Image Credit: Chattanooga Youth Pride & canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
The upcoming Chattanooga Youth Pride Day event on Saturday, June 1st, is scheduled to include drag performances despite the fact that last year’s Senate Bill 3 (SB0003), created a violation for persons who engage in “adult cabaret performance on public property or in a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.”
The new state law, which defines an “adult cabaret performance” as a performance “in a location other than an adult cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration.”
SB0003 became Public Chapter 2 in Tennessee and officially went into effect on April 1st, 2023.
However, the legality of drag performances performed in front minors in Tennessee has been challenged by lawsuits in two different counties, resulting in the issuing of injunctions against the law for both Shelby County and Blount County.
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has previously advised that despite the injunction rulings from the 6th District, state law regarding drag performances in the presence of minors is still fully effective in all other 93 counties in Tennessee.
Skrmetti additionally advised law enforcement that violations of what is being called The Adult Entertainment Act (AEA) are still considered breaking the law.
So, why are drag performances still happening in the presence of minors in several Tennessee counties where the law is still in effect and enforceable?
In direct contradiction to the attorney general’s advisement, Hamilton County District Attorney, Coty Wamp, turned a blind eye to the adult entertainment that took place during the Chattanooga Pride Parade inside the Chattanooga Convention Center.
The event took place indoors after the previous year’s festivities sparked outrage when videos showing that the event was indeed accessible to children went viral.
District Attorney Wamp made it clear at the time that even if the law still applies in her county, she had no plans to protect children from exposure to adult entertainment.
Her office released the following statement in relation to 2023’s Chattanooga Pride Parade:
“With all the violence that has occurred in our community in the last three weeks (including a multitude of shootings and homicides), my office is not concerned about the Chattanooga Pride Festival. Because the constitutionality of the legislation is currently being challenged, and pursuant to the opinion of the Tennessee General’s Office, the statute is not currently being enforced in Hamilton County. Again, the community should know that their District Attorney is working hard to address the violent crime that plagues our city and the unacceptable number of overdoses across the county each month.”
Recently, the Seed Theatre announced that its 2nd annual Chattanooga Youth Pride Day, an event “dedicated to celebrating and empowering LGBTQ+ youth” in the community, will take place on Saturday, June 1st, 2024.
The kicker? This “free, family-friendly event designed to provide a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies” will feature drag performances starting at 4pm the day of the event.
Sponsors of the Chattanooga Youth Pride Day include Rev. Jeff P. Crim, the Mizpah Congregation, the Hamilton County Democratic Party, First Christian Church, and Grace Episcopal Church.
“All are welcome to join in this celebration of love, acceptance, and unity,” wrote The Seed Theatre’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Haley.
The theme for this year’s Chattanooga Youth Pride Day is “United in Diversity” and the event includes workshops and interactive sessions on topics such as “Proud and Resilient: Navigating High School as LGBTQ+ Youth, “Know Your Rights: Legal Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth” and “Exploring Gender Identity: Embracing Your Authentic Self.”
The drag performances or “the highlight of the event” according to the event details, will include “live performances, by talented LGBTQ+ youth artists, including singers, dancers, poets, and drag performers.”
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
7 Responses
Remove any DA that won’t enforce the law.
Why aren’t these citizens raising the roof to the mayor of the city? Stop letting these people get away with breaking the law.
Yes, the DA should be removed from office.
It’s time to seek an injunction prohibiting some “churches” from claiming they are Christian when disobeying the word of God as part of their unabashed advocacy.
Looks like DA Wamp got purchased along with her bro, kind of a 2 for 1 deal.
Until a swift and severe punishment is meted out to lawbreakers, they will continue to break the law. Remember the old saw, “Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile.”
If they break the LAW ” DRAG” these demented pukes to JAIL. And the organizers.
What is wrong with people? The normal people of Chattanooga need to stand up. Anyone involved in this should be arrested and the DA needs recalled immediately. Any parent taking a minor to this event is worthless. It’s time for regular folks to rid our state of this garbage or it’s only going to get worse. The state should withold funds from Chattanooga for condoning breaking the law!