We’re Here Drag Queen Stars Talk Filming in Tennessee and Oklahoma

Season 4 of “We’re Here” sees new hosts Priyanka, Sasha Velour, Latrice Royale and Jaida Essence Hall travelling to red states Tennessee and Oklahoma, where safety had become a concern at times because of anti-LGBTQ protests and threats. “It was frightening sometimes,” Jaida told me Wednesday night at the season premiere screening and party at the Avalon Hollywood. “It was eye-opening, imagining other people like myself who have to live in those spaces and see that every day. It’s just heartbreaking.”

Series co-creator Steve Warren said, “It’s surreal we had to think about our security. We are living in 2024. Ten years ago we were so hopeful. Marriage equality had just passed. We were living in a space where we thought we’re not going to have to fight the old battles.”

Even so, the new season continues to help its participants — and cast and crew, for that matter — heal. Show co-creator Johnnie Ingram grew up in rural Tennessee. “Growing up, I really could never be my live my authentic self,” he said. “It was been very heartwarming to have my own personal ‘We’re Here’ moment. I think we’re all learning from each other.”

Sasha spent most of her childhood in Urbana, Ill. “I’m a small town queen at heart,” she said. “It’s important to uplift people who stay in their hometowns. But I also got to see more how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come. That’s what I wanted all my drag kids to see – that you have the ability to be an incredible person.”