Memphis, TN, March 2023:
Friends of George’s, a Memphis-based 501(c)(3) theatre company, has filed suit against the state of Tennessee in the U.S. District Court for the Western District (TN). Tennessee’s reckless anti-drag law, approved recently by Governor Lee and scheduled to take effect on April 1, imperils the lives of drag performers and seeks to oppress queer culture state-wide.
Since 2011, Friends of George’s has produced original, drag-centric performances, comedy sketches, and plays while raising thousands of dollars for other Mid-South charities that support or affirm the LGBTQIA+ population.
All Friends of George’s productions are rooted in the rich history of drag, gender impersonation, and gender exploration through theater art. We honor and protect this centuries-old tradition in the queer community and our society.
We believe that the act of drag challenges traditional societal structures while also providing a medium to connect with others in a celebratory and avant-garde manner. Friends of George’s stands in solidarity with other drag performers, the greater LBGTQIA+ community, and countless allies as we refuse to sit silently in the shadows while the government attempts to strip away our right to free speech and expression.
Friends of George’s is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Memphis, TN. Its mission is to empower the LGBTQIA+ community by raising the visibility of queer representation on the stage. Every production benefits a selected local charity that inclusively supports or affirms the LGBTQIA+ population.
Friends of George’s is proud to announce its upcoming production of “Drag Rocks!” – a rock-inspired drag and sketch comedy show. “Drag Rocks!” runs April 14 through April 22 at the Evergreen Theatre at 1705 Poplar Ave in Memphis, TN. Tickets can be purchased at friendsofgeorges.org.
