‘Blessed Are the Drag Queens’: Oregon church event celebrates love and acceptance

Amid harmful anti-trans and nonbinary legislation and political messaging, Bridgeport United Church of Christ set out to send a message of inclusivity.

The Portland, Oregon, church hosted a Blessed Are the Drag Queens brunch and fundraiser on Oct. 19, designed to draw attention to spreading love and acceptance. The well-attended event offered a brunch buffet, raffle, Blessed Are the Drag Queens t-shirts, and performance by Poison Waters and friends – all to raise funds for the congregation’s community partnerships.

“It’s important that as a Christian community, we send a message that God loves everyone, and that you are welcome here no matter who you are,” the Rev. Tara “T.” Wilkins, Bridgeport UCC pastor, shared with one of several local news outlets that covered the event.

Bridgeport is one among many UCC churches and pastors who have incorporated drag into events — at times facing threats and vandalism.

“We are proud to support the art of drag and to celebrate our trans siblings in a time our country is focused on the erasure of their basic human rights,” said Kristy Sibley, church moderator. “As people of faith, we will not stand idly by the dehumanizing of the trans community or allow the targeting of drag as a convenient scapegoat for bigotry.”

The event, which Bridgeport hosted last year as well, aims to celebrate the artistic expression and activism of drag while supporting programs that meet community needs.

“Drag queens entertain, as well as express powerful examples of self-confidence and activism. Our church welcomes all. We thrive on artistic expression in word, music, art, and creative activism,” said Karen Miller, chair of the church’s Justice & Witness Ministry Team.

Funds from Saturday’s drag show will go towards supporting several programs: Beacon Village, transitional housing for unhoused neighbors; Bridgeport Community Garden, which is tended through several community partnerships; and a program to support trans and nonbinary teens. 

Bridgeport UCC has been a leader for inclusion since its formation 25 years ago, according to Wilkins.

“Bridgeport was founded as sanctuary for the LGBTQ community,” she said. “Our position to also support refugees, asylum seekers, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the unhoused in the Montavilla neighborhood has often drawn criticism and threats. But we are unwavering in our commitment to full inclusion and community.”

Though some religious voices may preach a different message, Bridgeport wants to model one way faith communities can extend extravagant welcome.

“We care deeply about our trans and nonbinary siblings,” said Kaye Exo, Bridgeport’s eldest member and social justice leader. “Our church celebrates all people in the fullness of their being.”

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