Drag community reacts to small town’s attempt to outlaw drag

In the small town of Portland, Tennessee, controversy has been created as one bar recently began hosting drag performances.

The backlash has resulted in a new proposed ordinance that would prohibit drag shows. This is so as language would be changed to “female impersonators” exclusively in its definition of “adult cabaret.”

Currently, the potential outcome would affect a small area geographically. However, it could impose a threat on drag entertainers everywhere.

“I think it would start a ripple effect,” said Ryan Tigner. As a performer, Tigner is known as Ry’lee Hilton and holds the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2016. 

“A town outlawing drag entertainers to perform would be like prohibition,” continued Tigner. “The entire nation would, in some ways, suffer. Individuals coming up in the scene, young people, won’t possibly be able to do drag anymore. We are inhibiting children’s futures to create and be who they wish to be.”

While the ordinance has not been set into place yet, people are raising awareness to avoid a worst-case scenario.

Raymond Guillermo, an owner of the entertainment company Elite Productions that puts on the drag show, is not prepared to abandon the cause.

“First off, special thank you to BebeThanh Truc (owner of the bar) for spreading love and not hate,” said Guillermo in Out and About Nashville. “We don’t put these shows on and force anyone to come or to force homosexuality on anyone.

“We put these shows on because we enjoy doing them and our people love entertaining a crowd. It’s called entertainment.”

To raise awareness of the situation and initiate change, a support rally is being held at Portland City Hall this Monday.

“To me, as a drag entertainer, it’s taking arts away from the public,” noted Tigner. “I don’t appreciate that. It’s a form of art and expression. I don’t believe we should limit art to the public or my freedom of expression.”

Copyright The Gayly – 9/13/2017 3:38 p.m. CST