NOT THE "FROZEN" YOU EXPECTED?
Traveling Holiday Drag Queen Team Gets POLARizing Reaction
By Ian Dotson
Emmy-Award winning show "RuPaul's Drag Race" has birthed a popular spinoff that has seen quite a mixed reception in its 8 years touring the nation. The holiday-themed "Drag Queen Christmas" features the stars or "alumni" of the titular show performing popular Christmas songs with larger than life performances and outfits. The tour has grown to almost 40 cities and although many have praised the show, it has left others with a different impression altogether.
I've had the pleasure, in my experience at least, of attending a few drag shows in my life. I can't speak for the drag community, but my takeaway was that these shows, although a little racy at times, were fun and harmless. It was expression. It was art. It was wild. I was not surprised to learn, however, that not everyone found this kind of thing amusing or acceptable. A drag show is a prime example of these individuals' Freedom of Speech and Expression. And though some progress has been made in this country with regards to gay rights, homophobia and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community is still very much an issue in the US today. This can be seen in matters regarding the Freedom of Press as well. In fact just last year, a critically acclaimed autobiography titled "Gender Queer, a Memoir" by Maia Kobabe came under fire in a Virginia court when a state resident filed obscenity proceedings against the piece. Circuit Court Judge Pamela S. Baskerville ultimately dismissed the suit before it went to trial stating that restricting the books' sale would authorize "prior restraint" of speech, thus violating the First Amendment. Regardless, this case serves as more evidence of discrimination, and in this instance at least, an attempt to silence members of a marginalized community.
Fast forward to holiday season 2022: The 8th Annual Drag Queen Christmas Tour. RuPaul's team have just played a debut show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and are slated to perform in Clearwater and Orlando in the coming nights. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tweets that a state investigation is underway concerning the show. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) addressed complaints about "a sexually explicit performance marketed to children." This refers a statement on the Tour's website that claims the show is "for all ages." And this is precisely where things get tricky. I think drag shows are generally harmless. But I would not consider them to be "for kids." I would consider them more akin to a burlesque show than a Wiggles concert. And though I believe everyone should have the right to express themselves, there should be exceptions made when children are involved. The content of these shows, made evident by numerous photos and videos submitted by attendees, is obscene, profane and just not suitable material for minors. In my opinion, if it wouldn't pass muster as far as FCC guidelines, it shouldn't be labeled as "safe for the whole family." Though I firmly believe in freedom of speech, I have to say I side with those questioning the age restrictions of this event. The DBPR investigation is still underway, so time will tell whether or not The Drag Queen Christmas Tour must pay the piper.
SOURCES:
https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/bans-books-on-trial-for-obscenity
Comments
Post a Comment