Building Safe Spaces for at-risk LGBTQIA Youth

We are the Life's A Drag Foundation. Our organization is dedicated to creating safe and inclusive community centers and shelters for unhoused and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, including drag performances as part of our programming.

We require startup costs for staff and services, which includes hiring and training staff, acquiring necessary equipment and supplies, and securing suitable locations. The total will be around $250,000.

Did you know an estimated 1.6 million youth experience homelessness yearly in the United States? Of this population, LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented, comprising up to 40% of the homeless youth population. Their rejection from their families and communities can result in high-stress levels and trauma, leading to mental health issues, substance abuse, and risky behaviors. Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth face high levels of bullying and discrimination, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Drag moms are a vital part of helping our LGBTQ+ youth, and we want to recognize their value and impact by having them as a part of our organization.

We will work closely with local organizations and government agencies to identify and serve the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth in our community. Our centers and shelters will provide emergency and transitional housing, counseling and support services, education and job training, health care, and recreational activities. Providing these services, along with drag performances and mentors, such as drag moms, will create a unique and impactful experience for our clients.

We plan to repurpose empty malls nationwide for our community centers and shelters to create a sustainable, cost-effective solution. This approach will allow us to acquire the necessary space at a lower cost and offer significant tax breaks to the property owners while providing a sense of revitalization and renewal for the communities in which they are located.

As you may know, some state lawmakers have targeted drag performances, proposing to ban them in certain areas. We believe that drag shows are essential to LGBTQ+ culture and provide a space for self-expression and acceptance. Our community centers and shelters will provide a safe and supportive environment for drag performances and other events and activities that promote inclusivity and diversity.

Our drag shows will be open to everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We believe inclusivity is vital to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our drag performers will be diverse in race, gender identity, and sexual orientation, reflecting the intersectionality of the community we serve.

Inclusivity and acceptance are vital in creating a safe and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. By providing a space for drag shows, performances, and other events and activities that promote diversity and inclusivity, we hope to positively impact the lives of at-risk LGBTQ+ youth across the country.

Please consider supporting our mission to create a more inclusive and accepting world for all.

#LifesADragDontBanIt

lifesadrag.org