Drag King Attacked in Olympia

A Portland-area drag king was attacked on early Sunday morning, knocking out several teeth and leaving her feeling harassed and threatened.

Komo News reports that Lila Hadway, who performs drag under the name Parker Perry, was loading up her gear after a benefit show at the Fourth Avenue Tavern in Olympia when a man approaching her began harassing her and her friends.

Hadway told Komo News that she told the man, "Hey, can we just leave this alone?" But she said the attacker replied, "You look like a man so I'm going to fight you like a man."

He hit Hadway twice in the left side of her face, knocking out a row of teeth, causing facial contusion and leaving her with vertigo-like symptoms. She remarked later that the assailant "stole my smile."

Anna Schlecht, co-chair of Capital City Pride, said that Hadway was one of several drag performers who took the stage on Saturday night for a benefit performance for her group. Capital City Pride is a 25-year-old gay-rights advocacy organization that hosts Olympia's annual Pride Festival.

Three other performers were also attacked as they left the event.

"The assailant was calling them filthy gay and anti-transgender slurs while they were being beaten," said Schlect.

A spokesperson for the Olympia Police said that they don't consider the attacks a hate crime. But Hadway, who has to have multiple teeth replaced, disagrees. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to provide dental work. It has raised nearly $4,000 in one day. Hadway said she will persevere.

"I love my community and I'm going to keep pushing regardless," Hadway said. "I do have a lot of injuries to my face and it hurts to talk and I need people to know and I need people to hear that us drag kings us drag queens have a voice."

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/2n9s9rfw