Organizers of Pride festivals and parades in conservative states are under increasing pressure to censor their events.
Tennessee organizers booked more than 50 drag entertainers for next month's Midsouth Pride festival in Memphis now that the state's new law placing strict limits on cabaret shows is temporarily on hold.
In some cases, they are trying navigate broad legislative language that can equate drag performances and story hours with “adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors,” as in the Tennessee law. In other places, Pride organizers have had to fight for local permits that were pro forma in past years, facing off with critics at local city council meetings who oppose drag.
Bills to limit or ban drag were filed in more than a dozen states. The only other state set to enact a law is Florida, where Republican Gov.Kayla Bates, a founder of ELGbtq+, an organizer of the community Pride festival and parade in Elgin, Illinois, said she expects a large turnout for the inaugural event given the legislation targeting transgender rights and drag shows elsewhere.
In New York City, a Pride rally planned for June 17 and a parade on June 25 will have a national theme: “Strength in Solidarity.” Sue Doster, co-chairperson of NYC Pride, said they're putting a spotlight on the transgender community and drag queens, targets of the recent legislation in conservative states.
This year, the Pride Alliance of the Treasure Coast in Port St. Lucie, Florida has reacted to possible legislation, canceling a planned gay pride parade and restricting other events to people 21 years and older. In Memphis, drag entertainers plan to not change costumes mid-performance or accept tips from the audience if the limits are reinstated.
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Pride organizers keep eye on drag laws ahead of festivalsOrganizers of Pride festivals and parades in conservative states are under increasing pressure to censor their events or ban drag performances
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Pride organizers keep eye on drag laws ahead of festivalsOrganizers of Pride festivals and parades in conservative states are under increasing pressure to censor their events or ban drag performances
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