Watch RuPauls Drag Race Stars Perform Power at a Library During Emmy FYC Event

 Posted on August 19, 2024  |  4 minutes  |  810 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

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“RuPaul’s Drag Race” powers on — literally.

Season 16 stars Dawn, Mhi’Ya Iman Le’Paige, Morphine, Q, Plane Jane, Sapphira Cristál and winner Nymphia Wind performed the original song “Power” from the “Werq the World” episode at Monday’s Emmy FYC event at the Culver City Library.

And only “Just for Variety” has the exclusive premiere of the performance.

Yes, drag queens at a library. While MTV noted in a post-event press release that the festivities were not “sponsored or endorsed by L.A. County Library,” this reporter — who moderated the FYC Q&A — reminded the 300 or so people gathered in the audience what RuPaul once said: “If a drag queen wants to read you a story at a library, listen to her, because knowledge is power. And if someone tries to restrict your access to power, they are trying to scare you — so listen to a drag queen.” 

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As Variety exclusively reported earlier that day, “Drag Race” has raised $2 million for the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund in the 14 months since the initiative was launched.

Formed in April 2023 in partnership with World of Wonder, MTV and “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the Drag Defense Fund defends constitutional rights and creative expression in the LGBTQ community at a moment when they are under attack and have become a rallying cry for many GOP political leaders and activists. The fund has successfully worked to defend Pride events in Massachusetts and Tennessee. It has blocked drag ban laws in Texas, Florida and Montana.

“Drag has a long history in the queer community as not only a source of joy and creativity but as a source of power. Thanks to the hard work and promotion of MTV, World of Wonder and the queens of ‘Drag Race,’ the Drag Defense Fund continues to fuel our work defending LGBTQ rights across the country at a time those rights are under relentless attack,” said Josh Block, senior staff attorney for the ACLU’s LGBTQ and HIV Project. “We’re so thankful for this partnership and the support it provides our critical work defending LGBTQ people, our rights and our families.”

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