Florida official tries to cancel sold-out Christmas drag show, queens perform anyway.
A fight over a holiday drag show in Florida has continued for months. The state attorney general spent nearly two months lobbying local officials to cancel the event at a city-owned theater. Despite their efforts, however, the 1,600-capacity show is now fully booked.
Queens from RuPaul's Drag Race are scheduled to perform as part of A Drag Queen Christmas tour in Pensacola.
The anti-drag laws and attacks have sparked controversy across Florida. Local drag queens have come together with community members who face similar challenges to provide support and a safe space.
Drag performances, like the one in question, hold significant importance for many young people. For some, attending these shows has become an essential part of their identity formation process.
Despite ongoing threats from state officials, local drag performers are continuing to push back against the recent anti-drag laws. The community is standing strong and refusing to be silenced or intimidated by these attacks on their rights and identities.
As one queen put it, "we're like the royalty: we're the ones who are seen first, heard first, and we speak up for our community." They see the current pushback as an attack on this entire community and a threat to their very existence.
A fight over a holiday drag show in Florida has continued for months. The state attorney general spent nearly two months lobbying local officials to cancel the event at a city-owned theater. Despite their efforts, however, the 1,600-capacity show is now fully booked.
Queens from RuPaul's Drag Race are scheduled to perform as part of A Drag Queen Christmas tour in Pensacola.
The anti-drag laws and attacks have sparked controversy across Florida. Local drag queens have come together with community members who face similar challenges to provide support and a safe space.
Drag performances, like the one in question, hold significant importance for many young people. For some, attending these shows has become an essential part of their identity formation process.
Despite ongoing threats from state officials, local drag performers are continuing to push back against the recent anti-drag laws. The community is standing strong and refusing to be silenced or intimidated by these attacks on their rights and identities.
As one queen put it, "we're like the royalty: we're the ones who are seen first, heard first, and we speak up for our community." They see the current pushback as an attack on this entire community and a threat to their very existence.
! I mean, 1,600 people are gonna show up for that Christmas drag show and enjoy the night out - who cares what anyone else thinks? It's all about self-expression and love, right? And honestly, it's amazing to see how they're supporting each other and creating a safe space for their community 
. Those queens are serving face (and fierceness) on that stage and we need more of that in the world 
!
florida is literally trying 2 cancel a christmas drag show but the queens are like "nah, we gotchu" 
it's so cool 2 see the community standin together against these anti-drag laws 
they know how important these shows r 4 young ppl who feel like they don't fit in anywhere else 
like, i get it, florida's got a lot of weird laws but this one's just plain unfair 
anyway, more power 2 the queens & their squad 
. It's like they're saying, 'You can't silence us.' And honestly, I don't blame them one bit. This whole controversy is just a reflection of the ways in which marginalized communities are being pushed around by those in power.
. I mean, think about it - these events are more than just a show, they're a space for people to express themselves, feel seen & loved, and find their community 
Like in Florida they're using social media and online platforms to raise awareness about drag culture and bring the queens together 
I mean, if the state can't stop them from performing, why not just use it to their advantage? 
Like, a virtual reality experience that lets people feel like they're part of the show would be EPIC 
Can you imagine the merch opportunities? 
And let's be real, who needs a government official when you have RuPaul's charisma and unapologetic attitude 
? 
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. And to think they're trying to cancel a sold-out Christmas drag show?! Like, who decides that?! 
It's a holiday, for crying out loud! Everyone should be able to enjoy themselves without fear of judgment or persecution. The fact that the queens are still going ahead with their performance is a huge win for free expression and acceptance 
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. Like, can't they just let people be themselves and have fun? 
. I mean, who gets to decide what's 'acceptable' or not in the LGBTQ+ community? Not some politician trying to push their own agenda 
. I love it 
I mean, can't they just chill? Like, it's a Christmas drag show, not a national security threat 
. It's like, what's next? Canceling Pride parades or something? 
. Can we get some sources on these anti-drag laws, though? Want to see what's really going on behind the scenes 
. but like, here's a fun fact: drag queens can earn up to $1k per hour performing 
. meanwhile, the florida tourism board just announced that they're increasing funding for LGBTQ+ events in the state... talk about a Christmas miracle 
. and btw, did u know that 71% of millennials identify as LGBTQ+, compared to 48% of gen z? 
and btw, drag performances are like, so much more than just entertainment - they're a way for young people to find their tribe & feel seen 
The way these performers are using their platforms to advocate for acceptance and inclusivity is truly inspiring