Controversy sparks as new legislation arises in the US with some saying it fabricates drag queens as predators. Such actions across the globe, may pose a threat to the Australian LGBTQIA+ community and their safety as local institutions support the "anti-drag" movement.
By: Angela Aliaga
[This story was originally published in 2023]
LGBTQIA+ Australians dread the worst as fellow queer Americans suffer harmful anti-drag legislation affecting careers and the community’s culture.
Events that are catered to children such as “drag queen story hour” have particularly come under scrutiny as opposers protest the unsuitable nature of such entertainment in front of children.
Governor of Tennessee, Bill Lee, signed a legislation banning public adult cabaret performances in front of children, and from occurring within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, or places of worship.
The bill defines adult cabaret performances to be male or female impersonators.
This legislation has caused worldwide controversy especially within the LGBTQIA+ community as it is said to fabricate drag queens as child predators instead of artists.
Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under contestant and local Brisbane entertainer, Beverly Kills, says, the community is exhausted and do not feel safe anymore due to threats of physical assaults and protests outside queer venues.
“The new argument for these protests or attacks, planned or unplanned are that drag artists are predators.
“This theory remains untrue and baseless,” she says.
Australian Christian Lobby acting CEO, Wendy Francis, says Australia would benefit from following in the USA’s footsteps by implementing this legislation.
“Their style of entertainment is not suitable for children.
“If adults want to watch other grown adults appropriate hypersexualized, caricatures of stereotypes, then that is up to them,” Ms Francis said.
Beverly Kills says drag-opposers fear the unknown as people do not like what they lack understanding in.
“I genuinely believe I could change the minds of 90% of anti-drag people with a 30 minute conversation.
“I just don’t think people understand what drag is.
“All it takes is education and appreciation,” she says.
In 2020, a drag queen story time held in Brisbane library, was disrupted by the Liberal National club of University of Queensland, resulting in frightened and crying children.
The hosts of the event, Queeny, and Diamond are both blue card registered, which regulates activities that are appropriate for minors, and both have over five years’ experience with youth work and education.
Angela Aliaga is a second-year student at QUT, studying a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) and a Bachelor of Business (Public Relations). Angela is a multi-faceted individual who enjoys spending her free time indulging in society and culture, sustainable fashion, and beauty. She deeply values the development and wellbeing of communities and is passionate about worldwide equity, social justice, and peace.
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