Image Credit: Sodei8971 / CC & Sya Cox Ohara / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A series of Drag brunches has been cancelled at a Jonesborough, Tennessee restaurant after public opposition to the events.
Myra Cardenas, owner of Buzzed Wings which is located in downtown Jonesborough, made the decision to cancel the series, along with event organizers.
Local Drag Queen Sya Cox O’Hara is the host of the “Sya at Brunch” which was a private, ticketed event that has been held at Buzzed Wings more than once already.
O’Hara and Cardenas opted to relocate future drag brunch events after an online boycott of the restaurant citing safety concerns for drag performers as well as the staff at Buzzed Wings.
In a statement to New Channel 11, O’Hara, a ten-year drag veteran, admitted that no direct threats had been received, but that the restaurant had been the target of much criticism from local community members online who recommended that people avoid eating at Buzzed Wings.
O’Hara praised the restaurant for being “a wonderful establishment that has consistently demonstrated support and cooperation” and while sad that the event was cancelled, that “at the end of the day Buzzed Wings needs to stay in business and make money.”
O’Hara stated that other locations were being considered and that another venue was looking to host “Sya at Brunch” although no date has yet been established.
One of the factors that led to Cardenas changing her mind about hosting the brunches was a Christian protest outside the establishment during the first event. Protestors engaged brunch attendees after the event which Cardenas said made her “uncomfortable” but she remains open to hosting drag-related events in the future.
Cardenas felt the backlash was unwarranted as the events were held on days the restaurant is usually closed, and the tickets were sold only to those who were 21-years-old and up.
“We simply rented our space,” Cardenas told News Channel 11. “We respect that not everyone agrees with drag shows, but we also believe in providing a safe space where people can gather, celebrate, and feel welcome.”
Cardenas said that she had found the outcry to be difficult for the business and staff alike and a distraction from serving the community.
“We are a family-owned business. My children are here, my parents are here, and this is our home. Every decision we make is rooted in keeping our staff, our guests, and our family safe,” said Cardenas. “We don’t want division. We want fellowship. Whether you agree with drag or not, we hope people will still come and enjoy a meal, watch a game, or share time together here. That’s what community is about.”
Whether the community will forgive and continue patronising the restaurant remains to be seen.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
4 Responses
Whatever happened to “live and let live?” As this article points out, these drag brunches were private, ticketed events. People went to have fun. No one was being forced to participate. Don’t people have better things to do than stand outside the event and scream bloody murder? Apparently not.
Why are you here? Trash upholding perversion.
Go woke go broke, give them the Bud Light treatment!
GOOD! When America was great they were institutionalized. Myra Cardenas must be trash herself to host the perverts.