Drag Performer Lauren Banall Goes Viral with Erika Kirk Impersonations, Raises Funds for ACLU

Drag performer Lauren Banall has captured widespread attention online through her viral TikTok videos impersonating Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and current chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA. Performing under the drag persona Erika Qwerk, Banall lip-syncs to actual audio from Kirk while replicating her signature style, including a red blazer, intense black eye makeup, icy blue contacts, blonde wig, and bug-eyed expressions.

One video, which has amassed over 6. million views, shows Banall lip-syncing to Kirk's speech at her late husband's memorial service, dressed in a sequined red shirt and black pants, before transitioning into dance. T In another clip exceeding 5 million views, she recreates Kirk's reaction during a CBS News interview where Kirk tells conspiracy theorists to "stop"regarding her husband's assassination. A recent performance features Banall at a podium using eye drops as fake tears and sparklers to mock Kirk's appearance at the first Turning Point USA conference after Charlie Kirk's death, eliciting laughter from a live crowd.

Banall created the act initially for a brunch audience and her personal amusement, not anticipating its reach. "I absolutely did not expect this reaction, she told PRIDE. “I thought I would make the 100 people at my brunch laugh, maybe a thousand people who follow me would see the Reel, and that would be it. She explained the inspiration stemmed from feeling "helpless and gaslit"in the political climate, particularly after observing Kirk's interviews and a TikTok edit adding horror sounds to her squinting eyes. “I kept seeing over and over again in different interviews and events, and kept being bewildered by her strange behavior, Banall said.

The videos have divided online audiences. Supporters praise the precision and humor, with comments like "The way the eyes look exactly like hers too"and "Anyone who doesn't think drag is art needs to watch this. Critics call it "cruel & sociopathic"or warn "GOD IS GONNA GET U! " Banall has expressed concerns about backlash and safety but also joy from the positive feedback, noting even some conservatives find it funny.

Leveraging the virality, Banall restarted a GoFundMe campaign directing donations to the ACLU, which has raised over $3, 00 so far. “I’m a drag queen, I’m not going to be the one to fight this administration in the courts, but I can use my art to raise money for those who can, she said. She highlighted the ACLU's work for marginalized groups, including transgender people and the broader LGBTQ+ community, as well as its Defense of Drag Fund. Banall plans to continue the performances, viewing drag as a tool to reflect culture and advocate for equality. “Conservatives are determined to dominate the culture and I think it’s a drag queen’s duty to reflect the culture of the times, she stated.

This event underscores drag's role in political satire within LGBTQ+ communities, transforming personal expression into activism amid tensions over rights. Banall, with around 41. K Instagram followers, follows her TikTok account for more content. The online debate reflects broader divides, yet the fundraiser demonstrates how viral drag can support organizations defending LGBTQ+ interests.