Tara Hoot

In just four years, Tara Hoot made her mark as a prominent figure in the Washington, D.C. drag scene. However, Hoot’s shows span far from the ordinary. She hosts monthly children’s book reading events, which include a puppet show, lip syncing, and plenty of bubbles. In fact, all of her events are family-friendly, and she typically includes children’s books and her beloved puppet, Tater Tot, at her Thursday Trivia and Brunch Bingo as well. 

The name Tara Hoot is a tribute to her hometown, Terre Haute Indiana. Tara Hoot moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a band director for a local middle school. Now, 26 years later, she works at the same school as an admissions counselor. 

Hoot took up drag as a pandemic hobby in 2020. She was 45 years old and started making cooking videos in drag for her friends.

“You bought a sourdough starter during the pandemic, well I bought 27 wigs,” joked Hoot. 

She posted her content on Instagram, and soon enough, D.C. locals were asking her to perform in person. Once restrictions were lifted, she began doing family-friendly shows every weekend.

During her shows, Hoot exclaims that her audience is “no longer in Washington,” for they have been transported to Tutti Frutti Wonderland. With each performance, Hoot emphasizes the mystical and creates her own world. In this magical land, many attendees meet one another and become friends through their mutual love for Hoot’s spirit. 

Tara Hoot’s shows have now become somewhat of a community event, with the regulars that attend and there being a full celebration of new-comers. In front of each event, the Rainbow Defense Coalition gathers to protect Tara and her friends from unwanted visitors. In the past, the “proud boys” have come to protest her kid-friendly events. Their harsh words and angry signs were met with over 300 counter-protestors in favor of Hoot and her mission. 

Tara Hoot has brought together people to “play pretend” for just an hour every Saturday morning. As people become increasingly detached from their communities, Tara has made it a point to bring them together through song, dance, and puppets. Her efforts have shown that despite the isolation shown since the pandemic, new communities are still growing each day.