San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced the city is looking to hire a drag laureate. .“San Francisco’s commitment to inclusivity and the arts are the foundation for who we are as a city,” said Breed in a Thursday press release. .“Drag artists have helped pave the way for LGBTQ+ rights and representation across our city, and they are a part of what makes our city so special.”.The release said the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) will provide the chosen drag performer with a $55,000 salary for 18 months to support their work and community engagement. It said a working group comprised of San Francisco departments and community partners have been developing eligibility criteria and requirements for the position. .The release went on to say the drag laureate will embody San Francisco’s historic, diverse, and inclusive drag culture, elevating the community on the national and international stage. People who want to be the city’s first drag laureate should apply by January 16. .After applications close, a vetting committee made of representatives from city departments and community groups will review the applications. The committee will bring finalists to Breed, who will chose the winner. .Some responsibilities of the drag laureate include helping to develop and promote the role, serving as a spokesperson for the sexual minority community of San Francisco, and participating in community-based drag programs and events reflecting and honouring the city's diversity. .“San Francisco would not be the beacon for LGBTQ rights it is without drag artists,” said San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. .“This program is an appropriate recognition of the essential role drag plays in our queer culture, and I look forward to seeing who will be named our first Drag Laureate.”.Applicants must submit a written and video application to qualify and meet requirements such as being a full-time resident of the City and County of San Francisco, being at least 21 years of age by the application deadline, and having fundamental knowledge of San Francisco drag history. .“Investing in programs that continue their legacies and create opportunities for the next generation of drag performers to thrive help us to celebrate our city and this community,” said Breed. .This job opening comes after protesters allegedly had a fight outside of a drag queen story hour at the Nutrien Wonderhub in Saskatoon on October 16. .READ MORE: DRAG 'EM OUT FIGHT: Scuffle outside drag queen story time at Sask children’s museum.There were two groups at the protest — a pro-sexual minority group supporting the event and another protesting it as sexualizing and grooming children. .One woman in the protesting group allegedly threatened a sexual minority person with bear mace. Another sexual minority person allegedly grabbed and took away the protesting group’s signs.
