Drag performers celebrate in 17th Street High Heel Race (includes video story)

Racers in costumes and drag performers sprinted a quarter mile in high heels in D.C.’s famous 17th Street High Heel Race.

The annual pre-Halloween event, which is now in its 36th year, brings people together to cheer on the racers and enjoy the inclusivity of the atmosphere. 

“It’s not just for the LGBTQIA+ community because it brings everybody together, as you see,” said Darrell Chase, one of the drag racers. 

Various health organizations set up stands to incentivize and promote safety standards and testing for sexual and drug health. 

Mayor Muriel Bowser established the annual race as an official mayoral event, ensuring its presence for years to come. 

Reporter

Paloma Pimentel is a senior at FIU majoring in Digital Journalism and Communications, with a background in sociological studies. She is passionate about writing environmental and social issues stories, and is on her path to becoming an investigative journalist.  Having traveled to 20 countries already, she seeks to know more about the world and write stories about it.