Our Response to Republicans' Vilification Campaign Against Drag Performers.

Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio (SDSA) is denouncing the fear-inducing idea that drag

shows for children are inappropriate.

Deflecting from more important issues like rampant gun violence, Republican Texas state

Representative Bryan Slaton said the following about a video he saw on the internet, "The

events of the past weekend were horrifying and show a disturbing trend in which perverted

adults are obsessed with sexualizing young children." Slaton is a pastor and Texas state

representative since 2021 while drag shows have been popular in Texas since the 1930’s. In

Shakespearean days, in the 1500’s, males would play the female roles in women’s costumes.

Drag queens are like everybody else that will not do anything to hurt children.

Equality Texas CEO Ricardo Martinez said “Fear-mongering puts those spaces at risk. The past

few weeks have reminded us of the state of danger that Texas children live in every day. ...

Right now, Texans are laser-focused on real issues that put our children at risk. We will not be

distracted by Slaton’s attempt to scapegoat a longstanding part of Texas culture.”

As drag star Alyssa Edwards stated, “parents are a child’s first and most important teacher and

role model; drag is an art form which is subjective” and continues on to say the most important

part in that Mr. Slaton has “tweeted more about drag than the loss at Uvalde.”

Baked into all of this outrage is the idea that drag performances are always too racy for under-

18-year-old eyes. But dressing in drag isn't an overtly sexual act. Drag performances and

events can certainly be tailored toward children or all-ages audiences (including the drag queen

story hours at libraries that so riled folks up a few years back).

Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio (SDSA) will continue to fight against anti-LGBTQ+

proposed legislation and we ask that our supporters contact their elected officials to denounce

these hateful proposals. SDSA stands with drag performers, artists, and others who are

providing safe spaces for children, adults, and those who enjoy the art and history of drag. San

Antonio is home to legendary drag entertainers, such as Erica Andrews, Ada Vox, and our

current reigning Miss Gay USofA, Tonica Cavalli – drag is here to stay.

https://www.advocate.com/news/2022/6/06/texas-state-lawmaker-introduce-bill-banning-kids-

drag-shows

https://reason.com/2022/06/07/drag-shows-for-children-under-fire-in-texas/

https://utsalibrariestopshelf.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/san-antonios-drag-culture/

About Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio: SDSA is an official affinity-based club of the

Democratic Party. We fight every day for equality for all gender minorities, and eagerly join

forces with all those who support the cause of justice. Visit our website: StonewallSA.org