Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, has developed a thriving underground drag scene despite a history of violence and social hostility toward the LGBTQ community. While the city’s queer nightlife was previously marked by a 2012 firebombing of a local club, current events in the scene now attract hundreds of attendees.
This emergence of drag culture persists even as performers face significant risks, including police raids and threats from their own families. The shift in Armenian attitudes toward the LGBTQ community has been complex, with recent geopolitical developments, such as the war in Ukraine, contributing to an evolving social landscape. Despite the growth of the scene, performers continue to navigate a dangerous environment where they remain vulnerable to harassment and physical violence.
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