The Brief
Throughout 2023, there have been over 400 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislations introduced in the USA. WILDFANG enlisted the help of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS to create a memorable event that would bring the community together in unity and celebration. Wildfang’s goal was to raise over $300K for the Trevor Project, which is a nonprofit organization to help LGBTQ+ youth.
The Solution
WILDFANG set out to break the world record for the longest drag artist stage show by hosting DRAG-A-THON at the famous Darcelle XV Showplace drag club. The club was owned by the late Darcelle XV, who held the record for the oldest drag queen.
On July 10th, the event began and lasted for 48 hours, 11 minutes, and 30 seconds. This record-breaking attempt required the coordination and support of over 60 drag performers, 60 emcees, 600 songs, 700 stage changes, and more than 2600 audience members. Drag-a-Thon attendees watched the performers lip-sync to a clock counting every second during the show. In addition to show stopping local performers, the event also welcomed national drag stars Eureka O'Hara, Peppermint, and Lala Ri to the stage.
Official adjudicator Michael Empric announced that they had set a new record at the end of the event. Following the show, the WILDFANG team announced that they had raised over $300K for the Trevor Project. Although the Drag-a-Thon was a night of fun, joy and queer celebration, many people highlighted that the 48-hour show was a representation of support towards drag artists at a time when drag performance has been restricted across the US.
We at Wildfang are so deeply proud to break this Guinness World Records title and raise over $300k to support LGBTQ youth. This effort truly took a village: over 60 drag performers, over 60 emcees, over 600 songs and the more-than-2600 customers who bought tickets. This record goes to show what is possible when people come together for a cause bigger than themselves.
