The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) announced a donation to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund at the MAC Awards held in New York City this past week. The donation was made in support of the ACLU’s efforts to defend the rights of drag performers across the country.
“We are thrilled to support the important work of the ACLU Drag Defense Fund,” said Amy Wolk, President of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets. “Drag performers have been a vital part of the cabaret community for decades, and we believe it is crucial to stand with them and fight for their rights.”
“We have the First Amendment in this country which gives us the freedom to express ourselves and our gender identity through the art of Cabaret and other creative outlets,” said Ray DeForest, MAC board member and 3-time MAC award winner for Drag, during his emotional presentation of the donation to the Fund (matched by a donation from the American Songbook Association).
Donna Lieberman , executive director of the NYCLU accepted the award and said, “We are thrilled to stand with MAC, the cabaret community and ALL artists. We will use this fabulous award to fight back against the hate, to fight back against violence—and to stand up for freedom, equality and the right of every person to be whomever they are—and to present drag shows and give whatever story hour kids want to hear!“
The Manhattan Association of Cabarets is a 501(C)6 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the art of cabaret and supporting the individuals who create it. The organization provides resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs to its members and the wider cabaret community.
For more information about the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and its work, visit www.macnyc.com.
