Despite backlash, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' finalist Crystal Methyd headlines Ozarks Pridefest

Despite backlash from Republican officials and others on social media, Ozarks Pridefest will continue as scheduled, with "RuPaul's Drag Race" finalist and Springfield native drag queen Crystal Methyd performing as the event's headliner.

Before placing in the top three of season 12 of "RuPaul's Drag Race," Methyd was the host of Get Dusted, a monthly drag show at the Outland Complex.

On Monday, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcraft Tweeted about anti-drag legislation passed in Florida and Tennessee, which do not allow drag shows, classified as adult entertainment, in public spaces.

In his tweet, Ashcroft said, "In three weeks, the city of Springfield will host & sponsor a drag show on the city square headlining by drag queen Crystal Methyd! It's time for a new direction!"

Speaking to the News-Leader on Friday, Ashcroft said he would "definitely like" to see similar legislation passed in Missouri.

"I don't think very many reasonable people would actually say it ended up being family-friendly," Ashcroft said in regards to previous LGBTQIA+ events labeled as "family-friendly" in different parts of the country.

On May 18, a Pride event scheduled in St. Cloud, Florida was canceled following the state's legislation, which bans minors from attending "adult live performances." Drag performances were originally supposed to be included at the event.

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"Why are we pushing sexuality on little kids?" Ashcroft asked. "Is it appropriate to be pushing sexuality on little kids; is there an appropriate way to do that? I don't know of one."

Johan Collins, booker for The Outland Complex, said he is excited for Methyd's return to Springfield, as her performances will be her first headliners in town since her casting on "RuPaul's Drag Race," which aired in May 2020. However, he too has received backlash from the community on social media posts about the after-party.

"It's been wild," Collins told the News-Leader. "This is nothing new. Crystal Methyd and I had been doing shows (in Springfield) for years before COVID and we never had this ever. I would trust a drag queen ... to watch my kids ... I would literally trust them over 90% of the people in Springfield."

The News-Leader contacted Methyd's press team but was unsuccessful in reaching her by press deadline.

The Ozarks Pridefest organization posted a statement on social media Thursday addressing concerns from the community.

"Misinformation has been spread online recently regarding the upcoming Greater Ozarks Pridefest ...," the post states. "First, we want to affirm that The GLO Center and Greater Ozarks Pridefest are committed to hosting safe, inclusive and age-appropriate events for all members of our community. We encourage everyone to seek accurate information and ask questions if in doubt. We are always here to provide clarity and transparency about our events and initiatives."

Methyd will perform on the main stage at Park Central Square at 4 p.m. She will be joined by Miss Gay Missouri America titleholder Akasha Royale, Mr. Oklahoma Snow King 2023 Haze V Davenport Jade and Mr. Knightly, a Midwest drag king.

Methyd will return to her old stomping grounds at the Odyssey Lounge during the BLESS: Official Ozark Pridefest After Party. Methyd will be joined by local performers BLESS founder Beaux Deluxe, Jolene, Lucy Fur, Devorah, Jean Genie and Just Jessica.

Doors for the after party open at 6 p.m., a VIP meet and greet is at 6:45 p.m. and the drag show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online at bit.ly/3WAn5Lx. General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $60. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to The GLO Center and Ozarks Pridefest.

This year's Ozarks Pridefest is the first time since 2018 that the event will be held in June, which is Pride Month. Pridefest was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and in 2019 a team of organizers decided to host the event in October, to accommodate folks who wished to attend both Pridefest and Juneteenth, a national holiday celebrating the last day enslaved people learned of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Festivities this year kick off with the annual Pridefest Parade at 11:45 a.m. Due to construction on Jefferson Avenue, the parade's route is different this year, starting at the Springfield Municipal Court parking lot. The parade will proceed along North Benton Avenue, turning onto East St. Louis Street and finishing at Park Central Square.

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Following the parade, The GLO Center Board President Kyler Sherman-Wilkins and state Rep. Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) will make a few remarks on the main stage at Park Central Square. Performances by local drag entertainers will be held at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. and the Men's Chorus of the Ozarks will perform at 3:15 p.m.

At 1:45 p.m., a family-friendly activity will be held at the Square. Megan Baldridge, Pride chair and vice president of The GLO Center's Board of Directors, said the organization is still working on the activity details.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' finalist Crystal Methyd headlines Ozarks Pridefest