Birmingham Festival Theatre hosting ‘family friendly’ drag show
Birmingham Festival Theatre has scheduled what they are referring to as a “family friendly” drag show this Saturday, May 20, 2023. The theatre has put on shows like this before and says that the show is for “all ages.” As first reported by 1819News, the event features dancers including, “Idle King, a self-proclaimed ‘Auburn based genderfluid autistic drag king,’ and Birmingham-based Flap Jack and Fawn who identify as “non-binary.” Their website states, “Back by popular demand, Flapping and Fawning Podcast and Birmingham Festival Theatre are hosting another family friendly drag show. The last family friendly show was a total blast and fun was had by all. This event is open to all ages. Join the fun and dance with wonderful performers on Saturday May 20, 2023.” Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-13, and children younger than six get in free. This type of performance has happened in the past and apparently was sold out. On their Facebook page, it states, “And on Saturday May 20th we’ll be hosting another Family Friendly Drag Show brought to us by Flapping & Fawning Productions. Last time we sold out so be sure to reserve your spot! (This show will be appropriate for all ages.).” The photo below shows the entertainers from an earlier “family friendly” event a note on their FB page stated, “This drag show is at a reasonable hour and fun for all ages! Join Fawn and Flap Jack at Birmingham Festival Theatre and bring your cash to tip the entertainers. Lineup includes:Sweetie Mays-StarrWomana WilesT. WeilandRummorah Campbell” A video on their Facebook page says that family friendly drag shows “build confidence” and are “empowering.” Some of the theatre’s sponsors include the Magic City Acceptance School and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Alabama has filed legislation prohibiting drag performances in public places where children are present. The bill by Republican Rep. Arnold Mooney would add a provision to the state’s anti-obscenity laws to prohibit “male or female impersonators, commonly known as drag queens or drag kings” from performing in K-12 public schools, public libraries, and in other public places where minors are present. The language of that bill specifically bans, “Any sexual or gender oriented material that exposes minors to persons who are dressed in sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing or costumes, or are stripping, or engaged in lewd or lascivious dancing, presentations, or activities, including but not limited to topless, go-go, or exotic dancers, or male or female impersonators, commonly known as drag queens or drag kings. This sexual conduct is prohibited in K-12 public schools, public libraries, and in other public places where minors are present.” In Florida, Gov. Ron Desantis signed a set of bills Wednesday that includes bans on minors from attending drag shows, strip clubs, or other “sexually explicit adult performances.”
