With recent legislation around the country targeting LGBTQ+ people and drag queens specifically , North Carolina-based photographer Matt Ramey decided to start a new ongoing photo series called Ancestral Fantasy: Tales of Freedom, Beauty, and Truth.

The series features portraits of North Carolina drag queens in and out of costume, along with their responses when Ramey asked them a question: Why is it important to live your truth?

The inspiration for this project started once the rumblings that demonized drag started taking hold in the political discourse. Ever since I can remember, LGBTQ+ folks have been under attack in America, Ramey told HuffPost. Its so upsetting to see queer folks become the boogeyman. They are our family, neighbors and community. I want to do my part to help amplify their voices and tell their truth.

The idea for the question came from one of Rameys subjects: Alex Thee Rabbit, a Black transgender woman who is also credited with creating the title of the photo series.

Originally I wanted to ask, What is drag to you? But Alex Thee Rabbit posed a better question, said Ramey. She told me that question is more fitting and to the point because drag shows others how to live and exist and thrive in their truth.

Just this week, North Carolina House Republicans introduced a bill that would ban drag in public areas or where there are minors present.

Ramey hopes the portraits of drag queens out of their dazzling makeup and stunning costumes help others realize they are just regular people.

It is easy to demonize something you dont see as real, the photographer said. Its important to remember that behind the makeup and performance is a real person, a human, just like you. They have a life, a family, goals, struggles, dreams and a truth they live in. They are entertainers and its important to see them as people, and not as a caricature.

Below, check out the portrait series Ancestral Fantasy: Tales of Freedom, Beauty, and Truth by Matt Ramey and the answers to the question Why is it important to live your truth?

Brenda The Drag Queen