By Bahle Gama
Tennessee has become the first state in the United States of America to ban drag performances in public spaces accessible to minors.
Time Magazine reported that 11 more states in the U.S. have seen a similar bill introduced which could reportedly add to the number of states that get to approve the law.
Drag performances have been classified as adult entertainment hence the bill. While not all drag performers are LGBTQI and being a drag performer is distinct from being transgender, the practice is said to have a strong history in the LGBTQI community, especially among gay men.
More than 7 per cent of adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQI. The 11 introduced bills are reportedly aimed at drag show performances but differ in their specifics.
Arizona introduced a bill that looks to ban drag performances for those under the age of 15, whilst Nebraska intends to put the cut-off age at 19.
Read More: Kenya’s First Lady requests prayers against homosexuality
Meanwhile, a bill in Missouri only aims to outlaw drag performances on public property, whilst the others target all public spaces where minors could be present.
Despite carrying an age limit of 21 years in bars, the bills could reportedly affect drag shows at street festivals or theatres as well as during a format that draws special ire from conservatives, drag queen story hour, which usually takes place in bookstores or libraries.
