AN ANALYSIS OF THE ARMORETTES’ MISSION TO HELP THE ATLANTA LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

The Armorettes are a self-proclaimed camp drag troupe that have been performing in the Atlanta drag scene since 1979. First formed as a cheer group for a softball team associated with The Armory, a well known gay bar at the time, they quickly added drag performance and charity work to their name. The group came to be as the HIV/AIDS epidemic began affecting Atlanta. Atlanta was hit hard by the disease. Several comorbid factors contributed to the disproportionate numbers seen in the city beginning in the 1980s. They quickly took on the mission of raising money for charities and organizations that aided in fighting against HIV/AIDS by hosting drag shows at the Armory, a well known gay bar at the time before eventually moving to their current home of The Heretic. The manner in which the Armorettes have performed has aided their mission of fundraising by challenging commonly held notions of drag and going beyond what is expected of performers. Their ability to disrupt these notions of what drag is has led to their work having a stronger and longer lasting impact in their community. The Armorettes stand as more than comedy camp drag performers, they have become a pillar of the queer community in Atlanta, acting as educators and caretakers for the larger queer community in the city, as well as masters of using their bodies to their fullest potential in drag and drag performances, leading to their ability to raise money in pursuit of the mission of raising awareness of HIV/AIDS. Examining previous performances, I will highlight the various methods by which the Armorettes have worked their mission and how their performances have disrupted the drag scene in Atlanta, making them stand out as social activists and highlighting the power of the group in affecting change for the community.