska Thunderfuck invites anti-LGBTQ members of Congress to D.C. show

Drag queen to perform at the Howard Theatre on Saturday

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Alaska Thunderfuck has invited anti-LGBTQ members of Congress to her show at the Howard Theatre in D.C. on Saturday. (Photo by Albert Sanchez)

Alaska Thunderfuck has invited anti-LGBTQ and anti-drag members of Congress to her show in D.C. this Saturday at the Howard Theatre.

“The world and the community of drag is a place where we welcome people, and I think for people to see that firsthand, it’s transformative,” Thunderfuck told the Washington Blade during a recent telephone interview.

Thunderfuck’s show will take place at the Howard Theatre on Saturday at 8 p.m. 

She will be performing songs from her latest album, “Red 4 Filth.” Among the list of songs she will performing is one of Alaska’s favorites, “Ask Me,” which is ironically one of her least popular songs on Spotify and other streaming platforms. However, that doesn’t discourage Thunderfuck, as she prepares to give every song on tour a new purpose. 

The show has less of a concert style and more of a story-telling energy, according to Thunderfuck. Instead of standing around and changing costumes a few times, Thunderfuck’s show will be a sci-fi storytelling experience. 

Thunderfuck will prepare for her Howard Theatre show the way she prepares for every other show; she’ll get herself a smoothie — a near-addiction she wouldn’t dream of kicking before a big show — and a healthy serving of Chipotle to keep her energy up. She doesn’t have much time for anything else right now, with her life in full rehearsal mode. 

Thunderfuck said her show has been in the work for years.

She had to put it on hold with COVID-19 cases surging in due to the omicron variant, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“I’m really glad it’s happening (now,) it’s turned into a really cool thing,” said Thunderfuck. “It’s kind of unlike anything I’ve done before.” 

Alaska Thunderfuck (Photo by Magnus Hastings)

While touring around the country, her stop in D.C. is more important than the others. 

U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) has introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of federal funds for drag queen story time, which Fox News has categorized as “radical gender theory.” When asked about how she felt about this measure, Thunderfuck said “it’s ridiculous,” noting the GOP is supporting these proposals in order to get the “cheap” votes.

Making politics more about control than freedom is shifting the way marginalized communities are fighting back. Thunderfuck is nevertheless taking the high road, which is why she has invited members of Congress to attend her show. 

The Proud Boys and other groups have also targeted drag queens.

Violence broke out at a “drag queen story time” event in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 23 when a group of LGBTQ rights supporters clashed with members of the Proud Boys and neo-Nazis. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed his state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law earlier this year, in July filed a complaint against a Miami restaurant that hosted a drag brunch with children.

Proud Boys members in harassed D’Manda Martini and photographed her car during a “drag queen story hour” at a library in Kensington, Md. Thunderfuck acknowledged drag queens are under fire across the country, but the stressed she won’t waiver in the face of danger.

“They can try to disrupt me, but they won’t,” said Thunderfuck.

Thunderfuck also said she doesn’t let the reviews get her down-or get to her head, even though she is one of the drag world’s biggest stars. 

“I’m always like ‘reviews don’t matter,’ she said. “I don’t care what reviewers have to say I just care about the work.” 

Her shows get raving reviews already, with “BroadwayWorld” calling her an “undeniable and unequivocal star of Drag! The Musical.” 

Thunderfuck’s words of wisdom to anyone considering a career in drag are “if it’s something you want to try or something you’re into, by all means, go for it.” Thunderfuck herself doesn’t have an outlet for future drag superstars yet, but she’s always dreamed of opening her own summer camp-like experience for adults who are interested in drag. 

“There’s so much that you can’t really learn from a YouTube video or from watching drag race, there’s so much that’s like tactile and so much knowledge that can be passed on so I’ve always loved the idea of that.”

Until Thunderfuck opens her own drag summer camp, you’ll have to catch her show-stopping performance of her album at the Howard Theatre or follow along with the rest of her tour on her website, alaskathunderfuck.com/tour/

Alaska Thunderfuck (Photo by Magnus Hastings)
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Calendar: May 23-29

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, May 23

“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected]

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected]

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Saturday, May 24

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected]

Sunday, May 25

“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite

Monday, May 26

“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]

Tuesday, May 27

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook

Wednesday, May 28

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, May 29

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

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PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards

Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

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Members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington as well as local drag artists joined hosts Mike Millan and Felicia Curry with other performers for a WorldPride dance number at the Helen Hayes Awards on Monday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.

A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.

The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride

Schuyler Bailar gives keynote address

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D.C. Trans Pride 2025 was held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on May 17. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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