As West Hollywood commemorates its 40th anniversary, a new exhibit shines a spotlight on the drag community that has been a cornerstone of its identity. Located at the One Gallery, the display celebrates the city’s vibrant drag history and its enduring influence.
Key Highlights
- The “It’s Where I Belong” exhibit at One Gallery in West Hollywood honors the city’s 40-year milestone and the legacy of drag culture.
- Curated by drag queen and scholar Lil Miss Hot Mess, it features an array of costumes, archival photos, and personal keepsakes.
- Many items were sourced from private collections and the ONE Archives at USC Libraries.
- The show emerges during a period of growing challenges for drag performers amid political debates.
The “It’s Where I Belong” exhibit, hosted by the One Institute—one of the nation’s oldest active LGBTQ+ organizations—offers a deep dive into West Hollywood’s drag heritage. Curated by drag queen and academic Lil Miss Hot Mess, the collection weaves together decades of costumes, photos, and personal artifacts, showcasing the evolution of drag from iconic performances to hidden underground talents.
“This is kind of one of the central photos of the exhibit,” Little Miss Hot Mess says, pointing to a portrait of the Cosmetics, a legendary drag troupe. “In putting this exhibition together, I spent about three months going through the archives at the ONE Archives at USC Libraries. I also put out a community call to drag performers because drag, it’s an ephemeral art form. It doesn’t always make its way to institutional archives. So many of the best pieces in the show are things that people had hidden away in their closets, tucked under their bed,” she said.
A standout feature is a sprawling portrait wall that spans different eras and styles. “Drag history, it’s not really linear,” she says. “It’s beautifully hot, messy, and I wanted to showcase the ways in which performers bump elbows across time and place.”
The exhibit opens during a tense time for drag in the U.S., with heightened political scrutiny over drag story hours and performances. “There’s been an intensified backlash against drag as an art form over the past few years,” Little Miss Hot Mess said. “And in that kind of environment, it’s important to look towards our history. To be reminded that we’ve fought similar battles, and we’ve won.”
This showcase is part of West Hollywood’s broader efforts to celebrate its 40-year legacy. “Since the beginning of the city, drag queens have been running the show here,” West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers said. “It’s truly been a safe haven for people to be in their drag artistry and to bring that culture to the city from the very beginning.”
Byers emphasized the city’s ongoing support despite external criticism. “This is about freedom. This is about individuality. This is about expression. And when we understand that drag is really about uplifting joy, there’s nothing to fear.”
As visitors explore the gallery, the exhibit’s closing sentiment shines through the photographs, fabrics, and sequins adorning the costumes. “Looking at all the photographs in this exhibition just reminds me,” said Little Miss Hot Mess, “that not only do we stand on the shoulders of giants, we’re still out here fighting and being our most fabulous selves.”
Good grief. Keep digging.
You’re a hateful person.