EPISODE PREMIERES SUNDAY, JUNE 9 AT 8PM ET/PT
PROMO: https://youtu.be/1Cmy2mxoDuk
NEW YORK, NY – (June 3, 2024) – The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, a CNN Original, returns with a colorful examination of how the art of drag performance has become a major target for the political right through the lens of local drag queens based in Florida. “Drag War” with CNN National Correspondent Randi Kaye premieres Sunday, June 9 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN.
Drag queens have fascinated audiences for centuries, establishing drag as a popular art form with extravagant balls in Harlem during the roaring ‘20s. The award-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race has helped bring drag back into the spotlight in the modern day, launching franchises in more than a dozen countries and making drag performances more popular than ever. At the same time, drag queens are facing intense political backlash as right-wing lawmakers across the country are trying to push through legislation restricting their performances.
“I’ve reported live from festivities involving drag queens for years, like the annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Key West, Florida. I’m now wondering how this campy form of entertainment has become such a target for the political right in my home state of Florida,” Kaye said.
Kaye reports from Miami to Tallahassee, Florida, speaking with state politicians on both sides of the issue about why drag has become a political target, and local drag queens on the fight for their right to perform. Featuring insight from winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Fulbright Scholar Sasha Velour, “Drag War” explores the history of drag and the cycles of acceptance and backlash that have repeated throughout history.
The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper is executive produced by Susan Chun.
The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper will stream live for pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps on Sunday, June 9. “Drag War” will also be available on demand beginning Monday, June 10 to pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps, and Cable Operator Platforms. Past episodes of The Whole Story are available to stream on demand now on Max.
The Whole Story is also available as a CNN Audio showcast. Visit CNN.com/audio or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
