01. Celebrating Pride Month: The Inspiring Journey Behind Drag Queen Entertainment and Our Mission to Make a Difference
By James Boone
(DQE CEO & Co-Founder)
Each year during Pride Month, we reflect on the history that paved the way for the vibrant, brave, and unapologetic community we celebrate today. The Stonewall Riots of June 28, 1969, marked the beginning of a revolution for LGBTQIA+ rights—a fight rooted in the resilience to be oneself against tremendous odds. It’s within this spirit that Drag Queen Entertainment (DQE) was born, out of necessity, passion, and the desire to create visibility, unity and acceptance in South Jersey.
From Inspiration to Action
Our journey started back in 2014 when we—myself and Astala Vista—were determined to fill a void. Growing up in South Jersey, we rarely saw representation or safe spaces for queer folks. Astala’s obsession with makeup, hair, theater, and costumes was fueled by her childhood love for the stage. From performing in theater productions to training as a licensed cosmetologist, her talents were ready to shine, but the lack of local LGBTQIA+ events forced Astala to apply her creativity in another way.
As Astala entered the Drag scene in Philadelphia in 2014, we quickly noticed the highest booking fee for a performer in a Drag Show was a measly $50. For $50 or less, performers were expected to get to a venue, park, perform 2+ numbers, and have new costumes constantly. We knew if Astala wanted to do Drag “full-time,” $50 per show would never cut it and we would have to figure something else out. After about a year of Astala performing and building a name for herself, we started to think about producing our own shows in Southern New Jersey.
Around the same time, we watched the local NJ Queer scene shrink as the only two gay bars in our area closed just weeks before Astala’s 21st birthday—but the closing of those doors inspired us to open doors of our own and create the change we wanted to see. We knew that visibility and community were necessary, so in 2015, we produced our first drag show at Ollie Gators Pub in Berlin, NJ. Despite facing setbacks like a “week of” closure of the original venue, we refused to give up—and that resilience became a defining trait of our mission. It was such a success that we ended up selling out that show, and used those numbers to pitch to a larger venue. That’s how our longest running show “Drag Me To Landmark” was born!
Building a Community, One Show at a Time
Over the past nine years, “Drag Me To Landmark” has become South Jersey’s longest-running monthly drag show, bringing people together in celebration of love, identity, and acceptance. From 1st time “Drag Virgins” to guests from every group of the LGBTQIA+ community, Drag Me To Landmark brings together people from all walks of life to come out and just enjoy some quality queer entertainment together. From popular themes like 80’s VS 90’s to more niche themes like Star Wars & Squid Games, we tailor this show to be able to be enjoyed by anyone looking to have a great time! Not a “Barbie Beach Bash” fan? Maybe our “SpongeBob Bikini Bottom Bash” is more up your alley! Beyond local stages, we’ve worked to produce numerous events at College Campuses and Corporate Events across America, ensuring the LGBTQIA+ youth and workforce see themselves reflected—and understood.
What keeps us going is the stories we hear after each show: individuals telling us they’ve finally felt like they belong, or allies supporting our mission to foster positivity and inclusion. Drag has always been more than performance; it’s a rallying cry for justice, equality, and pride.
Why Our Work Matters More Than Ever
The political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and legislation threatening the progress we've fought so hard to achieve. We’ve seen the toll it takes on our community—yet, it’s precisely in challenging times that visibility and voice are most crucial.
Now more than ever, we must be louder, prouder, and more Queer than ever before. Our art and advocacy serve as living proof that acceptance starts with community and small acts of kindness—like wearing a pride pin or standing up for someone being ostracized. Support from friends and family played a vital role in our journey; My Mom and Astala’s Dad have been our unwavering pillars, demonstrating that love and acceptance are foundational for thriving as our authentic selves.
An Invitation to Act—Do It Scared
As we gear up for our annual Pride ExDragVaganza at Landmark Americana in Glassboro on June 20th, we want to leave you with this message: Sometimes, the smallest act—whether speaking out, wearing a rainbow pin, or showing kindness—can change a life. If you’re nervous or unsure, remember our motto: “Do It Scared.” Take that leap, make that change, and be the ally or safe space someone needs.
Together, we can continue to build a world where everyone can be seen, heard, and celebrated. Because, at the end of the day, Drag Queen Entertainment is more than just a show—it’s a movement rooted in love, resilience, and the power of community.
Join us this Pride Month and beyond, because every act counts!
Tickets for the Pride ExDragVaganza are available at www.DragMeToLandmark.com