On Friday, Oct. 23, The House of Sinners bar held its third drag show. With a cast of local drag performers, located inside the McLure House Hotel, hosted a fun and inclusive night for all.
In Jan., West Virginia joined a long list of anti-drag laws being proposed. The bill was rejected, but that didn’t stop the stigma in the area surrounding drag. These objections didn’t stop local drag artist, Rose Oblige, from hosting her own shows in Wheeling. A Wheeling native, who started drag in Pittsburgh, decided earlier this year to bring local shows to the area. The House of Sinners Lounge has made a name for itself in the area for being a place for everyone, no matter their identity to come have fun, and Rose Oblige made sure of that.
“Growing up in this area, it was scary and a sad realization that there wasn’t a safe space for me and all the other LGBTQIA people’ Oblige said.
It was a night of love and acceptance and this was the third of Oblige’s drag shows here in Wheeling, the event was rather large. The House of Sinners was packed Friday night with friends and family of the performers, but also newcomers who wanted to experience drag for the first time. These attendees helped make the space even more welcoming and fun for all those involved. Oblige makes sure that the LGBTQIA community can grow proud and strong in the Wheeling area.
“This may put a target on my back, but I will gladly be on the frontlines if it means that in the future all LGBTQIA kids won’t grow up as scared as I did” said Oblige.
During the night, six performers took to the stage to give attendees the Halloween party of the year. The theme of the show was Slasher Sleepover, and many saw some of their favorite movies reimagined through the art of drag. Classics such as “Friday the 13”, “Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Child’s Play”, “Silence of the Lambs” and many more were represented. From singing to dancing, these performers kept everyone entertained all night, in spite of the threats and stigma.
Drag has become the frontline for the fight for LGBTQIA rights. States like West Virginia will continue to push for these bills to be passed, and many other states have and will follow suit. It is important for not only the LGBTQIA community, but so many artists to see support from Wheeling. Rose Oblige will continue to host drag shows at the House of Sinners Bar, starting again in 2024.
