Image Credit: Joyce Peterson / Twitter & Robby Starbuck / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
The Memphis Museum of Science and History (MOSH) canceled its Memphis Proud Drag Show and Dance Party just minutes before performers were set to take to the stage on Friday evening. The show was touted as the “grand culmination” of MOSH’s “Summer of Pride” programming and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Drag Queen show, advertised as a “family friendly” event, was to feature a cash bar and be followed by a dance party for “all ages.”
Video shared on social media outlets showed a bearded man in a clown wig and floor-length gown arguing with Memphis Police on Friday night.
Conservatives rejoiced over the news citing Tennessee laws that define male and female impersonators as “adult cabaret.”
OUT Memphis, a non-profit organization that “empowers, connects, educates and advocates for the LGBTQ community of the Mid-South” accused protestors of disrupting the event. The group blamed “bigots, and homophobic, transphobic, white supremacist groups” for the museum’s decision to call off the show.
The protestors were described as “religious” and some appeared to be members of the Proud Boys.
MOSH offered the following statement on their website:
The safety of our guests and staff members is our primary concern. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of all present, the Museum of Science & History made the decision to cancel all programming Friday evening due to the presence of armed protesters. Closing early involved the cancellation of the two events scheduled for the evening, a laser show in our Planetarium and the Memphis Proud drag show and dance party.
Meanwhile, Pride Week in Chattanooga kicked off this weekend. WanderLinger Brewing Company hosted a drag show where a child was allowed to touch the crotch of Chattanooga Princess Parties “Ariel” and later on during the same show, a drag queen spread his legs in front of children.
Chattanooga is hosting a multitude of “family friendly” events all week and the festivities are set to culminate on Saturday, October 2nd, with a parade and festival.
Tennesseans have been confronted with Pride celebrations all over the state for months, and not just during “Pride” month in June.
Robby and Landon Starbuck are working on an outline for a Childhood Protection and Restoration Act to put an end to such displays that involve children. On Sunday, Starbuck wrote, “Demand action to protect children. To my Tennesseans: Send this to your state reps in the legislature for your district. Ask them to stop this and work with the Starbucks on legislation to protect kids.”
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
