Might Have to Leave Arkansas Soon
January 25, 2023
Since its induction fifty years ago, the Miss Gay America Pageant has held several events in Little Rock, Arkansas, celebrating drag in a part of the country where it is needed most. But a recent homophobic bill is now forcing the group to seek a new location
The Language in the bill is sweeping.
Under the measure, a “drag performance” is defined as one in which an individual exhibits a gender identity that is different from their sex assigned at birth “using clothing, makeup, or other accessories that are traditionally worn by members of and are meant to exaggerate the gender identity of the performer’s opposite sex.”
The Arkansas legislature has proposed Senate Bill 43, which would classify drag as adult-oriented entertainment if passed. This would make drag illegal in any venue where it can be seen by a minor, regardless of the content of the performance. Whether or not the bill actually passes, the mere discussion of it is enough to give venue owners cold feet.
Starting in 1995, the pageant has used Robinson Center in Little Rock as its venue. With over 200 performers, the pageant needs the big stage this concert hall provides. Recently, Mad Angel Entertainment, the company that puts on the pageant, was all set to renew their contract through 2026 when the Robinson Center pulled back.
“They were like, ‘We don’t know what this bill is going to do. We don’t know if you should sign because we don’t want to sign a contract and then push you away,’” Michael Dutzer, CEO and executive producer of Mad Angel Entertainment, told NBC affiliate KARK News.
The news comes only days after the 51st Miss Gay America, Tatiyanna Voche, was crowned. The very first Miss Gay America, Little Rock business owner Norma Kristie, was crowned in 1972, barely three years after the Stonewall riots.
Dutzer spoke to legislators in opposition of the bill, laying out the economic benefits of the pageant. “We bring a lot of people in for this, and we spend a lot of money here,” he explained. Specifically, they spend over $70,000 just to put on the show and it draws over 2,000 out-of-towners, all of whom spend money on airfare, hotels, dining and shopping.
The Arkansas Senate will vote on SB43 Tuesday January 24. If it is passed, it will then head to the House committee and the General House Assembly before the governor can sign it into law.
UPDATE - It passed the Senate 29 to 6 on 1/24/2023 2:04:45 PM. it has now been passed to the Arkansas House.
[The now Arkansas Governor is Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The former Trump press secretary. What do think will happen there?]
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My Notes:
How long before Transgender blogs are all designated to be adult / grooming / poronographic. "Ban them all the cry will go out". And, the Fascist-Republican President and the Fascist-Republican House / Senate and their Fascist-Republican majority Supreme Court will all fall into lock step.
Here is something to also consider - When we go out, are we drag performers?
In the 1940s, '50s and '60s, police arrested LGBTQ people based on an informal "three-article" rule. The Stonewall Riots helped turn the tide against these arrests.
It already has happened. Here in these United States.
ReplyDeleteHere on this very page.
A year ago, I was in Wisconsin to attend an event at St. Norbert's College in De Pere, (Just South of Green Bay.) As I settled into my hotel room, I checked my e-mail and then clicked over to Femulate.org. Stana was having some health problems as that time. I hit ENTER and my screen flashed "BLOCKED" Reason "PORNOGRAPHY". I e-mailed Stana via a Ham Radio address. She was not happy. It turns out that the hotel is on land owned by St. Norbert's College, hence the Catholic Diocese. The hotel was required to put such tight filtering on their wi-fi.
How does this affect you? I always hit Rhonda's Escape.com from the hyperlink on Femulate.org. Pornography by Association!?
I am so sad. Almost to point of tears. Stunned is the word.
ReplyDeleteMy take on these efforts is: ''This too shall pass.''
DeleteMost repressive efforts like this are started as an effort by some conservative politico to gain political leverage in the voting booth.
Often, the 'first level' local judiciary (an elected official who needs an election win to maintain his position/paycheck/pension/healthcare) will 'go through the motions' of upholding an obviously unconstitutional law-- knowing full well that higher courts will rule against the law on a constitutional basis.
Just a game. Stay cool and carry on.
Velma
Agree, it is all political (see how mean I can be) theater playing to a narrow base. Still damage is being done and the lunatic base is being whipped into a dangerous frenzy. Mass shooting at LGBTQ events, denying medical treatment, outlawing events. Local and mid Courts will rule against the laws but what about the stacked high court? Precedent be damned! This hate is not new. Gays fought back at Stonewall. What will be our stonewall moment? . .
ReplyDeleteThe overall picture is still heading in the right direction. Look at the trend and direction in just the last 30 years or so. There will always be setbacks and bumps in the road. But the direction is still positive.
ReplyDeleteSamantha