HeadCount’s mission is to foster an interest in democracy. They send out volunteers all over the country to concerts and festivals, educating music fans about the power and importance of voting. HeadCount has partnered with DragCon for the past year to register voters and get everyone excited about getting involved. With DragCon right around the corner, we wanted to hear from one of the most necessary booths that will be on the floor making sure you know that your voice is heard.

Here, we have HeadCount’s artist liaison Ivy Bryan, who has organized the HeadCount’s involvement with DragCon, and Garnet Grimm-Deville who’s a non-binary drag artist performer based in Madison, WI answer questions about their relationship with voting and the significance of democratic participation within the drag community.

Margaret Farrell: What is the most important aspect about voting for you?

Gabby D. (Garnet Grimm-Deville): I think that, a lot of times, the government/the people working within it can seem extremely alien and untouchable to everyday citizens. The chances of any one of us having the opportunity to sit down and have an in-depth conversation with a prominent politician are slim to none. Voting, then, works as a communicative liaison between the two seemingly separate worlds. It’s the most direct method one can use to express their concerns, their desires. Simply put, it’s one’s chance to truly be heard, which is invaluable.

Ivy Bryan: Voting is a way for people to make their opinions known to the government. Voting is so important to make sure that your representatives actually represent you. Voting is your opportunity to take part in American democracy.

MF: How do you see it impacting the drag community?

GGD: The major demographic of the drag community consists of people from/of marginalized backgrounds and identities (queer, trans, POC, etc). It feels obvious for me to say that, historically, such communities have been mistreated and silenced by intolerant, and even violent, policies. For me, as a queer individual, voting is a pertinent method of shattering that silence, and of fighting for representatives who will do their best to ensure my rights are being respected and secured. Existing publicly in drag, as it is a famously and visibly queer art form, can be dangerous, no matter where you are. That shouldn’t be the case. My friends and I shouldn’t have to worry about experiencing violence when we’re out having fun and doing something we’re passionate about. I firmly believe that who we elect directly effects that level of safety & comfort, of acceptance, in general.

IB: The drag community has been a community that’s been silenced and marginalized, so it’s important that they make their voices heard.

MF: How is it discussed in the drag community? Is it something people are super active about or is it not a big enough conversation?

GGD: It seems like a lot of big names in drag (‘Drag Race’ girls, for example) are adamant about having these conversations and encouraging people to vote. A lot of them use their large social media followings to their advantage to promote political activism. However, I feel like it’s not adequately discussed in a lot of local drag scenes (at least not in my experience). Unfortunately, the drag community (as vibrant as it is), can oftentimes be ruthlessly competitive and utterly petty. The drama can feel never-ending. I think that, considering the aforementioned marginalization that most of us within the scene face, we could all benefit from having more productive political conversations, and fewer squabbles about who’s wearing/not wearing nails or pads or what-have-you.

MF: Has the conversation around voting evolved within the past few years? If so how?

GGD: Yes, definitely. For most of the drag community, the results of the election in 2016 were upsetting. I think it made a lot of people realize just how critical exercising one’s right to vote can be. So, in a way, it lit a fire under people to become more involved and outspoken on such topics, albeit there is still ample room for growth.

IB: Voting has had a spike in mainstream awareness. I think because of this people are more vocal about issues they care about, which is exactly what voting is about!

MF: How do you think we can create a larger discussion?

GGD: Being unabashedly loud about the importance of voting is always a solid place to start. Knowing when elections are (that includes the local ones!) is also vital, because, with more notice, there are more opportunities for discussion, as well as more time to research candidates and policies. Strike up a conversation with a coworker or a neighbor — ask them if they plan to vote, how they plan to get to the polls, etc. — make an Instagram post, a tweet, whatever! It’s 2019; we no longer have to go door-to-door to have these exchanges. It’s as simple as shooting a quick text, and can make a significant difference.

IB: Firstly is making sure that we and the people around us are registered to vote. Secondly, is making sure to do your research before you vote, and then getting out there on election day. Sharing the fact that you’re registered and voting is also important to inspire others to do the same.

MF: What stands out about HeadCount as a non-profit organization?

IB: HeadCount is within the entertainment industry, and look to be a voter registration organization for anyone regardless of their identity.

HeadCount is a nonpartisan non-profit that does voter registration at cultural events, concerts, and festivals across the country. You can register to vote on HeadCount.org as well as find other important voting information. HeadCount will be registering voters at RuPaul’s DragCon LA 2019 at booth 1216, and holding a panel on Sunday at 10am called “The Power of Politics” with Hoodprofet and Kelz.