Last week, Tennessee’s passed it’s controversial anti-drag bill which would prevent performances from “male and female impersonators” on public property. In a domino-like effect, several other states have already introduced similar bills to lawmakers.
Even more, the legislation being proposed is targeting not only drag queens but other members of the LGBTQ+ community. The topic is currently making headlines after a CPAC speaker called for the “eradication” of transgender people.
As a result of the harmful legislation, LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies are publicly fighting back against.
Elliot Page posted an urgent PSA on the state of Oklahoma’s newly introduced legislation against trans youth calling the policies “assaults on their rights and survival.” Page, came out publicly as transgender in December 2020.
Award-winning actor, Melissa McCarthy posted a collage of characters in drag, with the quote: “You’ve been entertained by drag your whole life, don’t pretend it is a problem now.”
In the latest episode of Apple TV+’s The Problem With Jon Stewart, the host spoke with Republican politician Nathan Dahm. While Stewart initially discusses Dahm’s pro gun views, the conversation turned to the right-wingv obsession with “protecting” children from drag performers when guns became the number one cause of death of children in the United States in 2022.
“Are you infringing on that [drag] performer’s free speech?” Stewart asked.
“They can continue to exercise their free speech,” Dahm replied. “Just not in front of a child.” When Stewart pushed him as to why, Dahm continued, “Because the government does have a responsibility… in certain instances, to protect children.”
“What’s the leading cause of death among children in this country?” Stewart fired back. “I’m going to give you a hint: It’s not drag show readings to children.”
However, some queens were quick to call out those allies who have remained largely silent on the topic.
Aquaria pleaded for allies to “Please help us safely progress and thrive without fear.
Ginger Minj clarifies to her followers what being a “ally” truly is by insisting it is “more than coming to a show & tipping a few bucks...”
Meanwhile, Cheddar Gorgeous penned a striking tweet asking where the allies have gone in the communities time of need.
“As parts of the US bring in a drag ban and far right commentators call for an "erraddication of transgenderism from public life" ...I wondered where all those flag waving allies went, are they busy, unaware or were they only there for the street party”
Allies…… 🎤📣🗣️ …… please. The floor is yours. The world is trying to crush my unbeatable community. They won’t and could never, but its definitely past time to speak up. Please help us safely progress and thrive without fear.
— Aquaria 🤌🏼 (@aquariaofficial) March 6, 2023
What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you think allies need to be doing more to support the LGBTQ+ community? Sound off in the comments below.
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