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Finding faith in drag
Individuals discovering acceptance in the drag community.
The journey to acceptance
Traveling from different places in the United States and internationally, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ have found their homes in the Bay Area, an oasis of acceptance.
Part I
For "Alireza" the journey begins in Iran.
Coming from the Muslim-majority country, he moved to the United States for education and freedom—and expanded his perception of drag along the way.
"Alireza" asked to keep his name and face out of the video, and found acceptance in the Bay Area drag community—and so did Jared Gorfinkel.
Coming from two religious communities that are often seen as clashing, "Alireza" and "Rosacea" lived through similar stories. Stories of balancing between faith in drag.
Percentage of LGBT adults with religious beliefs compared to the general public
Less people from the LGBTQ community affiliate with religion. In research done by The Pew Research Center they asked participants, "What is your present religion, if any? Are you Protestant, Roman Catholic, Mormon, Orthodox such as Greek or Russian Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, atheist, agnostic, something else or nothing in particular?" Here are their answers.
Part II
Conflicts of being raised with religion unravel and "Alireza" and "Rosacea" open up about how joining the drag community was difficult due to their backgrounds.
Acceptance of Homosexuality in predominately Muslim Countries between 2007 and 2013
The data provided by the Pew Research Center reflects a relatively unchanged level of tolerance for LGTBQ+ individuals in Muslim majority countries.
Part III
"Alireza" and "Rosacea" discover what it means to be fully themselves and find a balance between their past and present.
International acceptance of people who identify as LGBTQ+
To the right is a map that features the status of acceptance of homosexuality around the globe. The countries range from homosexuality being punishable by death to marriage equality for all. In some countries being homosexual is legal yet there are not equal rights for people who identify as LGBTQ+.