“Some subsets of Asian culture can be homophobic or transphobic,” Luv Ami said. Luv Ami, a drag king and an organizer of the show, said the show helped him embrace his full identity as both trans and Asian. “The drag brunch helps form that sense of community again.”įor the drag performers, being able to perform in an Asian restaurant also provides a sense of affirmation for their identities and their connections to the immigrant environment. “Eating dim sum is about sharing food and creating a communal space,” Lau said. Beyond the culinary delights, Lau believes that Dim Sum & Drag restores a sense of community, providing a platform for queer Asian individuals to express their identities and celebrate their heritage in a supportive environment. During each event, attendees can savor delicious dishes like bok choy, noodles, and siu mai, prepared by Furama’s esteemed chef. Lau’s support for the drag brunch has been unwavering. He missed the old days of diners sharing dim sum and gathering over food and longed to foster a communal space for the Asian community again. Lau, who grew up bussing tables and pushing dim sum carts in his family business, decided to take over the family restaurant after it was hit by the COVID pandemic. Lau embraced the vision of highlighting the talent of queer Asian performers while revitalizing the restaurant after the pandemic. Inspired by the excessive decor and spacious setup at Furama, she reached out to the restaurant owner, Kenny Lau, to propose the idea. According to her, there is usually no more than one Asian performer in a drag performance lineup. Abhijeet noticed a lack of Asian representation in the city’s drag scene and hoped to fill in the gap. The mastermind behind Dim Sum & Drag is Abhijeet, a Mumbai-born drag performer and event producer who saw an opportunity to create a vibrant community for queer Asian performers in Chicago. The UnGala is back! Clic k here for the ticket link for this year's celebration at Epiphany Center for the Arts on Oct. From tributes to Asian pop culture phenomena like anime, to paying homage to movies like Everything Everywhere All at Once, the drag brunch combines entertainment and cultural pride in a dazzling spectacle. With approximately 250 attendees per show, the drag brunch has become a regular fixture in Uptown, attracting fans who eagerly anticipate each new themed performance. ![]() The event quickly outgrew its initial small venue in Furama’s west hall and moved to the restaurant’s main stage due to overwhelming demand. What started as a spontaneous project has now blossomed into a neighborhood sensation. Dressed in extravagant leather jackets and high heels, people eagerly awaited the special Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month unveiling of Dim Sum & Drag, a drag brunch featuring Asian drag performers from Chicago.ĭim Sum & Drag recently celebrated its second anniversary in June. ![]() On a recent Saturday morning in May, however, a new type of crowd gathered outside the restaurant. Adorned with rich hues of red, green, and gold, the restaurant has been both an eatery and a cultural hub, hosting Chinese weddings, lion dancing, and New Year celebrations for the Asian immigrant communities in Chicago. Best of Chicago 2022: Sports & Recreationįor the past 37 years, Furama, a beloved family-owned restaurant in Chicago’s Uptown, has delighted diners with its delectable dim sum and lavish interior design.
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