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H&M broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest drag brunch on Saturday at the Brooklyn Bowl in New York. The crowned queen of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 10 Aquaria headline the event along with five other impressive queens, including Dragon Sisters, Vena Cava, Victoria Holiday, Serena Tea, Mo’Riah and Janelle No.5.
The history-making drag brunch had over 400 guests in attendance. The current record stands at 338 people who attended a Drag Days’ Sunday morning brunch in Denver.
The occasion benefited one of H&M’s longtime partners, the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, founded by activist Elle Hearns. The organization works to create a safe space for trans individuals while advocating for much-needed policy change. It is partnered with the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs and Community Justice Action Fund which focuses on both spaces advocating for anti-violence.
Drag events have faced more than 160 protests and significant threats since early 2022. H&M’s initiative was focused on creating a safe space for queer individuals and drag performers.
Findings from GLAAD reported that hateful rhetoric was deployed against drag performers in campaign ads for the 2022 midterm elections, and that same rhetoric escalated to violence including the firebombing of a Tulsa donut shop that had hosted a drag event in October 2022.
Equality Texas documented additional targeted events throughout the year, including an armed demonstration and confrontation in San Antonio. Amidst the ever-growing controversies surrounding Pride, H&M continues to stand strong in support of the community.
PHOTOS: See how other retailers are celebrating Pride Month.
About the Author:
Amina Ayoud is an Assistant Digital Editor for Footwear News, where she writes stories about everything from celebrity style to breaking fashion and shoe releases. Ayoud cultivated a love of all things fashion early in life thanks to a deep love of fashion history and the luxury industry. In her free time, Ayoud is a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic.
