Tennessee bans drag shows

On Thursday last week, Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee signed a new bill that effectively bans public drag show performances. The bill doesn’t specifically use the terminology ‘drag shows’ in its wording, instead using language such as ‘adult cabaret performances’ on public property in order to protect children. Violation of this new law will initially result in a misdemeanor charge, whereas repeat offenders will face felony charges. 

The bill goes on to further define adult cabaret performances as a performance “that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers.”

The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2023. 

Republicans claim that performances such as those outlined in the new bill expose children to sexual themes and imagery that they deem inappropriate for that age group. Despite this, the overwhelming majority of public performances of this nature occur in venues that have strict age restrictions on the admission of minors. 

While drag shows are typically devoid of stripping, they can often contain explicit sexual content and language. However, at venues where these age restrictions do not apply, or where children may in fact be the target audience, such content is censored and removed from performances. 

Several other states are closely watching what happens in Tennessee and are also considering implementing similar bans on drag shows. Idaho, North Dakota, Montana, and Oklahoma have also expressed a desire to follow in Tennessee’s footsteps. Arkansas recently also signed a bill that put restrictions on “adult-oriented” public performances but received heat regarding LGBTQ discrimination. The wording and terms of the bill in Arkansas were ultimately changed as a result. 

The state of Tennessee has introduced more anti-LGBTQ bills than any other state in the United States since 2015, according to Human Rights Watch. The state recently passed a bill that completely bans all gender-affirming care for people under the age of 18; a decision that is traditionally reserved for parents of minors has now been transferred to the hands of the government. 

Watch this space for more information regarding Tennessee’s anti-LGBTQ bills and laws as they roll out through the state. 

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Featured image:  JOHN AMIS/AP IMAGES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN