A Canadian drag performance venue is organizing a high-profile fundraising event titled “Drag for Palestine.” The Vancouver, British Columbia–based theater, The Bird House, has announced plans for the May 3 event, which will include an appearance by RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Eureka O’Hara.
Eureka O’Hara, born David Huggard, identifies as a transgender woman competed on seasons 9 and 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. O’Hara also appeared on season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and co-hosted HBO’s We’re Here from 2020 through 2022.
Eureka’s delusion would be comical if it weren’t so tragic how LGBTQ+ individuals are treated in Palestinian territories, which is more akin to human rights abuses. In Gaza, where governance is influenced by Islamist leadership, same-sex relationships are criminalized, reflecting broader opposition to homosexuality within more conservative interpretations of Islam, notes Breitbart News.
Despite these conditions, segments of the LGBTQ+ community in Western countries have continued to express support for the Palestinian cause. The support exists in denial of the legal and cultural realities LGBTQ+ individuals face in those regions, particularly under groups such as Hamas, which exerts control in Gaza.
Additionally, while the pro-Palestine movement and supporters chastise Israel, it is Israel which has enacted numerous laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Nonetheless, drag performers and other LGBTQ+ individuals continue to support the strict Islamic controlled areas even though they would face significant risks if they were to live under Palestinian governance, specifically, potential persecution.