San Francisco has crowned its second Drag Laureate, and it's none other than Per Sia, a veteran presence in the vibrant drag scene of the city and an iconic educator with a passion for storytelling. Mayor Daniel Lurie, recognizing Per Sia's two-decade contribution to San Francisco's LGBTQ community, announced the appointment yesterday, as KTVU reported.
The role of Drag Laureate, unique to San Francisco and West Hollywood, bestows upon Per Sia the duties of promoting the art of drag, representing the LGBTQ+ culture, and serving as an advocate for the city's nightlife and entertainment. Per Sia expressed gratitude for the honor, affirming a promise "to keep bringing joy, queer joy, all the joy, through drag and storytelling," as covered by KTVU. The selection process included a diverse range of voices from the community, such as outgoing laureate D'Arcy Drollinger and representatives from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Transgender District, and the SF Public Library's Hormel LGBTQIA Center.
The mayoral announcement at Rooftop Elementary was not just a formal recognition, but also a statement about visibility, inclusivity, and honoring one's authenticity, which reflects the city's longstanding support and advocacy for its LGBTQ+ residents, Per Sia representing the long line of San Francisco drag artists that shape the city's culture. While celebrating this milestone, San Francisco's drag community and allies are also looking forward to the expansion of this cultural program under Per Sia's guidance – with Drag Story Hour, which she co-founded, continuing to play a pivotal role in her laureateship, as highlighted by queer community members speaking to Bay Area Reporter.
