Shepherdstown Panel Celebrates LGBTQ Artists’ Resilience

LGBTQ artists talk resilience, community during forum
The Journal | Thursday, February 27, 2025
By Tom Markland
During a recent panel hosted by the Roving Peregrine Theater Company in Shepherdstown, four LGBTQ artists spotlighted the significance of transgender and non-binary representation in the arts. Black Eyed Suzie led the discussion, featuring local talents such as drag king Darren Truth LaFay and singer-songwriter Ryan Perry, who shared personal stories about how their identities shape their performances. Emphasizing resilience and community, the panel highlighted the importance of supportive spaces for all performers, especially within the context of the local arts scene and its challenges. Their insights resonated with the inclusive spirit prevalent in nearby towns like Charles Town and Harpers Ferry, reinforcing a collective identity among LGBTQ creatives in the area.