The City of West Hollywood is set to anoint Los Angeles singer and performer Pickle as its brand new ‘Drag Laureate’ — the City’s first official ambassador for the drag community. She will serve a two-year term raising awareness and expanding appreciation for drag culture at a time when lawmakers in several states have tried to restrict drag performances.
It will be the second time in the U.S. that a city has appointed a drag laureate after San Francisco launched its version of the position in 2021. The applications deadline in WeHo for the job passed this month, and Mayor London Breed is expected to name a pick soon. She will be paid a $15,000 stipend, roughly double what the City’s poet laureate receives.
She will attend approximately 15 events each year, strongly emphasizing events supporting the local business community and during Pride month. She will also help officials ensure the City’s drag history is shared, honored, and preserved. The appointment will be coordinated with city staff, and the City must coordinate and approve all event requests in advance.
Her duties will include:
Highlighting the City of West Hollywood’s vibrant drag culture.
Promoting partnerships with the City’s diverse business community.
Celebrating the spirit and unique qualities of West Hollywood residents.
Inspiring an emerging generation of drag artists.
In addition, the Laureate will work closely with City staff to promote the City of West Hollywood’s LGBT cultural heritage and historic districts.
The role comes as the City’s LGBTQ businesses face a nationwide uptick in anti-gay hate crimes and attacks on gay rights. The drag laureate will symbolize the City’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents and its support for the City’s creative arts and entertainment industries.
Getting picked up by two helpers at her apartment as she got ready to meet reporters and fellow city staff for the press conference was quite a production. D’Arcy Drollinger, 54, a nightclub owner who hosts boozy drag brunches called Green Eggs & Glam, was in a bejeweled pink skirt suit and white patent stilettos.
She’ll be showcasing her drag performances on social media and at public appearances and representing the City of West Hollywood at various outreach events. She’ll also be promoting the City’s new LGBTQ history projects and celebrating International Drag Day on July 16.
During her two-year term, Drollinger will share stories about drag culture and history with the public, raise the City’s Pride Flag, and celebrate its diversity. She’ll also host community conversations, participate in other initiatives, and work with other community members and business leaders to address challenges in the City of West Hollywood.