Lucy Stoole, a well-known drag performer in Chicago, announced on March 19 that she will host a large-scale drag event at the Metro to raise funds for immigrant justice organizations. The event, called Chicago Drag Melts ICE, is scheduled for Friday and will feature more than 40 performers from both local and national drag scenes.
The fundraiser aims to support groups such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Midwest Immigration Bond Fund, Stand With Minnesota, and the National Immigrant Justice Center. Organizers say the event is a response to recent immigration enforcement actions in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.
The lineup includes Utica from Season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Laila McQueen, Aurora Gozmic, Maya Douglas, Jay Kay, and other notable names. This marks the fourth time Stoole has organized such an event at the Metro. Previous editions have raised money for causes related to Gaza, Sudan, and the Congo after similar community needs arose following legislative changes affecting drag performances.
“Ever since I started doing drag, I’ve taken that stance that with whatever platform I have, I was going to make sure to try and do something for the community,” Stoole said. “I thought I would use my platform to be able to throw a huge drag show and bring in some money.”
Abhijeet, another Chicago-based performer participating in Friday’s show, said these events are important because they help communities extend support beyond their own circles. “When we have these events that call for us to extend beyond our own communities and serve a specific faction of our city that is in need of assistance, I think that’s what this call for community is,” Abhijeet said.
Many of those performing are immigrants or children of immigrants themselves. “So many people on the lineup are immigrants or children of immigrants,” Abhijeet said. “They have family that is being affected by ICE. I think it’s a very personal thing for a lot of people, especially of this lineup.”
Stoole emphasized her commitment to highlighting local talent: “I really want to highlight Chicago people,” she said. She also noted previous shows have raised upwards of $40,000 for various causes.
In addition to performances and dancing, attendees can expect tablings and speeches designed to spread awareness about immigration enforcement issues while educating guests on how they can get involved locally. “It will be a moment that all of us can get together and laugh, scream, cheer and enjoy these times when the world is kind of dark and awful,” Lucy said.
