The Oregon House of Representatives began its session on Wednesday with a Pride Month-themed opening ceremony that included a drag performance by two Black drag queens, Isaiah Esquire and Aqua Flora. The performance, which featured lip-synning to songs by Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé, was part of a broader effort by Democratic Rep. Travis Nelson, the first openly LGBTQ+ African American legislator in Oregon, to honor the LGBTQ+ community. Nelson, who invited the performers to the House floor, also introduced a resolution recognizing the history of Black drag in Oregon, which passed on a 34-9 vote. The performance, which lasted nearly five minutes, received a standing ovation from many House members, highlighting the cultural significance of drag in the state.
During the ceremony, Nelson provided remarks about the performers, who both hailed from Portland, shortly after they finished their performance. His comments emphasized the importance of drag as an art form and its role in the LGBTQ+ community. The resolution, which was the first piece of legislation taken up by the House that morning, acknowledged the contributions of Black drag performers in Oregon, describing them as