Justin Dorsen, who founded the business Drag Experiences nearly eight years ago, is expanding his efforts to promote the art of drag amid a challenging political and corporate climate. After initially launching the company to fill a void in New York City’s nightlife scene, Dorsen has grown his operations to include locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
The business, which has been operating since 2018, offers drag bar crawls and professional makeovers. This June, as Pride Month approaches, the team is launching a new initiative to provide full drag makeovers to up to 100 executives, managers, and team leaders directly at their offices.
Addressing Corporate Retreat
Dorsen noted that the inspiration for this office-based project stems from a recent trend of clients cutting budgets, pulling funding, or requiring nondisclosure agreements to work with his company. By encouraging leaders to participate in drag, he hopes to demonstrate that the art form is a positive, celebratory expression of individual identity.
“In today’s climate, we just needed something fun right?” Dorsen said. “It’s a way to celebrate individual identity and to cut loose and have fun. So, leaders at the top are getting into drag. It shows a positive example from the top to the bottom of the organization.”
Promoting Connection Through Art
Annie Vaxxer, a drag queen and makeup artist for the organization, emphasizes that these sessions often transcend mere entertainment. She recalls working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a client from the Crosstrail Community Church who traveled to New York specifically for a makeover.
Vaxxer believes that drag acts as a bridge for those who may have suppressed their own sense of self. “I think drag is all about accessing the higher self,” she said. “Whatever the context is, whoever you’re sharing drag with, the goal is that it will help increase love and kindness in general.”
As the company moves forward, it faces a landscape marked by what Dorsen describes as increased pressure through legislation and rhetoric aimed at silencing queer voices. While the organization is using Pride Month as a spotlight, Dorsen maintains that his goal is to provide consistent support, noting, “We’re using this as an opportunity to spotlight pride, but for us, pride is 365 days a year.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Drag Experiences provide?
The company hosts drag bar crawls and offers professional drag makeovers for individuals interested in joining the community.
What is the goal of the new office-based makeover initiative?
The project aims to show that drag is a celebratory art form and to provide a positive example from leadership down through an organization, particularly in response to recent corporate funding cuts.
How does the organization respond to the current political climate?
The business aims to increase visibility and foster connections to demonstrate that drag is not a threat, despite facing increased legislative and rhetorical pressure.
How do you think workplace-based initiatives like these influence broader cultural perceptions of drag?