LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — For decades, Lansing has been home to multiple venues that hosted drag shows and performances. But those brick and mortar locations are gone, leaving performers searching for a place to present their art.
“Before COVID happened was that we actually had spaces that were more willing to host and to take care of the gay community more,” said Lansing-based drag performer and producer Auroara Manifesto. “It’s kind of cut back and I feel like there is no one really wanting to engage in trying to produce huge gay spaces anymore because of the risk”
Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope remembers the thriving drag performance network before COVID.
“I knew this when I was younger as Spiral, and it was a dance bar that you used to come to on a Saturday night and just have a really fun time,” Swope said while standing in front of the former LGBTQ dance and video bar. “They used to have events used to be a really fun place to come and meet people and safe space for the LGBTQ community”…