Following Donald Trump’s reelection as U.S. President on November 5, the LGBTQIA+ community has voiced growing concerns about potential changes in policies under his administration. Across the country, protests and creative acts of resistance, such as organized “screaming events,” have surfaced to provide emotional relief and strengthen community bonds.
One of the most notable gatherings took place at the Oasis nightclub in San Francisco, where attendees participated in a “cathartic communal scream.” Organized by D’Arcy Drollinger, the iconic drag queen and owner of Oasis, the event was described as a response to fears and anxieties about the future. “It’s about releasing some of that fear and anger,” said Drollinger. “But more importantly, it’s about finding strength in community.”
Drag show host Lisa Frankenstein energized the crowd by leading them in a collective scream. “I’ve found it really hard to process everything lately,” she told attendees, “so let’s scream it out together!” The event struck a chord with participants, many of whom described the experience as liberating. Cindy Sigler, one of the attendees, remarked, “It was incredible—so much better than yelling into a pillow.”
This trend began with a New York club organizing a similar scream session and has since inspired cities across the U.S. As concerns grow about the implications of Trump’s policies, such events are becoming powerful symbols of unity and resilience for the LGBTQIA+ community.
