rights
Blow Dryers, Brunch, and Best Friends: Drag Houses Are Communal Living at Its Best
By Jake Montano aka Imelda Glucose at them.
· July 10, 2026
· 16 min read
In this excerpt from the forthcoming anthology Living, Together: Reimagining Community in the Age of Disconnection, contributor Jake Montano, a.k.a. the Bay Area drag queen Imelda Glucose, reflects on drag houses as a form of chosen family.I was nine years old the first time I applied makeup to my f
Key takeaway the Bay Area drag queen Imelda Glucose, reflects on drag houses as a form of chosen family.
Why this matters
The concept of drag houses as a form of chosen family highlights the importance of community and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the face of varying legal protections and policies across states. For many, these households provide a sense of belonging and support that may be lacking in their biological families or broader social circles. The personal reflection of Jake Montano, also known as Imelda Glucose, illustrates the transformative power of finding one's community, where individuals can express themselves freely and find validation. As national resources like the Trevor Project crisis line and the National LGBTQ Task Force continue to provide vital support, the existence of drag houses and similar communal living arrangements underscores the need for inclusive and welcoming spaces that foster a sense of family and connection among LGBTQ+ individuals. These communities play a crucial role in promoting mental health, well-being, and resilience, and their significance extends beyond the local level to the national conversation around LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: them. ·
Reading time: 16 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In this excerpt from the forthcoming anthology Living, Together: Reimagining Community in the Age of Disconnection, contributor Jake Montano, a.k.a. the Bay Area drag queen Imelda Glucose, reflects on drag houses as a form of chosen family.I was nine years old the first time I applied makeup to my f
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by them. and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jake Montano aka Imelda Glucose at them.. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .