Per Sia is San Francisco’s new drag laureate, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced Wednesday. A vivacious performer who’s been active in San Francisco for almost two decades, Per Sia is a champion of LGTBQ+ rights and education, and is an active participant in Drag Queen Story Hour, a colorful and inclusive literacy program that has been replicated in 20 states.
Whether campaigning to “Drag Out the Vote” during election season, marching for immigrant rights or reading to children at libraries, Per Sia infuses her art with advocacy for San Francisco’s diverse working-class communities.
“I am trans; I’m Latina; I am a product of immigrant parents; I’m a drag performer and an educator,” Per Sia told KQED. “So my existence is on the line, but I don’t let that dim my joy, because joy is my biggest resistance.”
Per Sia, an elementary after-school arts educator by day, is the second-ever artist to hold the position of San Francisco drag laureate, the first program of its kind in the country. As drag laureate, she’ll serve as an ambassador for the city’s drag scene, LGTBQ+ community and nightlife sector. The first person to hold the position was Oasis club owner and performer D’Arcy Drollinger.
A party for Per Sia will take place at Oasis on Nov. 30.
