US STATE BAN ON DRAG

Recently states across the US have seen a surge in proposed laws which seek to limit, or ban drag shows altogether, with the legislation supposedly helping to protect children from being exposed to sexually explicit content by re-classifying drag shows as “adult-orientated performances”. These bills aim to severely punish anyone who performs a drag act in front of children, as well as those who allow this to happen. People found in violation of these laws face up to 10 ten years in prison and must registeras a sex offender.

Rightly causing alarm within our community and amongst our allies, the proposed bills have been seen as an unfair and unjust attack on the freedom and artistic expression of those who

By Julia Lietzau

perform drag. They’ve also raised concerns about the impact they could have on the LGBTQ+ community more broadly, particularly trans and non-binary people.

Unfortunately, Tennessee became the first state to ban drag shows in public spaces, following a push from local conservative government officials. Just recently Arizona became the latest state to propose similar legislation, following Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia

In Arkansas, Senate Bill 43 initially banned drag shows in public places around minors but was later amended to restrict “adult-oriented” shows. In Idaho, House Bill 265 sought to ban drag performances in public spaces and enables parents to sue event organisers and promoters who permit minors to watch shows with ‘sexual conduct’. The bill passed in the House of Representatives in March will advance to the Senate for avote.

Missouri introduced House Bill 1364, criminalising the engaging, organising, or authorizing of adult cabaret performances, including drag shows, on public property. This also includes drag queen story hour or any other event where a drag queen engages in learning with children, with the bill containing a provision which means a school district, charter school, or employee/volunteer from a school will lose state funding if found violating the legislation.

In Texas, four bills are being considered which expands the definition of “sexually-oriented businesses” to include venues that host drag shows, featuring performers who display a different gender identity to the one they’ re assigned at birth. This forces such venues to need additional licenses and pay different taxes, or cease hosting drag events. The bills have been referred to the Senate and House State Affairs Committee.

The fate of these bills remains to be seen as they continue to face scrutiny and opposition. It feels as if the “land of the free” is not so free after all. It’ s disappointing to see how rapid this legislation gained momentum and our community come under attack yet again. Our hearts go out to those in the drag and LGBTQ+ community in the US.

We hope that these proposed bills are rejected, and that our community can once again feel safe and able to make livelihoods without fear of persecution. We will come back stronger from this, after all it’s not the first time we’ve faced this adversity. Click here to learn more, we also encourage you to go support your local drag queens!