Worcester Drag Show Will Highlight Banned Books In Queer AF Season Kickoff

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester nonprofit Queer AF will kick off its 2024 season Wednesday with a party and outdoor drag show in the Canal District.

The party will begin Wednesday evening with local drag performers dressed in fashion inspired by banned books that are also available at Bedlam Book Café inside the Crompton Place. The performers will use Canal District crosswalks as catwalks.

"The display aligns with Queer AF’s 2024 theme: I’m with the banned, a rally cry against book bans, anti-trans legislation, and any kind of queer erasure," the nonprofit said in a news release.

The drag performance will precede the Queer AF kickoff party at the White Room, also in the Crompton Place. The party is free and open to anyone age 13 and up, and will act as an open call for models to perform in the Queer AF fashion show in September.

The Queer AF fashion show was first held in 2018 by Joshua Croke, the founder of the LGBTQIA+ youth nonprofit Love Your Labels. The show serves as a fundraiser for Love Your Labels, and has raised about $120,000 over five years. This year's Queer AF show will take place at Mechanics Hall on Sept. 6.

Wednesday's event will also coincide with LGBTQ+ Pride month nationwide. Worcester traditionally observes Pride in September, but Pride Worcester has a variety of events planned in June and throughout the summer.

The kickoff party begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the White Room, 138 Green St., and will feature a cash bar.