Over the last few years there has been an unprecedented rise of anti-LGBTQ+ bills drafted in state legislatures. Although this comes as no surprise to the queer community, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recently signed legislation that is set to restrict drag performances later this year. The governor defended his decision to limit “adult cabaret” activities a.k.a. drag shows, by claiming that “male and female impersonator” performances are inappropriate sexualized entertainment for children. Despite this one successful attempt of discriminatory legislation, drag is far from being outlawed.

This is one of 14 other bills that have been introduced into state legislatures restricting drag shows and they all have the same type of restrictions, such as thousands of dollars’ worth of fines, imprisonment, banning performance on public property and age limits.