16 Jan 19th–Jan 25th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | from public life. This is pushing commu- nity art into the shadows and trying to remove an already marginalized commu- nity from public life.” This “prohibition-era maneuver,” she said, could also have a major impact on Phoenix Pride, a massive annual celebra- tion of the rich history, culture, struggles, and contributions of LGBTQ people in Phoenix. Phoenix Pride has distributed more than $1.2 million in grants and schol- arships since 2008. Fornelli pointed out that drag perfor- mance has existed in mainstream society for thousands of years and is documented at least as far back as ancient Greece, when dramatic roles were portrayed by male performers regardless of the character’s gender. He didn’t mince words about the move- ment attacking drag shows. “The answer seems clear enough — these policies are not designed to protect children from exposure to an art form that is as old as the classics,” Fornelli said. “What it really is is an attempt to protect these ignorant lawmakers — most if not all of whom, I would bet, have never person- ally seen or attended a drag performance — from their own childish insecurities. Further, these same lawmakers who claim to be steadfast about limiting the reach of government, especially when it comes to government telling them how to raise their own children, have no problem foisting their faux sense of morality upon the rest of us.” Fornelli, Woodbury, and Canez agreed that supporters of the legislation lack serious knowledge of drag culture. Some drag queens and kings do indeed dress according to the gender they were assigned at birth, Canez pointed out. “For them not to want us to spread our love and our art is a very scary implica- tion,” she said. “Any time that we try to censor art, it leads down a very scary road.” Adult Entertainment Also sponsored by Kern, SB 1030 would require permits for drag shows and zone businesses that host them as an “adult-oriented business.” The bill lumps drag performance in the same category as cabaret, adult entertainment, and even sex work. “Drag as an art form is not adult- oriented,” Woodbury said. “A bill like this, trying to use zoning laws to punish busi- nesses that feature drag performances, is just a ridiculous misuse of the law.” Canez said the legislation again shows a lack of understanding about drag performances. “There is a time and a place for all forms of drag. In most cases, it’s not explicit,” Canez said. “To generalize us as sex workers shows a lack of understanding. It’s scary for people who don’t understand us to pass bills limiting what we can do.” Kavanagh said he supports Kern’s bill as a way to protect children from the “trou- bling images” they may see at a drag story hour or brunch. “It’s creating confusing and possibly troubling images to kids who really don’t understand the full dynamic of sexuality and gender,” Kavanagh said. “I think a lot of these shows are targeted to influence kids. The people who put on drag shows admit that they are trying to introduce transgender stuff to children.” What’s Next? While lawmakers consider the anti- LGBTQ bills, opponents of the measure are hopeful that if they pass, Arizona’s new Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs, will veto them. “Should this toxic tripe manage to actually gain support in either or both houses of the legislature, I am 100 percent confident that Governor Hobbs will see it for what it is and respond with the booming impact of her veto stamp,” Fornelli said. In the meantime, LGBTQ people in metro Phoenix will protest on January 22. “The majority of people in Arizona are pretty horrified by this kind of legislation,” Woodbury said. “We are going to make that clear.” Matt Hennie Sashay from p 15 Supporters of drag queen story hours marched in the Phoenix Pride parade in October.
