Working: Drag Queens Are Under Attack and Fighting Back

Published: April 16, 2023, 7 a.m.

This week, host June Thomas talks to drag queen, author, and activist Lil Miss Hot Mess. In the interview, LMHM explains the origins of her drag persona and drag name and discusses the skills she had to build up early in her career. Then she discusses her work with Drag Story Hour and talks about what it means for drag to be simultaneously more mainstream and constantly under attack. Finally, she discusses her two children's books, The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish and If You\u2019re a Drag Queen and You Know It.\xa0\n\nAfter the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler talk about the importance of playfulness and humor in creative work.\xa0\n\nIn the exclusive Slate Plus segment, LMHM talks about the current hostile political climate and her feud with senator Maro Rubio.\xa0\n\nSend your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.\n\xa0\nPodcast production by Cameron Drews.\xa0\n\nIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows\u2014you\u2019ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices