In a world where the shadows of intolerance loom, the spectacle of We’re Here emerges not just as a beacon of light but as a bold declaration of presence. HBO’s groundbreaking series created by Stephen Warren and Johnnie Ingram, began in 2020, with Shangela, Bob the Drag Queen, and Eureka at the helm. This features drag icons Priyanka, Jaida Essence Hall, Sasha Velour, and Latrice Royale, takes the art of drag into Tennessee and Oklahoma, transforming not only stages but hearts and minds along the way.
At the outset of its fourth season, We’re Here sets a tone that connects deeply with current events. Amidst the backdrop of news clips announcing the banning of drag performances in Tennessee, the visual contrast of Priyanka, Jaida Essence Hall, and Sasha Velour preparing for their performances encapsulates a fight not just for the spotlight, but for life itself. The series dives into the awareness of its mission: to showcase the human side of drag performance, challenging the stereotypes and fostering a dialogue that transcends the glitter and the gowns.
The series is more than a reality show; it’s a heartfelt exploration of identity and acceptance. Each episode is a narrative of conflict and resolution, as seen in Shelbyville, Tennessee, where the queens meet Maleeka, a trans woman whose existence is a quiet act of defiance. The show balances the gravity of such realities of growing up othered in a small town, with moments of levity and celebration, capturing the transformative power of drag and the impact of connecting with like minded people.
The discussions of race, culture, sexuality, and disability further enrich the narrative. Stories from individuals like John from Tulsa, a two-spirit member of the Osage nation, who explains how the idea of being two-spirit was all but erased by the church; and Princey, a Black gay wrestler from Nashville, who notes that being Black and gay in the south makes dating difficult and stirs a sense of isolation within him. All of this adds depth and diversity to the discourse, highlighting the intersectionality of their struggles and triumphs.
There is an unflinching willingness to confront prejudice. This is captured in encounters with local politicians and citizens who openly resist the idea of drag and its place in their communities. These interactions, though often tense, are crucial in exposing the bigotry and hypocrisy that plagues these regions. The show does not shy away from these confrontations but faces them head-on, all while adorned in sequins and wigs, proving that resilience can be as radiant as it is resolute. The bravery of Priyanka, Sasha, Jaida, and later Latrice Royale, is palpable as they navigate spaces that are not just conservative but occasionally hostile. The synergy among them not only enhances the show’s dynamic but also amplifies their influence. Their collective presence sends a powerful message: change is possible, and it can be achieved.
The cinematography embraces natural light and candid moments, adding a layer of authenticity rare in reality television, allowing viewers to feel the raw emotions and real challenges faced by the participants as they push the boundaries of what it means to be seen and heard in America today. Through tears, laughter, and above all, fabulous performances, the series not only entertains but enlightens, urging an understanding that while drag might be an art form, the quest for acceptance and equality is ongoing.
In a time where voices like those of Priyanka, Sasha, Jaida, and Latrice are celebrated, censured, and criminalized, this series serves as a vital reminder as it dresses the wounds of a divided nation with feathers and rhinestones, it leaves a mark not on the stages it builds, but on the lives it touches. Thus, We’re Here is a movement–a call to action, and a profound narrative of resilience in the face of adversity. The best way to experience this show is to watch, and allow the subjects to tell their own stories.
Title: We’re Here
Distributor: HBO
Release date: April 26, 2024
Creators: Stephen Warren and Johnnie Ingram
Cast: Priyanka, Sasha Velour, Latrice Royale, and Jaida Essence Hall
Number of Episodes: 6
