Episode 1: “The Power of Drag” with Donna Sachet
Episode Description
In our premiere episode of Youspeak Radio 2024, Kelly (she/her) speaks to Donna Sachet — drag entertainer and community activist — about the power of drag to empower LGBTQ+ people and drive social change. Sachet reflects on her youth in the conservative South, the freedom she found through drag, her friendship with José Sarria in San Francisco, her contributions to HIV/AIDS fundraising, and her advice to LGBTQ+ youth today.
Trailblazer – Donna Sachet
Donna Sachet (she/her) is a live-singing drag entertainer, community activist, and writer. She has entertained audiences all over the United States, raised millions of dollars for LGBTQ+ causes, and led on the boards of numerous LGBTQ+ community organizations, including PRC, the AIDS Emergency Fund, Equality California, the San Francisco LGBT Center, and the Imperial Council. In 1995, Sachet became the 30th Absolute Empress of the Imperial Council of San Francisco, following in the footsteps of Jose Sarria. For over three decades, she has produced the “Songs of the Season” musical cabaret to raise funds for HIV/AIDS services, and in 2009, became the first drag performer to sing the National Anthem for a major league baseball game. Now decorated with countless awards, including Community Grand Marshal of the SF Pride Parade, Sachet was born in South Carolina in 1954. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, she found her home in San Francisco by 1990.
Youspeak Fellow – Kelly
Kelly (she/her), 17, is a rising high school senior from Chinatown, Los Angeles; she is an active member of her school’s Queer Ally Alliance and school newspaper. Proudly Asian American and queer, Kelly is often found at the library and is passionate about LGBTQ+ storytelling through journalistic and creative writing. She finds joy in watching Avatar: The Last Airbender and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
This Youspeak Radio project is made possible with generous support from the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund.
Music: “Living Life” and “Think BIG” by Scott Holmes, Creative Commons licensed (CC BY-NC 4.0) on FreeMusicArchives.
