It’s only five months into 2023 and the freedom of LGBTQIA+ community is already at risk. Several bills have already been discussed in multiple states restricting the rights of the community–and drag queens are no exception. The “Don’t Say Gay” bills have been a hot topic recently, making a prominent debut within the southern states. A drag-exclusive bill made its first appearance when teased by Tennessee State Governor, Bill Lee. Some famous queens have already expressed their opinion publicly on the situation such as Jinkx Monsoon and BenDelaCreme. If drag is banished, what does this mean for the future of transgender individuals?

The art of drag was common amongst trans people in history and is a backbone to the community. The main reason the LGBTQIA+ community celebrates pride month today is because of the black, queer and trans individuals that fought for them. Recognizable queens, such as Trixie Mattel, have stated that they aren’t going anywhere and have fought through this battle before. But many, myself included, have their worries directed towards trans people. There is no definite definition to the art form of drag; Infact, that’s the whole key to drag. Does a trans woman in a wig or in a dress qualify as a drag queen? In short, that’s their decision but in most cases, no. In my eyes, drag is used as a form of self expression through sometimes a character or boost of confidence in a larger-than-reality form. 

Drag is and never was intended to be a disguise to lure children or “infect” them with being transgender. Drag is simply an art form used to express one’s self and there to merely entertain. If it doesn’t harm you, then why are you so concerned? Republicans want to take away this form of art as a safety measure to “protect children” but how many cases of pedophilia have been linked to preachers? Drag queens are not the problem here and never intend to be.