A $10,000 Eviction Threat Spotlights the Crisis (Image Credits: Unsplash)
New York City – Black and trans drag artists hustle through economic pressures by appealing directly to fans for financial aid and attendance at their shows.
A $10,000 Eviction Threat Spotlights the Crisis
Klondyke, a Black drag artist and sideshow performer, accumulated $10,000 in unpaid rent that forced an eviction from a Brooklyn apartment. This situation captured the raw struggles within the community. Performers often earn sporadically from gigs, sometimes just a couple hundred dollars when paid at all. The city’s average rent surpasses $3,000 monthly, straining even those in the $35 billion nightlife economy. A 2019 study by the Office of Nightlife found 80 percent of entertainers face income instability.
Drag kings and trans performers encounter additional barriers like underpayment and booking discrimination. Venues closed amid gentrification, such as La Escuelita in 2016. Post-Covid corporate backing faded after initial solidarity efforts. Freelance protections exist for gigs over $800 but rarely apply to typical shows.
Profiles of Resilience in the Drag Scene
Xaddy Addy, a Black transmasculine drag king from Manhattan, cohosts the Superstar Open Set at Pink Metal Bar in Bushwick. Afrosephone, another Black drag artist, hosts open sets and highlights persistent venue biases. Bri Joy, a drag king and go-go dancer, deals with unemployment and back rent. Pachacvnti joins Addy in hosting duties.
Selena Surreal and Oliver Herface perform in the Black Cherry Sideshow, which Klondyke co-founded. This BIPOC-led group marks its first anniversary with events like a Coney Island gathering in May. Vague Static organizes the Lil’ Park Drag Show. These artists draw from history, including Crystal LaBeija’s 1968 founding of the House of LaBeija for Black trans talent.
- Superstar Open Set at Pink Metal Bar: Open access for emerging performers.
- Black Cherry Sideshow at Purgatory Bar: Features stunts like fire-eating and nail beds.
- Takes the Cake: A competition Klondyke won in 2021, though live events paused in 2024.
Crowdfunding Emerges as a Vital Lifeline
Klondyke started a 2024 fundraiser for housing costs, which remained under halfway to its goal despite the pressing need. Many Black and trans performers post mutual aid requests on social media for rent, medical bills, and groceries. These efforts underscore the gap between NYC’s vibrant drag culture and its performers’ financial precarity.
Income remains unpredictable, with artists at “the end of our rope,” as one description noted. Collectives share resources forged in underground spaces amid discrimination. Recent political promises, like rent freezes from figures such as Mayor Zohran Mamdani, offer potential relief alongside expanded trans protections.
Performers Plead: Show Up to Keep the Art Alive
Afrosephone emphasized the need for support beyond fame: “You shouldn’t wait until somebody is on Drag Race to show your support.” Klondyke questioned the visibility of struggles: “You have some of the best Black trans drag performers in the world in your city. Why are they starving?” Bri Joy described ideal promotions yielding empty venues despite perfect conditions.
Attendance, tipping, and inclusive hiring form the core appeals. Art serves as resistance, with Klondyke stating, “Being a drag performer, I’d much rather [use] art to fight through a fascist system.” Community turnout sustains shows and lives in a city where policy changes demand direct action.
Key Takeaways
- High rents and gig instability threaten Black and trans drag artists daily.
- Crowdfunding and mutual aid fill gaps left by sporadic earnings.
- Fan attendance remains the ultimate support for cultural survival.
Black and trans drag performers in New York City prove that visibility and solidarity can counter systemic hurdles, yet their future hinges on collective effort. Robust community backing ensures these artists continue shaping nightlife. What steps will you take to support them? Share in the comments.
