Controversial Tour Proceeds in Florida
The United States' longest-running drag performance tour is scheduled for three Florida appearances this season. This follows recent criticism from Florida's attorney general, though several municipal governments have expressed support for the events.
Legal Official's Opposition
James Uthmeier, appointed as Florida's attorney general in January, has actively commented on local matters throughout his first year. In November, he formally requested that Pensacola's City Council cancel "A Drag Queen Christmas," a touring drag performance scheduled for December 23 at the city-owned Saenger Theatre.
In his correspondence with Pensacola officials, Uthmeier characterized the show as blasphemous and inappropriate for the holiday season. "This annual drag show openly mocks one of the most sacred holidays in the Christian faith," he wrote. "While Pensacola children are taking pictures with Santa, men dressed as garish women in demonic costumes will be engaged in obscene behavior mere feet away."
Uthmeier maintained that while the First Amendment protects freedom of expression, "it does not require a city to platform and endorse disgusting, obscene content that denigrates its residents' religious beliefs." He argued the show's timing and content were deliberately provocative.
Municipal Responses Vary
Pensacola City Council member Charles Bare responded to Uthmeier's letter during a November 10 meeting, stating, "With all due respect to the Attorney General's office, this was an unsolicited opinion. We did not ask for a legal opinion from this person, and as far as I'm concerned, this is his personal opinion written on government letterhead wasting taxpayer dollars."
Bare added, "It is disingenuous to the people of our city to take this seriously and to do anything about it."
Meanwhile, St. Petersburg, which is also hosting the show at the city-owned Mahaffey Theater, has not received similar correspondence from Uthmeier. Public records requests for any such letters yielded no results.
Council Members Defend Artistic Freedom
St. Petersburg City Council members have voiced strong support for the performance. "It's an art form. Not all kinds of art appeals to all kinds of people," council member Gina Driscoll stated. "The beauty of art is that there is something for everyone."
Council member Richie Floyd emphasized constitutional protections, saying, "The idea that we are going to cancel something because we don't like it is such a violation of the First Amendment. All of this is an absurd conversation. We're not going to censor speech."
Both council members noted they have received citizen complaints about the show but maintain that attempting to influence the theater's programming would be inappropriate. "I've always enjoyed drag shows," Driscoll commented. "It's an unique and wonderful form of performance art. Where can I get a ticket? That's where I stand."
Floyd, who identifies as Christian, added, "I'm not offended by (A Drag Queen Christmas) at all."
Recent Legal Developments
Following a recent appellate court decision allowing Florida to enforce the "Protection of Children Act" - legislation introduced in 2023 prohibiting children from attending adult live performances - Uthmeier addressed Pensacola directly on social media. "If you're exposing children to lewd conduct, you're on notice," he tweeted. "We're watching, Pensacola."
The touring show, which features performers who gained recognition through RuPaul's Drag Race and requires attendees to be at least 18 years old, continues its 38-city national tour with upcoming Florida stops in Orlando and St. Petersburg.
