‘Hate and bigotry’ lead to canceled Everett drag show, organizers say

Published 4:45 pm Friday, July 22, 2022

EVERETT — A drag show set for Friday evening in Everett was called off due to safety concerns.

The show was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. as the final event in the first day of Salty Sea Days, a free festival in downtown Everett. Festival organizers announced Thursday via social media that the show would be canceled.

“Due to the nature of comments and messages regarding tomorrow’s drag show, the artists do not feel safe performing and have made the difficult decision to cancel the show,” reads an announcement from the Downtown Everett Association. “Though we are deeply disappointed to be announcing the cancellation, we fully respect their decision. Their safety — and the safety of all our attendees — comes first.”

Everett police officer Kerby Duncan said he heard in a meeting about “animosity” on the internet about the drag show. On Friday, Duncan declined to say if police were investigating specific threats.

The Downtown Everett Association replaced the scheduled drag show with live music sets from Pilchuck Boyz followed by Skyhook.

“We support our LGBTQIA+ community and condemn the hate and bigotry displayed on social media,” the association wrote. “We’ll continue to work to make Snohomish County a safer, more inclusive place for everyone.”

Ellen Dennis: 425-339-3486; ellen.dennis@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterellen.