In recent years, the LGBTQ+ community has faced an onslaught of threats, both physical and in the form of legislation. From participating in sports, to bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth, and more. Now, as drag reality competitions and drag brunches become increasingly popular, backlash in the form of armed protests and intimidation of drag performers has followed.
In November 2022, an Oklahoma bakeshop had a Molotov cocktail thrown through its window after hosting a drag show. Later that same month, a shooter entered a Colorado Springs drag show and opened fire, killing five people and injuring over 20 more. In December of that year, far right groups such as the Patriot Front and Proud Boys showed up to a drag story hour in Columbus, Ohio, armed while others held up signs with slogans like “groomers not welcome” and “groomers are child abusers.” These are, unfortunately, not one offs. GLAAD reported that drag events faced 141 protests and serious threats in 2022.
In West Virginia, a number of cities and counties have begun adopting ordinances that target drag. While these ordinances do not outright ban drag, they are designed to create confusion and instill a chilling effect on performers and venues that host drag shows.
Now, state legislators are openly targeting drag artists with bills like HB 4421, SB 224.
Enough is enough. Drag is art. Drag is powerful. And perhaps most importantly, drag is protected speech. Contact your lawmakers using the tools below and tell them to stop targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Remind them that drag bans are being struck down across the country, and that the ACLU of West Virginia will not hesitate to bring litigation if these bills are signed into law.
Contact your delegate.