Don’t drag them down

This last weekend, I went with a few coworkers to Hot Air Brewing’s Drag Brunch and Bingo, put on by Iowa Drag Brunch. We had a great time and got to support some amazing performers.

Queen Cherry Peaks shared a lovely sentiment about love and acceptance of every kind, from gender identity and sexuality to race and ethnicity. Unfortunately, states like Iowa seem to be moving further and further away from this every day.

Iowa Senate File 348, introduced in late February, would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be present at a drag show. Iowa code defines a drag show as “the main performance is a performer who exhibits a gender identity that is different than the performer’s gender assigned at birth.” If a minor is found to be at a show, the legal guardian of said minor would be fined a minimum of $10,000.

I believe part of the issue people seem to have with drag is simply a misunderstanding. The show I went to contained crude humor, but was also labeled 21 years or older. This limit was set by Iowa Drag Brunch.

People involved in drag understand not everything they do is appropriate for children, which is why many drag shows are labeled 21 years or older. Those that are labeled family friendly are, in fact, family friendly.

People act like drag is a moral issue. However, in the past, no one cared. In fact, during the World Wars, soldiers from a variety of countries, including the U.S., would perform drag for their fellow troops.

There are plenty of movies in more recent history that have been publicly accepted despite having drag represented. These movies include “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Hairspray,” “White Chicks” and “Mulan.”

What changed? For many queer youth, drag queens help to provide inspiration and pride in their identity, something many people try to shut down. Ms. Cherry Peaks recently posted a thank you letter she recieved from an Iowa high schooler. This youth shared how much Cherry Peaks and other drag queens have helped her.

“Thank you for taking the time and effort to do my prom makeup. I appreciate you and I am very glad to have a role model like you,” the youth said. “I also want to say thank you for teaching me to accept who I am and for always providing a safe space to turn to. Being around you and the numerous other performers gives me something to look forward to and I appreciate that I always feel welcomed.”

The happiness and encouragement drag queens bring to people all over the world is important. Not only that, these queens deserve the right to express themselves. They are truly not hurting anyone. If you don’t enjoy drag, simply don’t go.

Love brings us together. Celebrating our differences makes us stronger. Stop trying to bring people down. Instead, love and accept them for who they are.