It’s Where I Belong: 40 Years (and More) of Drag in West Hollywood

Long before drag queens and kings became international superstars, they held a pride of place as local legends. Rooted deeply in community, drag performers push the boundaries of gender expectations while also serving flawless artistry, colorful cultural commentary, and unabashed challenges to the status quo. And of course, they do it with style: with dazzlingly over-the-top looks, the wittiest of jokes, and cathartic drama that can bring an entire room to tears. However, even while drag has been celebrated across the US and world, it has also faced unique challenges, from mid-twentieth centuries raids on queer nightlife venues and criminalization of gender transgression, to present-day attacks from conservative politicians and extremist groups.  And yet, drag artists continue to fight back, proving that glamour is not merely entertainment, but a crucial tactic of queer resistance and joy.

As a cultural home for LGBTQ+ communities, West Hollywood has persistently been a landmark for fierce and fabulous drag performance, showcasing local talent and elevating the art form to an international stage.  Since its incorporation in 1984 (and for decades earlier), West Hollywood’s contributions to drag have been mighty, including iconic clubs, raucous brunches, Pride parades, magazines, children’s story hours, an historic drag laureate, and much much more.  The city’s storied history also includes key political actions, from 1970s protests against police arrests of drag performers for “lewd” conduct, to a 2023 march declaring that “drag is not a crime!”

Presented as part of the City of West Hollywood’s 40th anniversary celebrations, It’s Where I Belong tells the story of drag in West Hollywood by uncovering rarely-seen materials from ONE Archives at the USC Libraries and from community contributions. Visitors will be treated to an array of archival photographs, videos, and flyers from drag shows and events, including appearances by celebrities like Bette Midler, Diana Ross, and Chappell Roan; drag superstars such as RuPaul, Charles Pierce, and Jackie Beat; and legendary organizations like the Imperial Court and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The exhibition also features ephemera from political demonstrations and pride parades and a collection of costume pieces courtesy of local drag royalty and other community institutions.  

It’s Where I Belong will be on view at One Gallery in West Hollywood from May 22-June 29, 2025. Gallery hours are Friday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Visitor parking is available at the West Hollywood Library and can be validated for up to two hours in the first floor office.

As part of the kickoff to the City of West Hollywood’s Pride Month celebrations, the opening reception for It’s Where I Belong will take place following the city’s annual José Sarria Drag Pageant on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 8-10 p.m. at One Gallery in West Hollywood. Visitors will be invited to view the exhibition, enjoy light refreshments, and meet curator Lil Miss Hot Mess. Register now for the opening reception.

Attendees at our opening reception are encouraged to participate in the scheduled program of events for the José Sarria Drag Pageant, which takes place just prior from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. 

 Learn more about the José Sarria Drag Pageant: https://www.weho.org/community/arts-and-culture/harvey-milk-day 

It’s Where I Belong is presented by One Institute and curated by Lil Miss Hot Mess. This exhibition is made possible through an arts grant from the City of West Hollywood. For more info on WeHo Arts programming please visit www.weho.org/arts or follow via social media @WeHoArts. Special thanks to ONE Archives at the USC Libraries.

Images: Promotional image by One Institute. Archival images from ONE Archives at the USC Libraries.

About the Curator

Lil Miss Hot Mess is a drag queen, visual artist, and scholar who has appeared on world-class stages from Stanford University to Saturday Night Live. She was a founding organizer of the #MyNameIs campaign that challenged Facebook’s “real names” policy and serves on the board of Drag Story Hour. She is the author of three picture books: Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen’s Guide to Color (Running Press Kids, May 13, 2025), If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It (2023), and The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish (2020). When not twirling, Lil Miss Hot Mess is a university professor, and her research and essays have been published in academic journals, books, and news outlets, including The Guardian, Wired, and Salon. More info: lilmisshotmess.com.