UTA SPILLS THE TEA ON THE BUSINESS OF DRAG
On the eve of National Coming Out Day, UTA, GLAAD and PEG presented a roundtable discussion on the business of drag and the impact of LGBTQ+ representation and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on the entertainment industry.
Hosted by GLAAD VP of Communications Anthony Ramos, the evening’s panelists included UTA Comedy Touring Agent Michael Grinspan and Digital Talent Agent Pranav Mandavia and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Violet Chachki, Gottmik and Monét X Change and HITS was permitted to attend, albeit with the strict caveat that we wear a large jingly bell around our necks so we couldn't sneak up on anyone… again.
Seen wishing they didn't have to drag us around are (l-r) Violet Chachki, Gottmik, Monét X Change, Grinspan, Mandavia and Ramos
Energized by the success of RuPaul’s Drag Race—which just aired its 15th season—drag performers are increasingly emerging as bankable multi-hyphenate entertainers—the house down, boots. Drag stars are holding down residencies in Las Vegas, lighting up TikTok, performing on Broadway, launching beauty lines and inking deals as ambassadors for luxury brands like Versace, Mont Blanc and Charlotte Tilbury, among others.
“Drag isn’t just lip-synching,” said UTA Music Agent Janet Kim. “There’s really no limit. RPDR introduced the art form to a wider audience but the buy-in is coming from all areas which is creating real momentum for clients to move into other entertainment spaces.”
The popularity of drag artists as DJs, comedians and touring live music acts is also on the rise. “The feedback from buyers that these acts bring in joyful, high-quality audiences who spend top dollar,” said Grinspan.
As the drag fandom grows, artists Gottmik are feeling empowered to eschew stereotypes and focus on projects like releasing rock and alternative music rather than de rigueur dance tracks, while Chachki relishes the increased creative agency to pursue deals reflective of their bold, burlesque, beauty-centric brand.
The evening’s conversation, however, didn’t shy away from the recent push for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation targeting drag artists and events. X Change admitted they are keenly aware of the negative backlash and potentially even danger. “There is fear,” said X Change. “But the Constitution is on our side.”
