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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed off on a rule Friday that would severely limit where certain drag shows can take place.
While several states are now considering restrictions on performances, no other state has acted as quickly as Tennessee to ensure that drag shows cannot be performed in public or in front of children. The move coincides with Tennessee being one of the states that has passed the most anti-LGBTQ laws in recent years.
The word “drag” does not appear explicitly in the new law. Instead, it changed the definition of adult cabaret in Tennessee law to “adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors.” The bill also says that “male or female impersonators” are now in adult cabarets, along with topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers and strippers.
Lee, a Republican, signed the legislation without issuing a statement or in a public ceremony. It takes effect on July 1.
Also, on Thursday, Republican lawmakers in Kentucky introduced a bill also aimed at restricting drag shows. The move drew “shame” from opponents, who criticized the move as discriminatory and said it would impede First Amendment rights.
Long drag appears as a ‘celebration’
Across the United States, right-wing activists and politicians claim that drag results in the “sexualization” or “grooming” of children.
Tennessee’s action follows the signing of a new bill by the governor of Arkansas on a new ban on “adult-oriented” shows. The bill originally targeted drag shows but was dropped after complaints of discrimination against the LGBTQ community.
Drag does not usually involve mudho or stripping, which is more common in the separate art of burlesque. Sexually explicit and profane language is common in drag shows, but such language is usually toned down when children are present, or else the venue or performers warn parents before they should reconsider whether to bring their children.
“Drag is a long-standing form of entertainment, celebration and a valuable source of employment for many across the country,” Human Rights Campaign legal director Sarah Warbelow said in a statement last month. “However, instead of focusing on the real policy issues facing Tennesseans, politicians prefer to spend time and effort blaming age-appropriate performances in libraries in order to pass any anti-LGBTQ+ bill they can.”
Lee asked about the photo of her dressed as a woman
Tennessee lawmakers also approved legislation banning gender-affirming treatment. Lee said he plans on signing that bill, too.
When Lee was questioned Monday by reporters about the law and other anti-LGBTQ bills, one activist asked if he remembered “wearing drag in 1977.”
Lee was presented with a photo showing the governor as a high school senior dressed as a woman that was published in the 1977 Franklin High School yearbook. The photo was first posted on Reddit over the weekend.
Lee said it was “ridiculous” to compare photos of him in women’s clothing to “sexual entertainment in front of children.” When asked about specific examples of inappropriate drag shows performed in front of children, Lee did not mention any, only pointing to a nearby school building.
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