Republican lawmakers this year attempted to place restrictions on drag performers through laws, a move which was overturned by federal courts. In all four states where anti-drag laws were challenged, federal judges ruled them unconstitutional, which signifies a win for expression freedom and a blow to the anti-queer politics emerging on the right. Despite some conservative claims, drag performances are not inherently obscene or risky to children. However, a recent surge in fears related to drag performances has led to a panic. Some have equated drag performances with children’s exposure to strip clubs, while others have suggested that such events are aimed to manipulate children’s thoughts on identity, relationships, and sexuality. Ricci Levy, president and CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, emphasized that the push to ban drag shows is primarily rooted in the discomfort and disdain from legislators and parents towards challenging expressions regarding sex and sexuality.
Though the lawmakers did not outright ban drag performances due to constitutional protections for free speech, they attempted to redefine obscenity and adult entertainment to include drag performances. The courts saw through this tactic and deemed the laws unconstitutional. Judges in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Montana ruled against the laws, citing vagueness and unconstitutionality. However, in Texas, the ban on a campus drag performance was upheld by a U.S. District Judge. The increasing acceptance of drag as mainstream entertainment has prompted fears and restrictions from those who oppose progressive societal changes. This has led to attempts to restrict drag performances in several states. The recent federal court rulings should serve as a deterrent to efforts aiming to portray drag performers as lewd, erotic, or harmful. However, it is likely that such attempts will continue in the future, with lawmakers disregarding constitutionality in favor of pushing their agenda.