Lauren Banall
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Lauren Banall, also known as Erika Qwerk, is the stage name of an American drag queen, comedian, and political activist. She is best known for her parody of conservative CEO Erika Kirk.
Biography
She was born and raised in a small farming town in Utah, and grew up in community theater.[1] She later moved to Los Angeles, where she began her career in drag[1] and has since remained.[2] She took the drag name Lauren Banall. She has stated that this was partially in honor of actress Lauren Bacall and because at that time Banall felt she was thought of as unoriginal.[1]
In 2021, she performed for Free Britney protests.[3] In 2023, a drag brunch she performed at was attended by actress Halle Berry.[4]
She first went viral in January 2026 after she released two videos meant to satirize conservative activist Erika Kirk.[5] In a third video, she revealed this persona's name as Erika Qwerk.[6] In this persona, Banall wears a red blazer, a blonde wig, and blue contacts that have been described as "eye-bulging".[7] Her skits frequently incorporate elements such as sparklers and fake tears, and have been inspired by various public appearances of Kirk, such as the Turning Point USA conference after the Assassination of Charlie Kirk.[8] All of her skits utilize the exact words of Kirk.[1]
She has stated she created the persona out of feeling "helpless and gaslit".[9] She has cited one of her inspirations for doing this is what she has described as Kirk's "icy stare".[8] She has utilized this persona to fundraise for the American Civil Liberties Union;[8] as of January 21, 2026, she had raised over three thousand dollars.[10]
In April 2026, she performed as Erika Qwerk at a drag show named Turning Point U.S.GAY at gay nightclub Three Dollar Bill in New York City.[11] She was an opening act.[12] This show raised over twenty-five thousand dollars for the ACLU.[13]
Her performances as Erika Qwerk gained positive attention across social media. However, she also garnered criticism from conservative individuals and groups including Fox News and Libs of TikTok.[14]
References
- 1 2 3 4 thotyssey (2026-04-14). "On Point With: Lauren Banall". Thotyssey. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Villarreal, Daniel. "Drag queen raises thousands for charity after her Erika Kirk performance goes viral". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Tenbarge, Kat. "'Free Britney' organizers and influencers took over a bar, threw a drag brunch, and blasted Britney Spears in a weekend devoted to the pop star". Business Insider. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Murillo, Paulo (2023-04-12). "Halle Berry Spotted in West Hollywood at La Boheme's Dream House Drag Brunch - WEHO TIMES West Hollywood News, Nightlife and Events". Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ "Watch: Viral drag queen 'Erika Qwerk' stuns viewers with uncanny Erika Kirk impressions". The Times of India. 2026-01-24. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Messman-Rucker, Ariel. "Drag queen goes viral for impersonating Charlie Kirk's wife". www.pride.com. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Wratten, Marcus (2026-01-20). "Drag queen's viral Erika Kirk performance raises funds for civil rights org ACLU". PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- 1 2 3 Messman-Rucker, Ariel. "Drag queen felt 'gaslit' so she created viral Erika Kirk act". www.pride.com. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Billson, Chantelle (2026-01-28). "Erika Kirk drag queen gets huge backlash from raging conservatives: 'Disgusting filth'". PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ EX, YOUR (2026-01-22). "Drag Queen Lauren Banall Turns Viral Erika Kirk Parody into Fundraiser for Civil Rights". YOUR EX. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Villarreal, Daniel. "Drag queens mock MAGA figures in jaw-dropping event while raising over $25K for ACLU". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Wetherill, Jack (2026-04-27). "MAGA-parody drag show raises more than $25k for ACLU". PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ "Drag Queens Raise More Than $25k for ACLU in Sold‑Out MAGA‑Parody Spectacular | EDGE United States". EDGE Media Network. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
- ↑ Galpin, Kieran (2026-01-26). "Drag queen Erika Qwerk responds to backlash in hilarious way after 'mocking' Erika Kirk's grief". The Tab. Retrieved 2026-07-07.