Now in its fourth season, HBO’s landmark series We’re Here is shaking things up with new queens, a new format, new locations and a new mission. With queer (and basic human) rights in jeopardy, fearless queens Sasha Velour, Priyanka, Jaida Essence Hall, Latrice Royale travel to places in the South where anti-drag rhetoric is rampant: Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and, surrounding cities. United, they face hateful opposition and support the embattled LBGTQ+ communities and their allies.
In this week’s episode, “Oklahoma, Part 3,” Sasha, Priyanka and Latrice are still reeling from their confrontation with anti-LBGTQ+ protestors who showed up to their meet and greet in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. While the queens were met with hate from a few, they were also embraced by many who came out to support them and their efforts to preach equality and tolerance. In their efforts to find a location for their proposed drag show, the queens turned to an unlikely venue: the Parish Church of St. Jerome in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In this exclusive clip [which you can watch above], Sasha, Priyanka and Latrice are welcomed into the church office by the friendly Father Joshua, who makes them feel as welcome as his own parishioners. “We’re so grateful you would even consider this sanctuary as a place to have drag,” begins Sasha. “We are so excited to have you guys here and celebrate your gifts and your ministry,” says Father Joshua. Knowing that they may have to tweak their usual routines out of respect for the institution, Latrice gets down to business: “Are there any guidelines we should be mindful of?”
“We have the same rules for everybody,” begins Father Joshua. “I like to think of it as a challenge for you guys…are you up for a drag challenge?” Intrigued, the group leans in. “We don’t allow any explicit language, no overt sexual references, no references to drug use, and then nothing that denigrates any group of community,” says Father Joshua simply. As Latrice makes a joke about cutting their routine to “WAP” by Meghan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, Father Joshua laughs as he’s in on the joke. “I have nephews and nieces, so…” says Father Joshua.
As Father Joshua encourages Priyanka to dance their heart out, Sasha steers the conversation back to the bigger issues. “I know you don’t, [but] so many people have misconceptions about drag and think we need to be doing something sexual,” says Sasha sadly. As the group bemoans this stereotype, Father Joshua continues: “Drag is for everyone. This is going to be a very diverse audience. We’re going have kids here, people from 4 to 104 here, celebrating with you.”
“The Parish Church of St. Jerome has always erred on the side of inclusion, and we’re courageous in our fight for the LGBTQIA+ community,” continues Father Joshua. “This is a stand we’re proud to take.” The queens are stunned by his statement. “I really applaud your bravery,” says Latrice as the group claps playfully. “This is a good step in the right direction demonstrating that drag can exist in any space,” adds Priyanka. “It is a sacred art,” replies Father Joshua.
“This is an opportunity for people who would never walk into a drag club to get to see what you do and the ministry that you provide the community,” finishes Father Joshua. After witnessing his embrace of their lives’ work, Priyanka can’t help but ask: “If you were to do a drag number, what would your drag number be?” Without hesitation, Father Joshua replies: “Hands down something from Sister Act.”
Find out if Father Joshua takes the stage by watching We’re Here this Friday (5/31) at 9PM ET on HBO and Max.
The post ‘We’re Here’ Exclusive Clip: The Queens Find A Church To Host Their Tulsa Drag Show appeared first on Decider.
