The White House invited a drag performer to a Tuesday celebration of the signing of same-sex-marriage legislation that recently passed Congress with Republican support.
Marti Cummings, who claims to be a New York City–based “drag artist” as well as a television personality, political figure, and former city-council candidate, shared his gratitude to President Biden for asking him to attend the ceremony.
“To be a non binary drag artist invited to the White House is something I never imagined would happen. Thank you President & Dr. Biden for inviting me to this historic bill signing. Grateful doesn’t begin to express the emotions I feel,” Cummings tweeted Monday.
He posted a picture of the invitation to the Tuesday event commemorating the implementation of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine same-sex marriage protections.
To be a non binary drag artist invited to the White House is something I never imagined would happen. Thank you President & Dr. Biden for inviting me to this historic bill signing. Grateful doesn’t begin to express the emotions I feel. pic.twitter.com/el64h1PffX
— Marti (@MartiGCummings) December 12, 2022
Most Republicans objected that the bill did not include sufficient safeguards for religious institutions and individuals and argued that it would give the government sweeping authority to regulate domestic relations. However, multiple Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins, Rob Portman, and Thom Tillis, in addition to 39 House members, reached across the aisle to vote for the measure.
The White House also reportedly invited New York City–based drag performer Jesse Havea, who goes by the stage name Brita Filter, to the ceremony. Havea is a national co-chairman of Drag Out the Vote, a nonprofit “that works with drag performers to promote participation in democracy.”
So excited my political sister #britafilter will be at the WH tomorrow 😍 pic.twitter.com/qvYLDfNAmM
— Marti (@MartiGCummings) December 12, 2022
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced at a briefing Monday that the event would feature “musical guests and performances” as well as thousands of audience members.
“The legislation enjoys majority support from a majority of Americans across party lines and faiths. Tomorrow, the president will be joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers as well as advocates and plaintiffs in marriage equality cases across the country to sign this critical legislation into law,” Jean-Pierre said.