SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A San Francisco-based performing group that options volunteer LGBTQIA+ musicians and drag performers has had an upcoming look on the Kennedy Heart in Washington D.C. abruptly canceled. The Worldwide Satisfaction Orchestra (IPO) was scheduled to participate within the Satisfaction Celebration Live performance on the Kennedy Heart on June 4.
Nonetheless, earlier this month, President Donald Trump introduced by way of social media publish that he could be appointing MAGA loyalist Ric Grenell, who was the primary overtly homosexual U.S. cupboard member, as interim govt director of the Kennedy Heart. Within the publish, Trump mentioned that there could be “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA” on the middle.
No financial savings anticipated from almost 40% of DOGE-canceled contracts
Trump went on to call himself chairman of the middle and fired a number of of the board members.
A couple of days later, IPO acquired a one-sentence e mail from the Kennedy Heart, informing them, “We are not in a position at this time to advance a contract.”
“We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Center,” mentioned Michael Roest, founding creative director of IPO. “The Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and freedom of expression.”
“Sadly, to read something like this from the present President of the United States is not surprising, but is in itself profoundly unamerican and therefore disheartening,” mentioned IPO board member and conductor Christine Brandes. “His actions additional embolden us in our function.
The group will as a substitute transfer its Satisfaction Celebration Live performance to the Strathmore Music Heart in Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday, June 5.
“The Strathmore Music Center, known for its commitment to diversity and artistic freedom, quickly stepped in to offer IPO a new home for its landmark event,” learn an announcement from the group. “The Pride Celebration Concert will now serve not only as a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, but as a testament to the enduring power of music to united communities in the face of adversity.”
The Satisfaction Celebration Live performance, which guarantees “an unforgettable evening of music, featuring a diverse repertoire that reflects the richness of LGBTQ+ experience,” will probably be hosted by famous San Francisco drag performer, Peaches Christ.
The Kennedy Heart has reportedly seen a 50% drop in ticket gross sales since Trump introduced his intention to take it over.
