Oswego DragFest at Lakeridge High School postponed due to threats

Published 2:50 pm Tuesday, January 2, 2024

After receiving multiple threats of violence, Lakeridge High School administrators decided to postpone Oswego DragFest with Poison Waters, which was scheduled to take place Jan. 7 in the school’s auditorium.

The event was organized by students in Lakeridge’s Gender and Sexual Alliances (GSA). A first for Lakeridge, the event featured Darcelle XV’s Poison Waters and friends for drag performances, storytime and a Q&A.

“This decision has been driven by the alarming threats made by known violent and hate-driven organizations. These threats have arisen due to invitations extended to such organizations by individuals within and outside our learning community who do not align with our core values of inclusivity and belonging,” Principal Desiree Fisher said in a message to the LHS community on Tuesday. “Let me be unequivocal in my message: We are taking this step to ensure the safety of every member of our learning community. We stand firmly by our students in the Gender and Sexual Alliances (GSA) Club, who have invested tirelessly in planning and organizing this event. DragFest was conceived as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. It provides a platform for all individuals to express themselves and be acknowledged, reinforcing our belief that everyone deserves visibility and a voice.”

The Lake Oswego School District clarified that the event is not canceled, but postponed until student and community safety can be assured.

The event is intended to raise money for The Trevor Project, an organization focused on decreasing the disproportionately high number of suicides in the LGBTQIA+ community. The free event was optional for Lakeridge students and open to the broader community.

“Unlike the unfounded fears propagated by those who have threatened the event, suicide is a real crisis in our community. We can still make a difference by promoting acceptance and understanding and supporting our young people during their formative years through donations to the Trevor Project on behalf of Lakeridge GSA,” said Fisher. “Most of our learning community members are staunch supporters of all students, and many planned to show their support by attending the optional DragFest event. Our children must know they are seen, heard, and valued. I implore each of you to actively communicate your support by speaking out against hate, discrimination, or harassment whenever and wherever you encounter it. Our students deserve to know that they have far more allies than adversaries.”