Threats and intimidation at drag shows in Tennessee could increase hate crimes | Opinion

Nashville is well known for celebrating musicians, but the iconic city has recently embraced the talents of new A-listers, drag queens.

While drag has been an art form for generations, it has just recently become mainstream entertainment thanks to the hit television program, RuPaul’s Drag Race.

The art of drag is more lucrative than ever because of "RuPaul’s Drag Race." More times than not, winners of the show — as well as losers — move onto experience explosive Hollywood careers.

Nashville embraces drag shows

When drag queens performed on the Ryman Auditorium’s notorious stage, on March 27, history was made. Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamo — an incredibly successful comedy duo — originally met on Season 7 of "RuPaul’s Drag Race." Their hit Youtube series, "UNHhhh," is an internet sensation.

Trixie and Katya rack up millions of views on each of their videos where they hilariously dissect miscellaneous topics. It's hardly a surprise that the YouTube channel-turned-roadshow sold out the Ryman. Fans bumped elbows and shared laughs throughout the iconic performance — feeling a renewed sense of optimism for queer culture in Tennessee.

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Fans flock to the popular LGBT+ nightclub in Nashville, Play Dance Bar, to watch famous performers from "RuPaul’s Drag Race." Stars from all seasons of Drag Race frequently perform at the inclusive venue.

In 2022 alone, Play Dance Bar has featured notable artists such as Shangela, Lady Camden, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Angeria, Kandy Muse, Bosco and more.

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Drag performances outside the city have faced threat

Although Nashville is overall accepting of queer culture, smaller towns in Tennessee are increasingly defiant of it. On May 14th, Christian extremists stood outside of a Drag Queen Bingo event in Lawrenceburg with signs that read, “Jesus Christ died for you.” and “Fools make a mock at sin.”

They claim they were not protesting — rather sharing the gospel.

The LGBTQ+ community fears that the overturning of Roe V. Wade will inevitably target them because there will be nothing stopping the U.S. Supreme Court from overturning Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that found bans on same-sex marriages unconstitutional.

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If the U.S. continues down this extreme evangelical route, hate crimes — especially those committed against the LGBT+ community — will skyrocket in red states. Instead of proudly exclaiming their identities in artistic ways, queer people will be forced to shield their sexuality for safety.

Performers from out-of-state will no longer feel comfortable visiting, and their fans will no longer feel safe attending LGBT+ gatherings.

Drag is a mesmerizing artistic expression that touches millions of people. Drag performers have fought tirelessly to be seen and accepted.

Extremists who try to intimidate performers and fans using religion know nothing about the art form. Evangelists’ presence at these events does nothing but turn people away from religion. Christians are supposedly filled with love. However, all of the love is inside of the venue, while all of the hate is outside on the sidewalk.

McKinley Heard is a PhD student at the University of Memphis and a member of Tennessee Press Association. 

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Threats, intimidation at Tennessee drag shows could spur hate crimes