Who’s in the News? Cooper Beck

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — Cooper Beck, the Founder and Executive Director of Henderson KY Pride Inc., sits down with us talk about his background, what led to the creation of this organization and the success of their latest fundraiser event “Dragula.”

Beck is a Henderson native who is very passionate about being an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He tells us how he amongst other colleagues created the “thriving” nonprofit organization known as the Henderson KY Pride Inc.

The organization’s most recent Halloween drag art event “Dragula,” which was originally planned as “small and intimate,” turned into a “massive” sold out show.

During the show, Beck shocked audiences with a surprise performance from himself.

“I’m sure I looked a little goofy,” says Beck. “I have no experience in performing like that, but it worked out really well.”

Beck acknowledges some of the controversies and criticism surrounding drag shows in the country, and offers a rebuttal to those who are against it.

“Drag is a form of art. It is a form of culture. Drag is not harmful and not political and we know that from popular media like ‘Madea’ or ‘Mrs. Doubtfire'”

Beck is also surprised to see the amount of support he has seen from the Henderson community and believes it sets a good tone for the future.

“We actually have been very lucky in the support we’ve seen.” “It’s so overwhelming that it drowns out some of the opposite side of that,” says Beck. “It really sets a good tone for Henderson and for surrounding counties.”

To view the interview with Cooper Beck, check out the video player above.

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