By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

July has some pretty important events to commemorate, such as Canada Day (July 1), U.S. Independence Day (July 4), Bastille Day (July 14), and the anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing (July 20). But there are two other important days for me in the month of July. 

July 16 is International Drag Day. It began on social media in 2009 with the objective to give Drag artists a space to share their creativity and culture and to support the larger drag community. 

Adam Stewart, International Drag Day founder, said of the special day that it “is a day where all around the world on every gay scene we take this opportunity to celebrate and thank the drag artists that add so much to gay life and culture.” 

At a time when drag artists and gender expansive people are targeted, harassed, demoralized, and sometimes placed in danger, a day to celebrate drag performers seems particularly important. 

The other day I want to highlight is July 18, Nelson Mandela Day.  Mandela Day is an annual global celebration that honors the memory of the post-Apartheid South African president and also calls individuals, communities, and organizations to reflect on his values and principles and put them into practice in their local areas. 

July seems to be calling us to continue doing the work of justice-love. Let’s answer the call. 

Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min., is the Senior Minister of Fort Lauderdale’s Sunshine Cathedral.