Overview

• Oregon’s Democratic-led House passed a resolution introduced by Rep. Travis E. Nelson recognizing the artistry of black drag performers by a 34-9 vote on June 18.
• Drag queens Aqua Flora and Isaiah Esquire lip-synched to Aretha Franklin’s “A Deeper Love” in flamboyant costumes during a five-minute routine on the House floor.
• Nearly all Republican members boycotted the event, with GOP Rep. Dwayne Yunker denouncing it as “political theater” and a misuse of taxpayer-funded space.
• Republican Rep. Cyrus Javadi was one of only two GOP lawmakers to support the resolution and was seen applauding alongside his teenage daughter.
• Rep. Nelson defended the unpaid performance as an exercise of free speech and civic participation that highlights drag culture’s impact in Oregon.