Wave Staff Report
WEST HOLLYWOOD — Odious Ari has been selected by the City Council as West Hollywood’s next drag laureate.
Ari was selected by a committee comprised of members of the city’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, LGBTQ+ Commission, and Transgender Advisory Board.
Ari is the city’s second drag laureate and the first drag king to hold the title. Ari’s selection follows Pickle, who served as the city’s inaugural drag laureate, appointed in 2023.
“West Hollywood has long been a place where LGBT artists, performers and visionaries have challenged conventions, expanded representation and helped shape culture,” Mayor John Heilman said. “We are thrilled to welcome Odious Ari as our new drag laureate and proud to celebrate this historic appointment as the first drag king to serve in an official drag laureate role anywhere in the world.
“Ari’s creativity, humor, musicianship and commitment to community embody the spirit of West Hollywood. Through their work, they honor the rich traditions of drag while opening new doors for visibility, storytelling, and artistic expression. We look forward to the inspiration, joy, and imagination they will bring to our community over the coming years.”
Ari is an accomplished drag king, performer, producer, and community artist whose work blends theatrical performance, comedy, music and queer cultural storytelling. Most often performing as their signature drag character, Odious Ari — a 103-year-old Vaudevillian — they captivate audiences through a unique combination of live music, original songs and comedic performance.
Ari’s performances feature an eclectic range of instruments, including accordion, ukulele, banjo, and squeaky toys, creating e that celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and LGBT culture. Through performance, event production, and community engagement, Ari has helped foster welcoming artistic spaces, supported emerging performers, and strengthened connections within diverse communities.
As West Hollywood drag laureate, Odious Ari will serve a term of three years through June 30, 2029. The drag laurate is an honorary position that serves as an ambassador to the city, using the position as a platform to promote the city.
The drag laureate is expected to attend various civic events throughout the year, supporting arts and culture and the business community.
