After a similar show embroiled Chattanooga Pride in controversy, Jackson Pride is set to host an all-ages drag show as part of its annual pride week celebration.
“This event aims to bring the LGBTQIA+ population together, including communities within this community. Funds raised at the Jackson Pride Event will allow us to continue to expand and grow our mission of supporting diversity through awareness,” said Darren Lykes, a Jackson Pride Board Member. “We are thankful to all of the sponsors and volunteers who, without their support, we would not be able to make the event possible.”
Those sponsors include Starbucks, the city of Jackson itself, and many local businesses.
The event will be held on Oct. 9.
“Jackson Pride will begin at 11 a.m. and include activities for all ages including musical performances by Avon Park, Emily McGill, Herz, Hunter Cross, Will Burton, and entertainment from DJ G Billa Productions. Exhibit booths from various vendors and food trucks will also be part of the festivities,” says a press release from the organization. “The day will conclude with a family-friendly Drag Show, featuring some of the regions [sic[ most talented performers. A one-dollar donation is requested for admission to the event.”
The show has made waves in Tennessee, and a member of the general assembly hopes to have it shut down.
State Representative Chris Todd (R-Jackson) filed an injunction against the city of Jackson in order to stop the event from occurring.
“The Plaintiffs, by and through counsel, file this Complaint against the City of Jackson, Tennessee for an Order permanently enjoining the Defendant from permitting the use of Defendant’s property known as the Carl Perkins Civic Center from being utilized for the purposes of hosting female impersonators in contrivance of Tennessee law,” according to the injunction.
The lawmaker and others who have joined him as plaintiffs say that Jackson Pride is breaking T.C.A. § 7-51-1407, which bars opening an “adult cabaret” within 1,000 feet of a church.
Chattanooga Pride recently held an all-ages drag show that ended in national outrage.
At the event, which was held at Waterling Brewing Company, a child touched the groin of a woman dressed as a mermaid who was not officially part of the drag show.
The event elicited such a strong response that a private group in Hamilton County, called Hamilton County Conservatives, is petitioning the Tennessee General Assembly to ban all child-friendly drag shows.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
