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This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, host Anne-Marie Zanzal chats with Tennessee drag queen Kennedy Ann Scott. Kennedy is one of six drag queens featured in the soon to be released Harper Collins publication, "No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen" (scheduled release date is September 23rd, 2025, now available for pre-order purchase). Kennedy's story is characterized as a journey of acceptance. Bullied as middle and high school student, Kennedy had the support of a teacher who made life bearable and ultimately inspired him to become an educator himself. Now a middle school teacher, Kennedy, who was recently award teacher of the year by his school board, fosters acceptance and safety for his students. As Kennedy Ann the drag artist, she also works to champion LGBTQ and trans rights, emphasizing the need for acceptance and understanding in society, particularly for marginalized communities.

You can order your copy of "No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen" in advance now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006343055X/?bestFormat=true&k=no%20tea%20no%20shade&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-en...

Book description:

"No Tea, No Shade is an essential read for anyone who has searched for a way to feel like themselves." -- Booklist

Intimate, hilarious, and inspiring essays by celebrated drag queens Kennedy Ann Scott, Lagoona Bloo, Alexis Michelle, Olivia Lux, Julie J., and Nina West.

No Tea, No Shade is a collective anthem written by six drag queens who believe in equality, peace, and in a world that loves and respects all people. The defiant legacy of drag will endure fearmongering and hate because their hearts have endured the unthinkable, their courage has been relentlessly tested, and to be blunt, they have the balls to prevail.

Kennedy Ann Scott was awarded Teacher of the Year in Nashville, Tennessee. Lagoona Bloo starred on the Off-Broadway hit Drag: the Musical, and Alex Michaels received a stellar review from the New York Times for their role in La Cage Aux Falles at Barrington Stage Company. Olivia Lux starred in Rent and Kinky Boots. Julie J raised more than $100,000 for trans and LGBTQIA+ organizations. Nina West received an honorary doctorate in May 2024 and is a well-known entertainer, having worked with everyone from Glenn Close to Kermit the Frog.

When these gorgeous queens wear a stunning gown with picture perfect makeup, haters label them as inappropriate and unlawful. They are entertainers not predators. Drag is an art of self-expression that, at its core, affirms and uplifts LGBTQIA+ people.

No Tea, No Shade features thirty essays discussing:

• Social activism, Drag Story Hour, and education.
• Coming out, gender, and equality.
• Relationships, setting goals, and rejection.
• Celebrating womanhood, family, and image.

Despite the pervasive danger of being authentic and real, these drag artists have chosen to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. They remind us that a person’s identity shouldn’t be marginalized to genitals. Identity categories are not as important as we have been led to believe, and the shade casted on drag is just a scapegoat. It is a distraction political figures and trolls use to lure people away from caring about serious issues like equality, gun violence, poverty, and racism.

No Tea, No Shade shines a light on a community of people who are paving the way for a better world and holding the light for others to step up.

A movie that resonates with Kennedy Ann is (their grandma's favorite!) is 'Steel Magnolias': https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🌈Kennedy Ann's coming out story and emphasis on how the acceptance of their grandmother made all the difference for a young, gay kid who experienced bullying.

🌈Discussion on how current and pending changes to Tennessee legislation have a profound impact on drag culture and LGBTQIA+ representation.

🌈Thoughts on how affirming teachers can make a profound difference for queer kids during the turbulent period of adolescence.

🌈Conversation about how Kennedy Ann came to be involved in the book project, "No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen."

✨ Why This Matters:

Kennedy Ann's story illustrates the hardships and the joys associated with growing up gay. Kennedy Ann's positivity is inspirational! The emphasis on doing 'the work' in therapy, embracing humor and joy, and being the positive change you want to see in the world is evident in Kennedy Ann/Benjamin's story. This is a fantastic episode for anyone who needs inspiration in the face of adversity.

💬 Join the Conversation:

If you're a person in the LGBTQIA+ community, did you have an adult in your life who made growing up more bearable? What brings you joy as a queer person? Let's talk about it in the comments!

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