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Hundreds dressed in drag gathered under high flying rainbow flags in a sunny Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland Saturday for “Expressions: A Celebration of Drag and Transgender Rights.” The free community drag show was held in response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the United States.
Queer comedy showcase Lez Stand Up has existed in one form or another since 2012, when founder Kirsten "Koop" Kuppenbender says it first popped up at Gay Pizza: a queer night held in a North Portland pizza parlor. While no one can claim that the age of sheltered straight guy humor has passed from mainstream might, Lez Stand Up was certainly something audiences clung to, in those days. Not only were the shows well curated.
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! Today is going to cloudy and humid as hell with a chance of rain—wow, how surprising (I said that in a voice that is very clearly not surprised, just.