Artist Talk: Michael O. Snyder — 'Queens of Queen City'

Cumberland, Maryland, was once “The Queen City,” a hub of industry and culture in Appalachia, a region known for its Bible Belt conservatism and Rust Belt work ethic. But with the gradual departure of industry, the region slowly descended into economic stagnation and cultural decline.

But flowers are growing in the cracked pavement: The local queer community has banded together to create a thriving drag scene, and—against all odds—built the largest Pride movement in the region, even as a growing backlash against drag queens has emerged across the United States. 

Queens of Queen City is a documentary project exploring the courage, risks, and repercussions of openly expressing LGBTQ identities in rural, conservative America.

Join photographer and Pulitzer Center grantee Michael O. Snyder for a presentation and Q&A on the project.

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