Two drag queens performed a flamboyant lip-sync routine on the Oregon House floor on Wednesday as part of a Democratic resolution celebrating “black drag performers,” prompting Republican backlash over using the legislative chamber for “political theater.”
The resolution recognizing “the artistry of black drag performers” in Oregon was introduced by Rep. Travis E. Nelson, a Democrat and the state’s “first black LGBTQIA+ House member,” The New York Post reported.
“Your presence, artistry, and courage are a powerful reminder of the joy, resilience and cultural impact of drag in Oregon and beyond,” Nelson told the drag queens. “Thank you for sharing your light with us this morning.”
The resolution passed in the state House with a vote of 34-9, with two Republicans voting in favor.
Two drag queens danced wildly around the chamber for nearly five minutes in honor of the resolution, wearing eccentric outfits including a yellow jumpsuit and a rainbow-colored one-piece with a blue wig.
“I’m not sure the Founding Fathers envisioned taxpayer-funded legislative chambers being turned into platforms for political theater,” GOP state Rep. Dwayne Yunker posted on X, along with footage of the performance. “The House floor is meant for serious debate, lawmaking, and serving all Oregonians, not partisan spectacles designed to push cultural agendas,” he added.
This was the Oregon House floor this morning used to celebrate Black Drag Queens.
I’m not sure the Founding Fathers envisioned taxpayer-funded legislative chambers being turned into platforms for political theater. The House floor is meant for serious debate, lawmaking, and… pic.twitter.com/FrwjaRqPw0
— Rep. Dwayne Yunker HD3 (@RepYunker) June 18, 2025
Yunker went on to describe the drag show as “outrageous and a complete waste of taxpayer money.”
The drag queens lip-synched to Aretha Franklin’s “A Deeper Love.”
According to Oregon Live, nearly all Republicans were absent during the drag show, while two were seated at the back of the chamber.
GOP Rep. Cyrus Javadi was at the front of the chamber, clapping along to the performance with his teenage daughter. Javaldi was one of the two Republicans who voted in favor of the resolution.
Social media erupted with criticism following the display, with many commenters calling it inappropriate for government proceedings.
“I am completely embarrassed of the state I live in. Our tax dollars are being spent on this crap,” one account posted on X.
“The Oregon House of Representatives….let that sink in,” another social media user wrote. “Parents are doing all they can to clean their schools and elected representatives are doing this in the house (sic) of the people. No words.”
“I am thankful every day that Trump won the 2024 election,” another posted in response.