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Tennessee bans drag queens – and a federal court finally steps in

Tennessee bans drag queens

Unless you live in seclusion, you’re no doubt aware of the discrimination and dangers faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. But recently, the Republican Party decided to take aim specifically at drag queens — and in a pretty horrifying way. It’s a drag queen ban in Tennessee, and the details would make any sane person’s head spin.

What is the ban on drag queens in Tennessee?


Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the bill on March 2nd2023 Prohibit “adult cabaret performances” in public places or places where minors can watch – It can be anywhere, even a bar with windows.

The ban is more extensive “Don’t Say Gay” policies (started in Florida), Teachers and school administrators are prohibited from discussing or promoting homosexuality in any form, including drag performances. Supporters of the law argue that it protects children from “inappropriate” content and prevents young people from being “sexualized.”

Drag is all about love and acceptance. It’s a way to celebrate ourselves and challenge the norms that hold us back. I hope that the ban in Tennessee is overturned and that we can continue to spread love and acceptance through art.

Alyssa Edwards, drag performer and LGBTQ+ advocate

Tennessee bans drag queens – LGBT community responds


Tennessee bans drag queens

The law has been criticized by LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters, who argue that it is discriminatory and infringes on performers’ freedom of speech and expression.

they think Drag is an art form and should be protected by the First Amendmentregardless of the performer’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

Tennessee’s move to ban drag queens is part of a broader debate about the role of drag culture in society. Drag has a long history as both artistic expression and political action, with many performers using it as a means to challenge gender norms and promote acceptance and inclusion.

The ban has sparked protests and demonstrations across the state, with LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters demanding the law be repealed. Some performers have also shared their stories on social media to refute the stereotypes and prejudices behind the ban.

When we silence the voices of LGBTQ+ people and their allies, we silence the voices of everyone who believes in equality and justice. We must come together to fight discrimination and promote inclusion for all.

Laverne Cox, actress and transgender activist

How bans cause other harms


Many also believe the law reinforces harmful stereotypes and stigmatizes the LGBTQ+ community. They say that by banning drag performances, the government is sending the message that being homosexual or gender non-conforming is something shameful and needs to be hidden.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, This is partly due to the discrimination and stigma they face in society. Tennessee’s drag queen ban could exacerbate these problems in devastating ways.

In addition to this pending law, other states have passed statutes that would disgust any decent person. In addition to discussing laws prohibiting drag performances, States are suing doctors who provide gender-affirming treatments and even calling parents who support them perpetrators of child abuse. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a crackdown on everything from books to sports to transition care.

This is really horrible.

Worse still, under this law, a first offense is a misdemeanor, a second offense is a Felony.

So what about Pride Month?


Ban Drag Queens and Pride Month
Luke Connor / Bella Dubel

Since the new law states that no activity can take place in public places or where children are present, this raises the obvious question: will children or drag performers be banned from attending Pride events?

Furthermore, can Pride continue to exist without drag or children? Should this be a decision we have to make? Many Pride celebrations are family-friendly, and parents often bring their children to these events as a way to teach them about inclusion, acceptance, and diversity.

It’s good to have children attend Pride events and expose them to drag and see all forms of LGBTQ+ expression and representation. It also helps to develop empathy in children and allow them to see the various ways people exist outside of their families.

Tennessee Drag Queen Ban—Federal Court Steps In


    Judge Thomas Lee R. Parker
Judge Thomas Lee R. Parker

A federal judge in Tennessee on Friday temporarily halted the state’s new law. With just hours left before the ban went into effect, Judge Thomas Parker issued the temporary restraining order, citing the Constitution’s protection of free speech.

If Tennessee wishes to exercise its police power to restrict speech it deems obscene, it must do so within the constraints and framework of the U.S. Constitution. The Court held that, as it stands, the record here shows that when the Legislature passed this statute, it failed to achieve its objectives.

Judge Thomas Parker

This dovetails with the larger conversation that Tennessee’s ban has sparked — specifically, the larger conversation about LGBTQ+ rights and discrimination.

Such laws can have a chilling effect on free speech. By prohibiting certain types of artistic expression or political speech, such laws undermine fundamental principles of democracy and open speech that are essential to a healthy society.

Many LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters have called for a wider conversation about the importance of inclusion and acceptance in society. Making these performances illegal sends a message of fear and intolerance that could be harmful to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Several organizations have taken legal action to challenge the law. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on behalf of two drag performers and an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, saying the law violates the performers’ First Amendment rights.

Tennessee ban—on hold, but must stand


Tennessee bans drag queens

Ultimately, Tennessee’s ban on drag queens is just one example of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all people are treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.

The point of drag is that it’s about free speech. It’s very dangerous that schools try to suppress that freedom.

RuPaul, drag performer and television host

As the debate continues, it’s important for individuals to be informed about the issues and speak out in support of LGBTQ+ rights and free speech. Whether through activism, education, or simply by standing up for what is right, we can all contribute to creating a more just and equal society.

By continuing to speak out and advocate for change, we can help create a world where everyone can express themselves freely without fear of discrimination or persecution.

Finally, let me show you a picture that has been circulating on the Internet – young Bill Lee wearing a cheerleading uniform at school. Can you say we are hypocrites?

Governor Bill Lee in cheerleading uniform

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