Arizona Loves Drag
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Arizona’s LGBTQ+ community is once again under attack from far-right lawmakers, who are now threatening drag performers with prison time.
Recently introduced bills sought to define drag shows as “adult” performances (similar to adult strip clubs), and would actually regulate and potentially criminalize drag shows. Drag venues and performers would be required to obtain permits. And, for anyone found in violation of the law, they could have faced at least ten years in prison and registration as a sex offender.
Even with amendments, and even if these hateful policies don’t become law, these bills are part of a nationwide terror campaign that demonizes LGBTQ+ people, our identities, and our expression.
According to GLAAD, just last year there were 141 anti-LGBTQ+ threats against drag events in the U.S. Bills like this only further the hate and danger our communities face, while doing nothing to actually “protect children.”
The Arizona legislature must drop these anti-LGBTQ+ bills immediately. And Governor Katie Hobbs, who has already committed to vetoing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, must proudly reject this hate and help make Arizona a safe state for EVERYBODY!
Here in Arizona, we pride ourselves on our freedoms. We also expect to be safe from violence. These proposed bills go against both of these core values.
Senate Bills 1026, 1028, 1030, and 1698 endanger LGBTQ+ lives while doing nothing to “protect children.” In fact, since these bills were introduced, we’ve seen bomb threats targeting LGBTQ+ businesses and hostile demonstrations at family-friendly events.
As elected officials, it is your responsibility to keep all Arizonans safe. That’s why Equality Arizona is calling on the Republican-led legislature to immediately withdraw these anti-LGBTQ+ bills. However, should these bills make it to Governor Hobbs desk, we applaud our governor’s commitment to supporting the state’s LGBTQ+ community and urge her to follow through with a veto of all three anti-LGBTQ+ bills.
While these bills are new, drag culture is not. Our community is resilient and will endure.
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