On Tuesday‘s PBS NewsHour, a program was devoted to an LGBT activist who has been advocating for drag performances in the face of conservative efforts to limit their influence around children. While PBS NewsHour‘s Amna Nawaz labeled these critics as “far–right,” I believe this to be a gross mischaracterization.
Drag shows are often filled with adult themes and language that could be damaging to young viewers. As such, I believe it is appropriate to advocate for caution when exposing children to such material. We must be diligent in our efforts to protect children from exposure to potentially damaging and inappropriate content.
However, PBS- A publicly funded network apparently does not agree. Amna Nawaz made a point of labeling critics of drag shows as “far-right” as she set up the interview:
“States proposed a record number of anti-LGBTQ legislation this year with more already planned for 2023. A few of those bills have specifically targeted drag events, most recently in Texas where a second bill introduced in the state legislature aims to ban minors from attending drag shows, and restrict drag artists and transgender people from public performances.”
She added, “But despite conservatives and far right attempts to shut down drag, those within the LGBT community are keeping it alive and visible. Eureka O’Hara is a drag star doing just that. A former contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race and co-host of the HBO series, We’re Here.”
Later in the segment, after Eureka O’Hara got to recall some of their activities, Nawaz tied Republicans to the “far-right” again as she followed up:
“There are a number of Republicans — self-described conservatives — who argue that drag is something to be feared. We’ve heard this before from some far right voices is that they say it indoctrinates and sexualizes children. What do you say to people for whom that message resonates?”
O’Hara termed conservative opponents “brainwashed,” claiming that “most” drag queens are not interested in working with children.
R&I ~ TUS