Drag exhibits on US navy bases cancelled by Pentagon after Republican criticism
President Joe Biden’s administration has stopped US navy bases from internet hosting drag exhibits after criticism from some Republicans, amid a broader push in conservative-led states focusing on LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Internet hosting drag exhibits is “inconsistent with laws relating to the usage of (Protection Division) sources,” stated Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh in a press release Thursday.
A minimum of one present was canceled because of this. Organizers of an occasion at Nellis Air Power Base in Nevada canceled a drag present timed to Pleasure Month, which started Thursday, in response to a Fb put up quoted by Fox Information.
In her assertion, Singh didn’t immediately handle LGBTQ+ rights however stated the Protection Division was “proud to serve alongside any and each younger American who takes the oath that places their life on the road in protection of our nation.”
Consultant Matt Gaetz, R-Fla, who sharply criticized prime Pentagon leaders earlier this 12 months and questioned them about drag exhibits, tweeted that the cancellation was a “HUGE VICTORY!”
“Drag exhibits shouldn’t be going down on navy installations with taxpayer {dollars} PERIOD!” he added.
Drag exhibits function entertainers who gown and act as a special gender. They’re usually a part of Pleasure occasions and might embody colorfully clad drag queens studying books to kids. Supporters say they have a good time folks of various sexual orientations and promote acceptance.
Opponents accuse organizers of drag exhibits of attempting to “sexualize” kids. Drag exhibits typically draw protesters and a bevy of Republican-led legislatures have handed payments in latest months attempting to ban or limit them.
Nellis Air Power Base has beforehand hosted drag performers. About 180 folks attended an identical present in 2021, in response to Job and Objective, a publication masking the navy.
The Pentagon’s transfer to cancel the present this week led the Human Rights Marketing campaign, which advocates for LGBTQ+ civil rights, to immediately criticize Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin.
“Earlier than at this time, Secretary Austin has been unwavering in his help for LGBTQ+ People who proudly serve in uniform,” the group stated in a press release. “Nevertheless, as an alternative of actually standing up for our neighborhood on the primary day of Pleasure, he selected to facet with the politics of worry and discrimination peddled by excessive members of Congress.”
AP/