Celebrating the Art of Drag

Drag and Gender Identity

We understand that gender and gender identity has been highlighted in recent weeks. We understand that there is a difference between drag as an art form and transgender as an identity. However, these are often conflated and politicized, often determined as “sin” by some in Christianity. Our aim is to lift up these communities as a part of the LGBTQ+ community and their impact on our movement.

“We do not believe that God makes mistakes”, stated Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas, our Senior Minister, he continues: “God is beyond gender and invites us to bring our whole selves into the world to make it a better place. Drag has a long history in our community and targeting them will be resisted. As a community of faith, we stand with our drag and transgender community. Using faith language as a mandate for these targeted attacks is a travesty and an infringement of civil liberties.” Learn Drag History.

Guest Rev. Brooke Dooley

Rev. Brooke Dooley, Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at Friends Congregational Church in College Station, TX, and Youth Director for the South-Central Conference of the United Church of Christ will be our Guest Preacher. Brooke is also known as Brock Bottom, a well-known “Drag King” performer throughout the DFW region.

Press inquiries should be directed to Mike Hendrix and Beth Wilson (info@cathedralofhope.com)

You're Invited to Drag Brunch!

Get ready for a fabulous morning of entertainment, delicious food, and unforgettable performances at Drag Brunch, happening at 11:30am Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the Rose Room at S4 following 10am worship. The event is a fundraiser for Cathedral of Hope's vital ministries.

Enjoy a high-energy show featuring dazzling drag entertainers while indulging in a brunch and refreshing drinks. Whether you're celebrating with friends or just looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Space is limited, so make your plans now and join us for an incredible experience!

Drag as an Art Form

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• Drag as an art form and method of self-expression has been around for centuries. The term was coined during the era of Shakespeare when men would dress up to play women’s roles in the theater.
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• Drag performers have been a vital part of the LGBTQ+ community for decades. Drag queens were a central presence at the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, fighting for their rights and the rights of their communities.
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• Drag is the primary queer performance form – it is of the queer community, by the queer community and for the queer community. However, because of its emphasis on self-worth, self-expression, social commentary, and community care there has always been a large audience for drag both inside the gay community and outside the queer community.
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• Drag performers are artists who use exaggerated clothing, makeup, and personas to entertain and express themselves, often in the context of performance art or entertainment. The transgender community comprises individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth, and they may or may not have any association with drag performance. While some drag performers may identify as transgender, the two communities are distinct, with drag being a form of artistic expression and entertainment, whereas transgender identity pertains to one’s gender identity and personal experience.
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• Drag is like any other performance and visual art form: the audience for drag can be comprised of children and families (i.e. The Walt Disney Company) and for the NC-17 viewers. Like going to the movies, individuals and families should be free to make the decisions about what art they consume and view.
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We all agree:  We want our children to be safe and supported. Drag, as seen in the forms of library story hours, theater, music and even church worship services, do just that. Learn Drag History.