Reign of Revolution: The Haus of St. James Experience

By Cesar A Reyes

Lambda Archives Presents Reign of Revolution: The Haus of St. James Experience
A talk with Nicole Verdes and Amber St. James

October is LGBTQ+ History month and who better to talk about and spotlight than the San Diego Lambda Archives. In celebrating LGBTQ+ History month the archives have partner up with the Haus of St James to create and interactive experience that visually narrates the hauses journey and its members with live performances that will let visitors experience the passion that the house puts on stage. We set down with the Archives Managing Director Nicole Verde and Amber St James the Haus mother of the Haus of St James to talk about this unique experience.

Please introduce yourselves?

My name is Nicole Verdes, I use they/she pronouns and I am the Managing Director for Lambda Archives.

My name is Amber St. James, San Diego’s African Bearded Queen and Overall Mother of the Haus of St. James and I use They/Them/She/Her.

Tell us about Reign of Revolution: the Haus of St. James Experience?

The Reign of Revolution: the Haus of St. James Experience is an immersive event by design that includes live performances from members of the Haus of St. James and an exhibit that will feature items on loan from the Haus of St. James as well as an oral history showcase. The exhibit tells the story of drag from the perspective of the Haus of St. James and Amber’s vision as the mother of this prolific drag house. At its core, this exhibit is exactly what Lambda envisions as the region’s only community archives focused on sharing the local queer history. It’s collaborative meaning that although Lambda Archives is holding the space to showcase the history Haus of St. James, and their artistry and activism, the live performances will be a supplement to the exhibit; it’s an exhibit and event meant to highlight this important part of history-in-the-making and attendees can expect to learn but to immerse themselves in live performances to see exactly how the Haus of St. James shows up in the community as artists, performers, and activists. 

This experience will take folks on a journey of the lives and impacts of the Haus of St. James and the interwoven concept of chosen family to show just how powerfully chosen family can be in worlds where we did not see ourselves represented. It will take on a trip that reveals the culture shifting nature that authentic and organic expressions of self can bring about in ourselves and inspire in others.

What inspired the exhibit?

There were two sources of inspiration for the exhibit: first, we really wanted to design an exhibit that illuminates the way that history is not always something that happens in the distant past – it’s happening right now, every day. Second, with the current attacks on our LGBTQ+ community, one of the groups that is being disproportionately targeted are drag queens and trans folks. There’s an intentionality behind this exhibit and program that is meant to push back on those attacks and to hold space and celebrate an art form that is not only often overlooked, but is often the center of (unnecessary) controversy and opposition. So, while some forces are using drag as a way to wield political power, we’re using it here to showcase the beauty, power, and impact of it.

I believe that what inspires each of us in what we bring to display for the exhibit are snapshots and moments that represent pivotal points in our development in both our drag and our community.

What can folks expect when attending?

The exhibit will showcase gowns, photographs, and other ephemera on loan from the Haus of St. James. We will also be streaming an oral history showcase as part of the exhibit; we’ll be playing recordings from oral history interviews that we’ve recorded from Haus of St. James members. 

Expect to have not only a fun, touching and powerful time with the performances, but to get a peak behind the curtain at just how deep the St. James roots go, along with a beautiful retelling of stories and hopes and dreams that keep us going everyday.

The Importance of exhibits like this one?

Exhibits like Reign of Revolution: the Haus of St. James Experience are vital because they demonstrate that history is not just something relegated to the past, but is actively being made every day. This exhibit highlights the artistry, activism, and power of the drag community, specifically focusing on the Haus of St. James. In the face of increasing attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly drag queens and trans people—the exhibit serves as a form of resistance. It pushes back against the harmful political rhetoric targeting these groups and celebrates the beauty, strength, and cultural contributions of drag. This exhibit does more than preserve history; it empowers communities by showcasing the role of drag in activism and social justice, thereby affirming the significance of this art form in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Exhibits like this help us to see that history is being made around us and in ways we didn’t even know. It’s important bc across the span of my drag career and the life span of my Haus we get to see the direct positive impacts that drag can have on a community by using my own journey as an example.

How can people connect and get involved?

We would love for folks to join us for the Opening Reception performance in the Clark Cabaret and the exhibit inside of Lambda Archives, which both take place on Friday, October 11th. Doors open at 6pm, performances begin at 6:30pm, and the Archives will be open for exhibit viewing from 6-9pm.

Folks can feel free to get involved by following the Haus Instagram @HausOfStaJames or the production company @sosjphaus