By: Joseph R. Castel
The fashionista police, this time, are really fascists, and they’re coming for your makeup. Last year there were 762 persons killed and nearly 3,000 wounded in a total of 695 mass shootings throughout the United States. Five of those mass shootings took place in a school. However, with the 2024 elections looming, Republicans shamefully claim that the most productive way they can protect American school children these days are to keep them from drag queen brunches and “Don’t Say Gay” in the classroom. Currently, there are 19 anti-drag laws being proposed by state legislators across the country. Governor Ron DeSantis, whose state had one of the deadliest school shootings in 2018, is leading the baseless brigade with the dubious campaign slogan of “standing up for the innocence of children in the classroom and throughout Florida” – by taking on drag.
To this end, the governor is punishing anyone who disagrees with his laws, such as his beef with Disney when the CEO stood up to the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” school policy. In retaliation, the State took control of municipal services and development for the special zone encompassing Walt Disney World. Now, DeSantis’ administration has its homophobic lenses set on businesses that host drag shows by trying to revoke their liquor licenses. Most recently, his administration is attempting to revoke the Miami Hyatt Regency for hosting a Christmas drag show in one of its venues because, according to the administration’s complaint, the performers displayed “simulated sexual activity, and lewd, vulgar, and indecent displays”. Minors were permitted to attend the show, if they were accompanied by an adult, just as if they are allowed to attend, with an adult, an R-rated film containing sexual activity, lewd, vulgar and indecent displays.
However, DeSantis is not the only Governor in favor of drag bashing. In March, Tennessee was the first state to make drag shows in a “public venue” illegal. Fortunately, Kentucky’s anti-drag bill was shot down as it did not make it out of the state legislature due to a three-day reading requirement.
These frivolous proposed laws do not protect innocent children from immoral harm, but these hate mongering bills do have real economic repercussions to drag performers and the communities that support them. In addition, these political red herrings with their hostile language appeals to the lunatic fringe that incites real harm and violence aimed at drag performers.
To date, State legislators across the country have introduced more than 400 bills that target LGBTQ rights, including 10 such bills in Florida, according to a tally by the American Civil Liberties Union.
This recent wave of proposed homophobia legislation in many ways harkens back to the 1950s hysteria against the LGBTQ community during the McCarthy era.
Gene Brake, founder of the Jose Sarria Foundation, stated that “The current attacks on the drag and trans communities reminds me of an earlier fight in the1950s when a Latino World War II veteran and drag performer by the name of Jose Sarria stood up, in heels, to the police, city and state officials that were determined to shut down his drag shows at a bohemian café in North Beach. Sarria knew he had to organize San Francisco’s gay and lesbian community to fight back and used the rallying cry “United We Stand, Divided They Catch Us One by One”. So too, must we organize to fight back today.”
In order to assist in keeping the many civil liberties won by LGBTQ activists, Sarria created the International Court System which continues to raise millions of dollars for charities as well as funding dozens of LGBTQ organizations across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In the months to come, Adelante will publish a series of articles on activists, drag performers, business owners, and heads of nonprofits in support of fighting these anti-drag bills and many other hate legislations.
Adelante sat down with Empress Anastasia C. Principle of the Imperial Court of Minnesota to address some of the ways individuals and organizations can support shutting down these homophobic legislations. Anastasia, a drag performer, has been appointed to the International Court Council’s lead organizer of the “National Drag Defense” committee.
Adelante: What’s Operation Drag Defense?
Empress Anastasia: Operation Drag Defense is a committee that is helping bring attention to the 19+ anti-drag laws that are being discussed in states/providences across North America. It was launched in February of 2023 and is still in its infancy stage but is gaining momentum fast. We need to ensure that this issue is getting the attention it deserves.
We currently launched a Facebook Drag Defense page that provides updates on the status of various states’ anti-drag laws, where you can go and support, and even purchase some awesome merchandise, designed by Joe Phillips, for drag supporters to wear. (To check out the colorful merchandise, visit: https://icc2023.creator-spring.com/ ) The proceeds from the merchandise are going towards our partnership with the ACLU which is the leading organization that is assisting states in fighting these anti-drag laws.
Adelante: What organization do you represent?
Empress Anastasia: The Operation Drag Defense was born out of the International Court Council which is part of the International Court System. The ICS originated on the west coast and has since grown to be over 60 chapters across North America. We emphasize in fundraising, community service & engagement. I represent the Imperial Court of Minnesota on the ICS board.
Adelante: Why is drag important to you?
Empress Anastasia: Drag is important to me as it’s another art form that exists in our society. To me it’s no different than going to an art museum, a show on Broadway, or a sculpture garden. It’s a way for individuals to express themselves in way they can’t in their everyday life. Drag has also been the forefront of the gay rights movement from day one and has served as a beacon of hope in our community. During hard times we have been a light, we have been the spokespeople, we challenge the norm.
Adelante: What can people do to help support this cause?
Empress Anastasia: Be vocal about it, be seen: on social media, at local rallies, and contacting representatives to let them know these bills are a violation of our freedom of speech and our civil rights as Americans. The worst thing someone can do is think “it’s not happening in my state” because complacency is how these bills get introduced. So even if it’s not there now, still be vocal about it and to show support to those who are challenging and opposing these bills. An executive director of our lgbtq+ chamber of commerce always says “it takes a village”; and it will take a village to ensure that none of these 19+ bills go into law and affect the livelihood of our drag performers, our venues, our theater community, and our trans family members.
Adelante: Why do you think there is such a backlash with drag?
Empress Anastasia: I think people haven’t taken the time to understand it and it’s now become part of everyday media. They choose to look at the extremes of drag and pass off judgement at first impression. If I only saw some of the images they are using for these anti-drag laws and didn’t do my due diligence, I might also think drag is harmful to children or to our communities. But what they don’t show is how drag helps teach acceptance, how they support our communities, and how it’s literally been part of our culture for decades. But because it’s become “more main stream,” they now choose to attack it and call it out. More harm has been done to our community and our youth by the church than has ever and will ever be done by drag. But because it’s “out of the norm” and part of the queer community it’s assumed to be harmful.
Adelante: I’ve always viewed Minnesota as somewhat progressive, so it’s surprising to see this anti-drag bill pop up in Minnesota. Can you explain why that’s happening?
Empress Anastasia: Even in the most progressive states, there can be hate. I’m very fortunate to reside in Minneapolis which is progressive, but if you take a look at the state overall, outside of the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities; Minnesota is vastly red. And all it takes is one representative from backwoods MN to be annoyed about drag entering their community, which we have and will continue to do. We used to stay in our safe space of the Twin Cities, but we are being ASKED and WELCOMED in these rural areas to provide them amazing drag entertainment. But as with most things in life, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and those few who feel threatened or uncomfortable by it are trying to speak for an entire state. It truly is humorous they would try to introduce such a bill when both the house and senate are democratic with a democratic governor…but they are still trying it and we are still going to be visible and heard and non-complacent to ensure the bill is shot down and the country will see that MN loves its drag artists and they are welcome and accepted here.