HBO drag reality show spotlights Murfreesboro over city's anti-BoroPride actions

HBO's drag performance reality show, "We're Here," took to Murfreesboro in force in response to city government opposition to the annual BoroPride LGBTQ+ festival.

“We’re Here,” the HBO premium television network series created by Johnnie Ingram and Stephen Warren, focuses on three local drag performers, Sasha Velour, Priyanka, and Jaida Essence Hall. The featured episodes takes an in-depth look at the drag scenes in two American towns, one being Murfreesboro.

In its fourth season, the show makes over outstanding members or allies of the local LGBTQ community and puts together a drag show. The free show in Murfreesboro will take place Aug. 11 at Main Street Music.

The performers and crew have made several public appearances, including a stop at Murfreesboro City Hall on Aug. 3 when the City Council held public comments from residents. After speaking, the crew moved to the City Hall lobby and engaged in debate with several residents.

Why did HBO spotlight Murfreesboro?

HBO producers chose Murfreesboro in response to actions this past year by the city targeting drag performances.

In an Oct. 17 letter to BoroPride organizers, Murfreesboro City Manager Craig Tindall wrote that the city would deny future permits for the BoroPride festival. The letter referenced the September 2022 festival and stated, “The event contained conduct and speech of an explicitly sexual nature, which is a clear violation of the terms of the permit issued to your organization as it violates Murfreesboro City Code.”

“As a result, I will deny future special events permit submitted by your organization,” Tindall's letter read.

That action was followed in June with the city council adopting a new community decency standards ordinance to protect children from adult oriented entertainment, books or other materials in public spaces.

“[We came] because of an ordinance that was passed that canceled Pride this year, which was very disturbing for us to hear," said Ingram, co-creator and executive producer of the show. "They weren’t able to obtain a permit based on drag performers or the misconception of what drag is."

The Daily News Journal asked the Murfreesboro city manager to respond to the presence of the drag performers and the HBO film crew. City spokesman Mike Browning offered a response on behalf of the city.

“Filming within the city is not unusual and if done appropriately warrants no comment," Browning said. "The same is true for city council meetings that are open to the public.”

A wish to simply exist 'despite the political climates'

Despite roadblocks by the city, BoroPride will return this September at Middle Tennessee State University's Tennessee Miller Coliseum, located off campus on the north side of the city.

Laura Bohling, a mother of queer children, strong ally to the LGBTQ community and BoroPride committee member, said there was no issue with decency or BoroPride, but that, “… our government leaders create these dramatic situations in order to solve these dramatic situations to keep people riled up.”

“People who are LGBTQ in this community aren’t asking for special treatment, they aren’t asking for perks and benefits," Bohling said. "They are simply asking that you remove the barriers from them simply existing in this community. Anytime we can shine a light on that, I’m excited about it.”

Ingram has experienced firsthand the barriers that accompany being LGBTQ+ in a more conservative area.

“You know, as a queer person myself, growing up in Tennessee, I found it very difficult to be my authentic self," said Ingram. "I felt the need to leave in order to not feel the oppression of the communities and my friends and family."

“We’re Here” exists to tell the stories of and embolden LGBTQ individuals who chose to embrace their identities despite the political climates of their communities, according to the show's producers.

“The show is here to… spread love and to hopefully change minds and misconceptions about the LGBTQ community,” said Ingram.

Bohling appreciates what the HBO show is doing.

“For me, as a mom of non-binary, queer and straight children, I see how difficult it is to exist here in Tennessee, and I’m grateful that somebody like HBO and ‘We’re Here’ are shining a light on all of the challenges we’re having in Tennessee,” said Bohling.

“I have seen lots of love here and lots of acceptance, and it’s definitely in pockets, but I will say the LGBTQ community in Murfreesboro is afraid,” said Ingram.

That’s not to say Murfreesboro lacks in havens for the LGBTQ community. Right after “We’re Here” filming ends, the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts begins its production of “Kinky Boots,” a feel-good show about a drag performer and a businessman. It will run Aug. 11-27.

Reporter Scott Broden of The Daily News Journal contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: HBO drag reality show spotlights Murfreesboro anti-BoroPride actions