Drag Out the Vote and Planned Parenthood Host Virtual Drag Show to Drive Voter Registration 

Roundtable Discussion Will Focus on Art, Activism, and Voting in 2020 and Beyond

New York, NY — Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Drag Out the Vote are proud to present “Sashay to the Polls,” a virtual roundtable discussion featuring several stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Nina West, Jackie Cox, Brita Filter, and Jaida Essence Hall. On Wednesday, June 17th at 6:00 PM ET, the queens will discuss the art and activism of drag, and why it's important to use their voices, platforms, and platform heels to get out the vote in 2020 and beyond. 

“Sashay to the Polls” takes place during Pride Month, an annual recognition and celebration of the long history of activism and hard-fought achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. From Stonewall to today, LGBTQ+ people have raised their voices to propel the country forward in the ongoing fight for full civil rights, justice, and equality. Voting is another way to express your voice and ensure the local, state, and federal elected officials influencing everyday life represent your needs — from the werk room to the main stage. 

“Voting, like the art of drag, is a way to stand and speak out about issues impacting our communities. We’re proud to partner with Drag Out the Vote in this urgent moment to call for action and fight for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, education, and health care,” said Ambalika Williams, Associate Director of Patient Advocacy Programs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. 

“We are honored to bring together a diverse panel of voices in drag entertainment to share their experiences in participating in democracy and what’s at stake in the country today. This event stands to represent the mission of Drag Out The Vote and celebrate our partnership with Planned Parenthood Federation of America,” said Jackie Huba, Founder and Executive Director of Drag Out The Vote.

Planned Parenthood and Drag Out the Vote know that voting matters. Collectively, the United States falls short on exercising its right to be heard: 

• Nearly 92 million eligible Americans did not go to the polls in the 2016 election cycle. 

• More than 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people are not registered to vote.

• The voices of those who have been underrepresented and discriminated against are essential to our democracy, yet communities of color, young people, and Americans with low incomes are disproportionately affected by barriers to voting. 

We are working together to help you register to vote and ensure you have the information you need to cast your ballot. Planned Parenthood’s Shout Your Vote! campaign is committed to getting more people in underserved and disenfranchised communities registered to vote so that their voices are heard and values are reflected on election day — regardless of their background, beliefs, or political ideology. 

With so many issues hanging in the balance this election — including hate crime and workplace protections for the LGBTQ+ community, racial justice, education, and health care access — we urge everyone to learn about their candidates at the local, state, and federal levels, and whether they support policies that align with the issues that matter to you and your communities. 

Join us for the “Sashay to the Polls” Facebook broadcast on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:00 PM ET by registering for the free event HERE. To learn more about Drag Out the Vote, visit https://www.dragoutthevote2020.org/. 

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Drag Out The Vote™ is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works with drag performers to promote participation in democracy. We educate and register voters at drag events online and offline, by organizing local and national voter activations. Led by fierce drag kings and queens across the nation, we advocate for increased voter access and engagement in 2020 and beyond.

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.