In a move that underscores the growing intersection of progressive values and religious practices, certain churches in Colorado and Washington are embracing drag-themed Christmas events alongside their traditional holiday services.
These events aim to celebrate inclusivity and diversity within the religious community, offering a fresh perspective on the festive season.
According to Fox News, Foothills Unitarian Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, recently held its third annual drag Christmas show, "A Drag Christmas Spectacular," on December 19 and 20. This 90-minute performance is described as "a joyful, irreverent reimagining of the nativity story that celebrates queer joy, chosen family, and the power of love and acceptance."
The event's promotional material invites attendees to "get ready for the ultimate festive extravaganza with 'A Drag Christmas Spectacular,' where magical Queers will slay their way to Bethlehem." Notably, the show is recommended for audiences aged 16 and older due to its adult themes.
Rev. Sean Neil-Barron, a minister at Foothills Unitarian who identifies as queer, shared with Colorado Public Radio that the event was conceived in response to what he perceives as anti-LGBTQ legislation across the nation. "I was kind of sitting with that reality, and also being a queer person myself, I was just realizing what the church needs to step into this gap and say something," Neil-Barron explained.
He envisioned the event as a "queer little oasis" during the holidays, providing a sacred space for individuals to see their lives and communities celebrated. Neil-Barron drew inspiration from the biblical Magi, whom he described as "outside figures," to incorporate drag and LGBTQ themes into a reimagined Nativity story.
"What if they embodied this search for queerness? Instead of just finding Jesus, what if they actually stumbled upon queer people coming alive, being born again, claiming joy, claiming hope, claiming resilience?" he pondered.
Emmaus Table in Seattle, Washington, is another congregation embracing this trend. Connected to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Emmaus Table hosted a drag event on December 12 titled "Drag Church: The Yassification of Ebenezer Scrooge." This event reimagines the traditional Christmas pageant through a queer lens, drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol."
The audience follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is guided by three drag queen spirits on a transformative journey, helping him to "release shame and anger, embrace his true self, and rediscover the joy of community." The event is billed as "spiritually-inclusive [and] family-friendly," welcoming attendees of all ages.
Progressive denominations, including the Episcopal, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, and the United Church of Christ, have long been known for their open embrace of LGBTQ clergy and their willingness to host drag worship and other inclusive ministry events.
Despite the growing acceptance of such practices within these communities, Foothills Unitarian and Emmaus Table did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. As these churches continue to push the boundaries of traditional religious celebrations, they highlight a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and acceptance, challenging conventional norms and inviting dialogue on the role of faith in contemporary society.
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