Judd Legum: The War on Drag Shows

[Nevilledog]

https://popular.info/p/the-war-on-drag-shows

On February 3, the State of Florida filed an administrative complaint against the operators of the Plaza Live theater in Orlando for hosting a drag show. According to the complaint, the drag show performed on December 28, 2022, at Plaza Live included "acts of sexual conduct, simulated sexual activity, and lewd, vulgar, and indecent displays" with children in attendance. The complaint alleges the show, "A Drag Queen Christmas," violated a Florida law that makes it a felony for a person to "commit a lewd or lascivious exhibition" in the presence of "a victim who is less than 16 years of age." The state, through the complaint, is seeking to revoke the venue's liquor license, which would likely put it out of business.

The targeting of Plaza Live is part of a broader effort championed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to stigmatize any content with LGBTQ themes and present it as a danger to kids. A spokesperson said that DeSantis was pushing for a crackdown on drag shows because "Governor DeSantis stands up for the innocence of children…throughout Florida."

But newly released public records reveal that the complaint is fraudulent, grossly misrepresenting what undercover state agents observed at "A Drag Queen Christmas."

According to the investigative report by the agents first obtained by the Miami Herald, the drag show did not include "any lewd acts such as the exposure of genital organs." Further, the performers "did not have physical contact while performing to the rhythm of the music with any patrons within the audience." The agents noted that some of the outfits worn by the performers were "provocative," including "bikinis and short shorts."

*snip*