WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden’s administration has barred U.S. military bases from hosting drag shows after criticism from some Republicans, amid a broader push in conservative-led states that have to target LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Hosting drag shows is “inconsistent with regulations on the use of (Department of Defense) resources,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said in a statement Thursday.
At least one show was canceled as a result. Organizers of an event at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada canceled a drag show scheduled for Pride Month, which began Thursday, according to a Facebook post cited by Fox News.
In his statement, Singh did not directly address LGBTQ+ rights, but said the Department of Defense was “proud to serve alongside any young American who takes an oath that puts his life on the line in defense of our country”.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who slammed top Pentagon leaders earlier this year and questioned them about the drag shows, tweeted that the cancellation was a “BIG VICTORY!”
“Drag shows should not take place on military installations with taxpayer dollars PERIOD!” added.
Drag shows feature entertainers who dress and act as a different gender. They are often part of Pride events and may include colorfully dressed drag queens reading books to children. Supporters say they celebrate people of different sexual orientations and promote acceptance.
Opponents accuse drag show organizers of trying to “sexualize” children. Drag shows sometimes draw protesters, and a group of Republican-led legislatures have passed bills in recent months seeking to ban or restrict them.
Nellis Air Force Base has hosted drag performers in the past. About 180 people attended a similar show in 2021, according to Task and Purpose, a publication that covers the military.
The Pentagon’s decision to cancel the show this week led the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for LGBTQ+ civil rights, to directly criticize Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
“Before today, Secretary Austin has been unwavering in his support for LGBTQ+ Americans who proudly serve in uniform,” the group said in a statement. “However, instead of truly standing up for our community on the first day of Pride, he chose to side with the politics of fear and discrimination put forth by extreme members of Congress.”
