Fallout from drag show lingers in Bartlesville

Andy Dossett, Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
·2 min read

An online petition calls for action against adult-oriented entertainment after drag queens performed at the annual Pride event hosted by Oklahomans For Equality Bartlesville at Unity Square at the end of August.

Currently, the petition has over 1,500 signatures that call on the Bartlesville City Council "to address this situation with all the means at their disposal to ensure that this never happens in Bartlesville again."

Claiming the drag show exposed children to "sexually charged entertainment normally performed in a bar or strip club does not belong in a public space," the petition mirrors the concerns of city council candidate Chelsie Wagoner, who shared apprehension before the event took place on her campaign Facebook page. Her post led to multiple online discussion threads where supporters and detractors weighed in.

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While original criticisms of the event were aimed at the sponsors, now the effort is to prevent this type of event in the future.

Shannon King, who started the petition, made an update that said the petitioners plan to address the Bartlesville City Council on the matter at the Oct. 3 meeting. King invited other signers to attend.

Dr. Rod MacIlvaine, of Grace Community Church, sent an email to the congregation supporting the petition and urging members to sign it.

MacIlvaine didn't attend the event, but he was concerned by reports of what took place and wanted the public to discuss their opinions on what is appropriate for public consumption, especially when children are in attendance.

Morgan Lawrence-Hayes, of OkEq-Bartlesville, said, "We at OkEq-Bartlesville, are aware of the petition. We are exploring legal options should the need arise."

The City of Bartlesville released the following statement: "The City of Bartlesville is aware of a petition seeking to 'prohibit adult-oriented entertainment in a public space.' However, this petition has not yet been received by City staff or the City Council; so, as such, we feel it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the matter at this time."

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Petition asks Bartlesville council to address situation after drag show