Navy uses drag queen to spice up recruitment

The US Navy partnered with a drag queen influencer to attract more youth to the amid a hiring crisis.

Joshua Kelley, who performs under the name “Harpy Daniels,” has amassed a large following on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he shares his drag performances and promotes inclusivity and acceptance. Now, he has teamed up with the US Navy to promote the military as a diverse and welcoming workplace.

Navy drag queen influencer has House GOP cranking up heat on Defense Secretary Austin https://t.co/4j5IaCgAXf

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The Navy’s attempts to increase interest among young people comes amidst a historic recruitment crisis. A survey from the Ronald Reagan Institute found that only 13% of 18-29-year-olds are “highly willing” to join the military. Twenty-five percent are “somewhat willing” and 26% are “not willing at all.”

The partnership has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters of the move argue that it shows the Navy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, while also appealing to younger generations who are more open-minded and accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Critics, however, see the move as a ploy to recruit vulnerable young people, and worry that it could trivialize the seriousness of military service.

In a statement, the Navy defended the partnership, stating that they are simply trying to reach out to a wider audience in order to find the best candidates for military service. They noted that many young people are hesitant to join the military due to concerns about discrimination or lack of acceptance, and that partnering with Kelley helps to address those concerns and show that the military is a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Kelley himself has expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that he sees it as an opportunity to use his platform to promote positive change and inspire young people to consider a career in the military. He also noted that the military offers valuable opportunities for personal growth and development, and that he hopes to help more young people see the benefits of military service.

Kelley has also posted directly about serving as a “Digital Ambassador” for the Navy on Instagram. “From joining to 2016 and being able to share my drag experience on my off time with my fellow sailors has been a blessing,” Kelley wrote. “This experience has brought me so much strength, courage and ambition to continue being an advocate and representation of queer sailors!” “Thank you to the Navy for giving me this opportunity! I don’t speak for the Navy but simply sharing my experience in the Navy! Hooyah, and let’s go Slay!” the drag queen added.

The partnership with Kelley is just one of many initiatives that the Navy is taking to address its hiring crisis. In recent years, the military has struggled to attract new recruits, particularly in certain high-demand fields like cybersecurity and engineering. By partnering with influencers like Kelley, the Navy hopes to expand its reach and attract more young people to consider a career in the military.