Republican States Target Drag Performers
FEBRUARY 24, 2023 By early 2023, at least 14 states had introduced bills that would restrict drag queens from performing in public spaces and venues viewable by minors. Some of the proposed legislation required venues that host drag events to register as “adult-oriented businesses.”
In Missouri, legislators are considering several bills, including one described as changing “the definition of a sexually oriented business to include any nightclub or bar that provides drag performances.” Another bill would classify “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest” as adult cabaret performances. Performances on public property or viewed by minors could result in a misdemeanor punishable by jail time and a hefty fine.
Republican Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has endorsed a similar bill in her state.
In Tennessee, a bill would classify “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest” as adult cabaret performances and would ban performances on public property. Shows would also be banned where minors could be present. being introduced and passed in Florida, Disney World announced that it would be hosting a major LGBTQ conference.
The Out & Equal Workplace Summit, the largest LGBTQ conference in the world, was held at Walt Disney World in Orlando in September. The conference focused on workplace equality, bringing together more than 5,000 executives, employee resource group leaders and members, and human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion professionals and experts every year. Disney, Apple, Bank of America, and Uber are among Out & Equal’s top partners.
Disney World committed to hosting the conference this year and next, according to the Miami Herald. Next year’s summit will coincide with the presidential election campaign, in which Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to challenge former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.