Here this week in Pensacola, Florida, a long-standing holiday tradition met with serious pushback. The controversy that erupted when the “A Drag Queen Christmas” tour came to a city-owned theater. The beloved Yuletide Drag concert, starring alumni and favorites from RuPaul’s Drag Race, has long been a highlight of the holiday season, celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. Despite demands from state officials to cancel the sold-out performance, the Pensacola city council reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event, citing potential legal ramifications if they were to back down.
The fight first flared when Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to the city council. On November 7, he called on them to pull the plug on the show. Uthmeier spent nearly two months lobbying local officials to reconsider their approval of the event, claiming that the performance contradicted the venue’s policy against content considered “injurious to public health or to the general welfare of the community.” Despite his efforts, the city council made it clear that they would not yield to pressure.
Her performance on Tuesday night received both widespread praise and backlash. At a recent city council meeting, members of the local African American church community expressed their anger. They claimed that the drag show violates Christian values. The possibility of incurring legal fees weighed heavily on council members. They cautioned that if the production company chose to sue the city over the cancellation, it would be very expensive.
A Tradition Under Fire
Now, A Drag Queen Christmas has become a beloved part of Floridian holiday entertainment. And year after year, it features some of the most creative and diverse drag talent out there, pushing boundaries and redefining artistry. The show has enjoyed a loyal following over its eleven-year run, with audiences flocking to see their favorite queens perform.
Though the Pensacola stop was sure to be a jubilant celebration, it brought out strong opposition from some members of the community. The outcry was palpable over what it would mean to hold a gathering like this, in a public space, and in the people’s house. Yet, the show is electrified with a hostile energy. This tension is a manifestation of the mounting scrutiny that drag performances have increasingly come under in cities across the country.
Despite the controversies in recent years, including protests and calls for cancellations in other locations, supporters of drag culture remain resilient. Through their performances they contend that creating community and acceptance is the only way to reach a better future. Or as one Richmond performer put it, “Drag is just kind of the epicenter of our community.”
Voices of Resilience
Watch”>‘ A Drag Queen Christmas performers showed us their defiance and commitment to be heard through their craft, no matter the odds stacked against them. Nearly everyone described how important drag culture is in their personal lives. They spoke about the freedom of artistic expression in an environment that continues to push them to society’s outskirts.
Yacht, a leading voice in the drag community, spoke to the importance of fighting back against these forms of intimidation. “If you’re a performer, don’t back down – keep performing, know your rights, and protect yourself,” they stated. The call to action resonated with the community. Thousands of artists and entertainers made a courageous commitment to stand up to arbitrary demands and defend artists’ rights to present their work.
Local performer Jenda Envy spoke about her own development in the drag world. She spoke about how embracing her identity through drag has empowered her and allowed her to connect with others who may feel out of place in traditional societal roles. “As I became an adult and joined Orlando [drag scene], it made me feel like it’s OK that maybe I’m not like everyone else,” she said.
The Show Must Go On
The threat leading up to the performance of “A Drag Queen Christmas” in Pensacola reached a different kind of fever pitch. The quirky venue drew a full house, interest from supporters and opponents alike. This event turned out to be one of the strongest cultural resisters’ symbols of resilience, proving that this fight was about much more than music.
All the performers who came to our show knew that what they were doing went beyond just providing entertainment. They choose to use their platform for good and not evil. Along the way, they serve their communities and spread awareness about important issues. Yacht mentioned, “I love doing benefit shows and helping people,” highlighting how drag performances can serve as opportunities to give back.
Despite the ongoing challenges that the drag community still faces, drag performers are optimistic moving forward. If they don’t win, they are more than prepared to change course. Some even quipped that they were all-for returning to underground venues that had a speakeasy vibe! “If we have to go back to the 1920s speakeasy way – but drag-focused – you will catch me in those bars performing,” Yacht quipped.