Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. drag queen Tara Hoot adjusts her wig as she finalizes her “1950s glamour” look. Today, she hosts Campy Brunch Bingo, a Saturday-morning bingo game at Whitlow’s DC in honor of her 49th birthday.
In just four years, Tara Hoot made her mark as a prominent figure in the Washington, D.C. drag scene. Hoot’s success stems from her all-inclusive approach to drag. Her shows are described as community gatherings rather than performances and are typically open to all ages.
Tara Hoot performs with Tater Tot the puppet during her children’s book reading. At these monthly events, Hoot dances, lip syncs, and performs a puppet show for her audience.
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. Drag serves as Hoot’s “weekend gig.”
Tara Hoot and her husband prepare to leave for an event. Hoot’s husband does the event booking, sound production, and management for his partner. His ample responsibilities have earned him the title of “husband-ger.”
Hoot took up drag as a pandemic hobby in 2020. She was 45 years old and made cooking videos on Instagram for her friends.
Tara Hoot’s kitchen counter at her home in Petworth, Washington, D.C. Next to the stove lays her wig, brooches, hair net, bubble gun, and sweet potatoes.
“You bought a sourdough starter during the pandemic, well I bought 27 wigs,” jokes Hoot.
In Tara Hoot’s dressing room, amongst the colorful apparel, an impressive wig collection fills the shelves that line the perimeter of the space. The room is the size of a large office, laden with the scent of makeup and Judy Garland perfume.
Her content quickly gained traction on Instagram. Soon enough, D.C. locals were asking her to perform in person. Once restrictions were lifted, she organized family-friendly shows each weekend.
Tara Hoot greets her fans after a children’s book reading. Her family-friendly shows are a hit with both D.C. natives and visitors.
During her shows, Hoot asserts that her audience is no longer in Washington, for they have been transported to “Tutti Frutti Wonderland.” In this “magical land,” members of the audience are encouraged to become friends through their mutual love for the imaginary and for Hoot’s spirit.
Tara Hoot performs a dance number after announcing the audience has officially transported to Tutti Frutti Wonderland. She uses rainbow streamers to emphasize the magic she aims for her audience to experience.
Tara Hoot’s shows have now become a community event, with regular attendees combined with a celebration of new-comers. Hoot expressed her past experience with the “proud boys,” who have come to protest her children’s book readings. Their harsh words and angry signs were met with over 300 counter-protestors in favor of Hoot and her mission.
Tara Hoot and her husband-ger walk to the back entrance of Whitlow’s DC for her Saturday morning performance to avoid unwanted hecklers.
Tara Hoot noticed people are growing detached from their communities at an alarming rate. To combat this, she strives to bring people 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.
Tara Hoot strikes a pose after one of her performances. “I love the camera and the camera loves me,” says Hoot.