A recent drag show organized by Google employees to mark the end of Pride month took an unexpected turn when some attendees, including Google employees, expressed their discontent with the company. Joshua Grannell, a well-known drag performer based in San Francisco, opened the show by acknowledging the Google employees who had organized the event in previous years. However, this year, a group of Christian employees at Google had signed a petition opposing the drag show, claiming it was offensive and controversial. The audience responded with boos and shouts of support for Grannell.
Disappointment and Allegations of Buckling Under Pressure
The decision by Google to distance itself from the drag show and instead encourage employees to attend a different event at its offices drew disappointment from both attendees and performers. They argued that the company had held a similar event without any issues the previous year. Grannell, also known as “Peaches Christ,” expressed his disappointment on stage, referring to the petition and the negative backlash he had faced. The audience responded with more boos and shouts of support. Attendees praised Grannell as an icon and an institution in the gay community.
Drag Shows as Targets of Political and Religious Groups
Drag shows have increasingly become targets of religious and conservative organizations and politicians, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. GOP governors have backed legislative proposals aimed at limiting drag events. Additionally, corporations have faced backlash for their Pride-related marketing. Bud Light faced criticism for partnering with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, while North Face received backlash for featuring drag queen Pattie Gonia in an advertisement. Target and Kohl’s have also been criticized for their Pride-themed clothing.
The Importance of Corporate Allyship
Grannell emphasized the significance of corporate allyship and called out Google for not supporting its queer employees and failing to take a stand against anti-queer sentiment, even in the name of religion. He argued that if a company chooses to display a rainbow flag and participate in Pride events, it should also support its queer employees. Grannell pointed out that many drag performers rely on corporate sponsorship, and Google’s decision sets a standard for other companies in the industry and in San Francisco.
The drag show continued with various performers showcasing their talents, including singing, dancing, and comedic skits. Attendees enthusiastically cheered, danced, and even handed dollar bills to the performers on stage. Grannell concluded the show by encouraging the audience to keep fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and expressing confidence in the eventual victory of their cause.
Google did not provide a comment when approached for a response.
Overall, the Google drag show sparked a debate about the role of corporate allyship in supporting LGBTQ+ employees and the broader community. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by drag performers and the increasing targeting of drag shows by political and religious groups. It also emphasized the importance of corporations standing up against anti-queer sentiment and supporting diverse voices within their organizations.
Leave a Reply