Calvary Episcopal Church’s Second Annual Drag Me to Church: A Gospel Drag Show

June 7, 2024/in Culture, Drag/by Queer Kentucky

Calvary Episcopal Church invites all to celebrate the end of Pride Month with their second annual Drag Me to Church: A Gospel Drag Show. The event follows the success of the inaugural Drag Me to Church last year, which raised roughly $9,000 and gathered hundreds of food item donations.

Drag Me to Church will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m. Donations are encouraged and support Calvary’s food ministry, which serves over 100 individuals daily on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Both food and monetary donations are welcomed.

Calvary, located at 821 S. 4th Street, believes that every person is a beloved child of God. This unconditional love inspired the church to host a drag show, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity and respect for the dignity of every human being as promised in their Baptismal Covenant. Reaching out in love to the LGBTQIA+ community is a long-standing tradition of Calvary, which was founded in 1860.

Cadillac Seville

“I am thrilled that we are able to host Drag Me To Church for a second year,” said The Very Rev. Dr. Lee F. Shafer of Calvary Episcopal Church. “The show was packed last year with joy-filled folks, and I’m sure it will be again this year. Not only is Drag Me To Church offered in support of our LGBTQIA+ friends, but also all proceeds support our Food Ministry which feeds over 300 people each week. I look forward to seeing everyone at Drag Me to Church!”

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The event will feature talent from six drag queens and is hosted by Louisville legend Cadillac Seville.

“We had an amazing time at the first Drag Me to Church event last year, and I am so excited for year two,” exclaimed Cadillac, who has been in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. “Pride is an important time for our community, and inclusive celebrations like Drag Me to Church are vital. They help us push forward, be proud of who we are, and show unconditional love.”

Parishioners share in the excitement for the show. “Drag Me to Church meant a lot to me last year; it was a spiritual experience that reflected an immense amount of love,” said JC Phelps. “Calvary’s explicit welcome to all — people of color, the LGBTQIA+ Community, drag queens, and more — truly embodies the inclusive spirit of our church. Whether at the drag show or during Sunday Service, all are always welcome to sit beside me.”

Drag Me to Church is a family-friendly event that is free and open to the public. For any questions, please contact The Rev. Dr. Lee F. Shafer at [email protected].