BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Despite social media backlash and security concerns, local drag performers did not just sashay away.
ArtsQuest held its second annual Draggin' With The Divas event Friday night in Musikfest Cafe.
- ArtsQuest held its second annual Draggin' With The Divas event Friday night
- The show received social media backlash last month, leading ArtsQuest to increase the age restriction of the event
- Host Elektra Fierce St. James spoke about the controversy during the performance
The event featured host Elektra Fierce St. James and performers Georgia Versace Couture, Chachi Divine, Divinity Cruzz, Krishnara and Miss Amie.
The performers danced, lip-synced and walked through the nearly full crowd, interacting with audience members while collecting tips.
The show received backlash online involving Musikfest Cafe title sponsor Yuengling, leading ArtsQuest to increase the age restriction of the event from 13 to 18 years old.
ArtsQuest also had additional security for the event, requiring guests to be scanned by a metal detector wand and have their bags checked.
ArtsQuest Public Relations Coordinator Abigail Wolf said it added the security measures after the social media controversy “out of an abundance of caution.”
The controversy
The event was originally announced as open to ages 13 to 17 to attend as long as they were accompanied by a parent or guardian.
But ArtsQuest later said in a statement that it was raising the age requirement to 18 and over.
The statement came out days after Yuengling Brewery, the title sponsor of Musikfest Cafe, faced backlash on social media after a since-deleted post by ArtsQuest went viral.
The deleted post read, "Need Your drag fix before our iconic Musikfest Drag Show? Well, the queens return to Musikfest Cafe pres. by Yuengling June 30th."
Some retweeted the post and called for a boycott of Yuengling for allowing children and "babies in arms" to attend the drag performance.
“We provide programming for every community we serve. We want to do that in a safe environment."ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert
ArtsQuest Chief Executive Officer Kassie Hilgert said there was some confusion because the event’s age restriction was only stated on social media, not the website. That led some people to believe all ages were allowed, Hilgert said.
She said the organization decided to change the age restriction because of the negative comments on social media.
“We provide programming for every community we serve," Hilgert said. "We want to do that in a safe environment.”
Hilgert said Yuengling was not involved in the decision to raise the age requirement. She said sponsors are not involved in any programming decisions.
The controversy came as some right-wing activists and politicians have said drag contributes to the “sexualization” or “grooming” of children and have tried to restrict children’s access to it.
Drag does not typically involve nudity or stripping, although drag performances meant for adults often feature explicit outfits and profane language.
Events such as drag story hours are created for children and have milder language and outfits.
Reactions from audience, performers
Attendee Coryn Casey said she decided to attend so she could bring her mother, Denise Casey, to her first drag show. Denise Casey was wearing a Pride shirt that she said she bought for the event.
Coryn Casey had heard about the controversy but did not understand why people were upset.
“If you don’t want your children to see it, don't bring them,” she said.
Sam Samayoa said she came with her friends for a "mom’s night out." She said she wished ArtsQuest had “stuck to their guns” with their original age policy instead of changing it after the backlash.
“With the danger to LGBTQ people right now, we need corporations to take a firmer stance,” Samayoa said.
Performer Miss Amie gave a demonstration of what a drag queen story hour is like, but adjusted it for the adult audience.
She read a children’s book as well as a parody of a children’s book meant for adults, and she sang songs while playing guitar.
“Contrary to popular belief, we know what we can do in front of children and what we can’t."Event host Elektra Fierce St. James
St. James referenced the controversy several times during the performance, making comments about how she was acting differently than how she would have if teenagers were present.
“Contrary to popular belief, we know what we can do in front of children and what we can’t,” St. James said.
St. James spoke at the end of the show about how drag performers are not trying to “groom” children, but rather be role models for gay and trans youth.
“We’re trying to let the [LGBTQ] children know… you’re not alone in the way you’re thinking, you are loved and there will be people who will understand you,” St. James said.
St. James said the drag performances at Musikfest will be appropriate for ages 13 and up.
