Christina Aguilera to Headline "The Official EuroPride Valletta 2023 Concert" in Malta!

International superstar Christina Aguilera will grace the stage as the headliner for "The Official EuroPride Valletta 2023 Concert." Known for her mesmerizing vocals and unwavering support for the LGBTIQ+ community, Aguilera's performance aims to celebrate diversity, equality, and inclusivity, uniting people from all corners of Europe and beyond in a resounding display of solidarity.

Taking place at The Granaries in Floriana, Malta, this highly-anticipated concert will provide fans with an unforgettable experience as Aguilera delivers her chart-topping hits in a spectacular live performance. This will be a momentous occasion as the acclaimed singer brings her talent to Malta for the first time, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event.

Maria Azzopardi, President of Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming concert, stating, "The Official EuroPride Valletta 2023 Concert with Christina Aguilera will be another highlight, following the inspiring Pride March in Valletta. It will unite the LGBTIQ+ community under the banner of 'Equality from the Heart.' This event serves as a powerful symbol of unity and celebration, showcasing the remarkable progress our community has made towards achieving equality. We are thrilled to have Christina Aguilera, an icon and ally, headlining the concert."

Scheduled for September 16, 2023, The Official EuroPride Valletta 2023 Concert is poised to be an extraordinary evening that encapsulates the spirit and values of EuroPride. Set against the backdrop of The Granaries, this event promises an electric atmosphere, unforgettable performances, and an outpouring of love and acceptance. Keep an eye out for more details on ticket sales and additional artists, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of Christina Aguilera and EuroPride as they come together for a night of incredible music and celebration at The Granaries in Floriana, Malta. This is an event you won't want to miss!

World of Wonder announces the Queens of "Drag Race Mexico" Season 1

MTV, Paramount+ and World of Wonder (WOW) unveiled the cast of queens that will participate in the first season of Drag Race México. The highly anticipated drag competition will premiere on June 22nd in Latin America on MTV and Paramount+, and on WOW Presents Plus worldwide,  excluding Mexico. The reality show will also be available on Paramount+ in the U.S. at a later date that’s soon to be announced.

On Drag Race México, eleven contestants seek to take home the crown, become Mexico's next drag superstar and win a grand cash prize. The series will be hosted by drag superstars and former Drag Race contestants themselves, Lolita Banana and Valentina.

The cast hitting the drag catwalk in hopes of winning the crown are:

ARGENNIS 

Instagram: @argennisdragqueen 

Best known as the Chameleonic Queen and named the best Drag Queen of Ciudad Juarez, Argennis has a career spanning 10 years and has been loved and cheered on by her fellow hometown citizens. 

CRISTIAN PERALTA

Instagram: @cristianperaltatransformista 

From Jalisco, to the world. Originally from San Pedro, Tlaquepaque, Cristian Peralta has 15 years of experience in the entertainment world, with three years in the world of drag showcasing her talent as a comedian, dancer, makeup artist and impersonator, touring the country.

GALA VARO

Instagram: @gala.varo

The dangerous lady, queen of air, fire and heart. Originally from Morelia, Michoacán, Gala Varo has more than 15 years of experience as a performer in Mexico and five years since she first made her appearance in the drag world.

LADY KERO

Instagram: @lady_kero

Lady Kero has a vibrant spirit and a soul of steel. Born and raised in Oaxaca, Kero claims that the history, culture, and traditions of her hometown inspired her to create her drag character. She has “mezcal in her blood, pithaya lips and a heart of cheese” - a true delicacy for Mexico and the world.

MARGARET Y YA Instagram: @margaretyya

The sweet and sour Gemini queen of Mexico City. A popstar on stage and a beast on social media, Margaret Y Ya is ready to capture the audience's hearts.

MATRAKA Instagram: @matraka_traka 

Originally from Guanajuato, Matraka is a visual artist, dancer and actress. Her art is inspired by Latin American folklore and evokes strong feelings of nostalgia.

MISS VALLARTA Instagram: @miss_vallarta 

Originally from the Mexican coastal town of Puerto Vallarta, the Mexican rose proudly wears the color of Mexico on her skin.  

PIXIE PIXIE Instagram: @pixie.pixie_

The queen of black and white, originally from Mexico City with over 10 years of experience in the drag scene, Pixie Pixie is influenced by goth culture, conceptual fashion, and Mexican surrealism. 

REGINA VOCE Instagram: @reginavocedrag

Mexican actress, singer, dancer, vocal coach and makeup artist with more than 30 years in the entertainment business; she is also known for her roles in productions such as Cirque Du Soleil, Rock of Ages, Les Miserables, and Queen of the Universe, among others.

SERENA MORENA Instagram: @serenamorena_drag

Serena Morena is a drag icon in the Bajío region of Mexico. Subtle yet shocking, this queen has seven years of experience on stage and was crowned the winner of "The Best" competition, earning her the title as the best performer in her native city, Aguascalientes. 

VERMELHA NOIR Instagram: @vermelhanoir

From Querétaro, Vermelha is here to prove that drag art also thrives beyond nightlife. She declares herself to be in love with Mexican culture and art. Vermelha Noir has over four years of experience in artistic makeup, performance and character design and has been part of both national and international drag projects.

In Face of Anti-LGBTQ+ Extremism, 200 Senior Living Communities Commit to LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and SAGE, the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, released the 2023 Long Term Care Equality Index (LEI). This year, 200 long-term care communities across 34 states participated in the LEI, with 75 percent of participating communities earning either the High Performer or Leader designation. Recent news about a senior living facility in Boston vandalized with hate speech, as well as a story of a 79-year-old transgender woman who was discriminated against by a nursing home in Maine, highlight the need to support LGBTQ+ elders.

Many older LGBTQ+ people are fearful of living their authentic selves or faced with outright discrimination against them and their families simply because of who they are. In a study by AARP, 76 percent of older LGBTQ+ people expressed concern about having adequate social support to rely on as they age. The same study found that 73 percent of LGBTQ+ older people do not have access to LGBTQ+-specific services for older people. In response, the HRC Foundation’s Health & Aging program and SAGE created the LEI -- the only-of-its-kind benchmarking tool promoting LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in long-term care and senior housing communities. The tool also formally recognizes those communities that lead the field in LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“With anti-LGBTQ+ extremism on the rise, it is more important than ever to create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ people and that includes the places we age. It’s powerful to see 200 communities come together with HRC and SAGE to deliver on values of inclusion and equity,” said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “Our older LGBTQ+ community – the ones whose shoulders we stand on – are so often forgotten, and they deserve more from all of us. The participation in our first-ever LEI is a huge step forward in uplifting and protecting the needs and rights of our elders. And we aren’t done – we look forward to seeing expanded participation in the LEI in years to come.”

“One of the biggest concerns facing older LGBTQ+ people is their future – especially when finding welcoming and inclusive places to live and receive care in their later years,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. Today, 200 long-term care communities nationwide demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ elders with their pledge to the LEI. The LEI is a powerful tool that helps ensure that LGBTQ+ elders get the respectful care they deserve as they age. This is essential for all LGBTQ+ older people, but the need is especially acute for LGBTQ+ elders of color, transgender older adults, and LGBTQ+ elders living in rural areas, who often face even greater challenges. SAGE is proud to work with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation on this vital initiative so that LGBTQ+ elders can age with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Prepare for a Royal Rom-Com Extravaganza: 'Red, White & Royal Blue' Hits Prime Video on August 11!

RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, based on the New York Times best-seller, will premiere globally on August 11, exclusively on Prime Video. The motion picture edition of the book will be on stands on July 4.

Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the son of the President of the United States (Uma Thurman), and Britain’s Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) have a lot in common: Stunning good looks, undeniable charisma, international popularity … and total disdain for each other. Separated by an ocean, their long-running feud hasn’t really been an issue, until a disastrous—and very public—altercation at a royal event becomes tabloid fodder, driving a potential wedge in U.S./British relations at the worst possible time. 

Going into damage-control mode, their families and handlers force the two rivals into a staged “truce.” But as Alex and Henry’s icy relationship unexpectedly begins to thaw into a tentative friendship, the friction that existed between them sparks something deeper than they ever expected. Based on Casey McQuiston’s critically acclaimed New York Times best seller, Red, White & Royal Blue marks the feature film writing and directing debut of Tony Award-winning playwright Matthew López (The Inheritance).

Human Rights Campaign Calls on Target to Stand Firm in Support for LGBTQ+ Community; Reject Threats from Conservative Extremists

Amid extremist anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and attacks on businesses that stand by values of diversity and inclusion, retail giant Target is the latest center of attack for extremist groups. In response, it’s been reported that Target is pulling some of its Pride merchandise from its sales floors across the country.

President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Kelley Robinson released the following statement:

“Target should not be responding so easily to criticism and threats from the likes of the Proud Boys. Target should put the products back on the shelves and ensure their Pride displays are visible on the floors, not pushed into the proverbial closet. That’s what the bullies want. Target must be better.

“Extremist groups and individuals work to divide us and ultimately don’t just want rainbow products to disappear, they want us to disappear. For the past decade, the LGBTQ+ community has celebrated Pride with Target—it’s time that Target stands with us and doubles-down on their commitment to us.

“Going into Pride Month – a protest for our fundamental rights and a celebration of visibility and queer joy – businesses play a bigger role than they ever have before in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation. The LGBTQ+ community has been experiencing our worst year on record for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation – over 520 bills that aim to strip us of our very existence, dignity and history, from the doctor’s office to the classroom to the sports field.

“Businesses that are silent or are retreating at a time when anti-LGBTQ+ hatred, from statehouses to social media platforms, is at an all time high are abdicating their responsibility to stand by their values of diversity, equity and inclusion. We’ve seen it again and again: businesses that stand up for the values they espouse send a powerful message to their employees, shareholders and customers that equality is not up for debate. Every time businesses stand up and speak out for LGBTQ+ equality, they come out on top, regardless of baseless, anti-business attacks.”

Pikes Peak Pride 2023: Celebrating Unity, Resilience, and Heroes Among Us

Pikes Peak Pride 2023 will gather thousands of visitors from across the state and the Pikes Peak Region in downtown Colorado Springs. Over the course of two full days, attendees can expect a vibrant array of vendor booths, food trucks, a beer garden, and electrifying entertainment. The highlight of the celebration will be a captivating parade on Sunday, showcasing the spirit and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities of Colorado.

This year, Pikes Peak Pride holds a special significance as it serves as a commemoration and celebration of the lives lost in the tragic shooting at Club Q on November 19, 2022. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and honor the memory of our fallen friends while reflecting on what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in southern Colorado. The event symbolizes our unity and resilience, demonstrating to the world the unwavering power of Pride.

During the Pride parade on Sunday, one extraordinary individual will lead the procession as the Grand Marshal—Rich Fierro, a local hero and an inspiration to the community. Rich, a decorated Veteran with three combat tours and the co-owner of Atrevida Beer Co. alongside his wife Jessica, was present at Club Q during the tragic incident. He courageously helped subdue the gunman using the shooter's own weapon. In recognition of his bravery, Rich was recently honored with the 2023 Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Citizen Honors Valor Award.

Beyond the festivities, Pikes Peak Pride 2023 holds a deeper purpose—to raise awareness and remind the world of the existence and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ Coloradans. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite the challenges we face, our community stands united and determined to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

So, mark your calendars and invite your friends to join you at Pikes Peak Pride 2023. Let's make this year's event a resounding celebration of love, acceptance, and diversity. Together, we can show the world that our Pride knows no bounds and that our voices will be heard.

Get Ready for the Heartwarming Comedy-Drama 'Makeup' - A Tale of Friendship and Hidden Aspirations!

Red Blazer Productions, in collaboration with Executive Producer Lucas A. Ferrara, is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the comedy-drama film, "Makeup." Mark your calendars for June 27th, as this delightful film will be available for digital download, both for owning and renting.

Written and produced by the talented duo Hugo André and Will Masheter, along with Lucas A. Ferrara, "Makeup" has already garnered multiple awards and accolades. This multi-award-winning film is a must-watch for all comedy and drama enthusiasts.

The story revolves around Sacha, an introverted French ex-chef who moves to London to embark on a new journey as a food critic. He finds himself renting a room in the house of Dan, a respected London stockbroker. Despite their stark differences, the two are pushed into an unlikely friendship. As the plot unfolds, Dan grapples with concealing his secret aspiration of becoming a burlesque dancer, a stark contrast to his alpha male image. Can Sacha and Dan become pillars of support for each other as they navigate their contrasting lives?

"Makeup" has received widespread acclaim, earning the title of "Directorial Debut by a Young Film Maker" at the London International Film Festival in 2021. It also clinched the coveted "Best Film" award at the Paris International Film Awards in the same year. Additionally, the film secured "Best Young Director" at the Lonely Wolf Film Festival and was a finalist in categories like "Best British Film," "Best Queer Film," and "Best Actor" (Hugo André) at the same festival. In total, "Makeup" has won an impressive 15 awards, received 5 nominations, and garnered 2 honourable mentions.

Note: Portions of the proceeds generated from the streaming of "Makeup" will be donated to youth-oriented organization Youthline, making your viewing experience even more meaningful.

HRC Joins Equality Florida In Issuing Updated Florida Travel Advisory

In the wake of Florida’s most anti-LGBTQ legislative session in history, Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign have issued an updated travel advisory that details risks associated with relocation or travel to the state. In all, six anti-LGBTQ bills were passed and nearly all have been signed by Governor DeSantis. While not a blanket recommendation against travel nor a call for boycott, the travel advisory outlines the devastating impacts of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety policies, foment racial prejudice, and attack public education by banning books and censoring curriculum in order that prospective travelers or residents can make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

The updated travel advisory comes days after similar notices were released by national civil rights organizations NAACP and LULAC. The groups warn of Florida’s “open hostility” toward the African American and Latino communities in the wake of laws signed by Governor DeSantis that censor the accurate teaching of American history, defund diversity, equity, and inclusion programs on campuses, propel bans on books about historical Black figures, target immigrants, and foment racist hate. The Florida Immigrant Coalition also released an advisory warning of the risks associated with relocation or travel to Florida in April.

“Because of Ron DeSantis and his frenzied appeal to extremists, LGBTQ+ people in Florida are finding themselves in a state of emergency every single day. Since the day he took office, Governor DeSantis has weaponized his position to weave bigotry, hate, and discrimination into public law for his own political gain. We see it as our duty to join Equality Florida -- and LULAC and the NAACP -- to provide guidance to our community," said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "Those who visit must join us in their vocal opposition to these dangerous policies. Those who pick another place to work, to go to school or to spend their vacation should make clear why they're not heading to Florida. And to all of our friends and family in Florida, we stand with you and with Equality Florida -- we'll keep working hard to make Florida feel more like the home you deserve it to be.”

Nadine Smith, Equality Florida Executive Director, called on Floridians and those across the country to unite and push back against the alarming rise of Governor DeSantis' right-wing extremism.

“Governor Ron DeSantis has inflicted deep and lasting damage upon our state, eroding the fundamental rights of our residents and visitors while exploiting the word ‘free’ as a hollow campaign slogan,” said Smith. “In free states, books are not banned, history remains uncensored, and healthcare is not criminalized. As a parent, I empathize with every family forced to leave Florida in search of accessible healthcare and inclusive schools for their children. But everyday, I see more and more parents stepping forward to defend their children, their neighbors, their schools, and their communities from these relentless attacks.

Equality Florida stands steadfast on the frontlines, resolute in our commitment to create an inclusive and secure Florida that embraces and safeguards the rights of all residents.

If you come to Florida, join us in this fight. If you decide to leave or avoid the state, don’t abandon this fight. Florida is the frontline but this is a national battle for freedom.”

Updates to the advisory include details about expanded anti-LGBTQ restrictions in health care and education, following the signing of laws that expand Don’t Say LGBTQ through eight grade (with Department of Education policy that expands those provisions to all grades), escalate book banning, threaten child custody agreements, and cut off care for a vast majority of transgender people in the state. The “Physicians Only” provision of SB 254 prohibits nurse practitioners and physician assistants from providing gender-affirming care to transgender adults, disrupting the health care of an estimated 80%+ of transgender patients at clinics statewide. In the immediate wake of the law’s signing, transgender Floridians began receiving notice that their care was being temporarily or permanently suspended.

The advisory also notes the signing of Florida’s anti-trans bathroom law, a policy that will ban transgender people from using restrooms and changing facilities that align with how they live their lives in publicly-owned or leased buildings, which includes airports, government buildings, convention centers, parks, school campuses and stadiums. That law, which takes effect July 1, will subject visitors and residents alike to criminal penalties for refusing to leave a restroom when asked.

While these laws will be enforced statewide, local business and government leaders are working to mitigate the harms. Those planning major events in the state are actively working to ensure adequate restroom capacity, provide information for attendees to support local pro-equality businesses, and mobilize their networks to be part of the solution in Florida. Local government leaders have begun meeting with Equality Florida and other groups to form LGBTQ task forces and discuss local policy and resource options to protect the community from the most damaging consequences of these laws. In defiance of DeSantis’ intimidation attempts, St. Pete Pride and city leaders have announced that their events will continue as planned and Come Out With Pride Orlando released their official event date. We encourage those interested in supporting the community to buy from or nominate a pro-equality business via the OpenDoors Florida directory.

The updated advisory can be found here.

HRC: Weekly Roundup of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Advancing In States Across the Country

As extremist lawmakers in state houses across the country continue advancing a record-breaking number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures, the Human Rights Campaign — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — is providing the below snapshot (updated weekly) to illustrate the hostile legislative climate facing LGBTQ+ people, and the scale and scope with which the ongoing legislative assault is being waged.  

This weaponization of public policy has been driven by extremist groups that have a long history of working to oppress the existence and rights of LGBTQ+ people. Several of these organizations have been deemed hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center, such as the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Family Research Council.  

Year-to-Date Snapshot: 2023 Anti-LGBTQ+ State Legislative Activity  

• Over 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures, a record;
• Over 220 bills specifically target transgender and non-binary people, also a record; and 
• A record 70 anti-LGBTQ laws have been enacted so far this year, including:
  • Laws banning gender affirming care for transgender youth: 15
  • Laws requiring or allowing misgendering of transgender students: 7
  • Laws targeting drag performances: 2
  • Laws creating a license to discriminate: 3
  • Laws censoring school curriculum, including books: 4 

Notable 2023 Trends & Topline Analysis 

• There have been more anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state houses this year than in each of the previous five years; with the increase in LGBTQ Erasure bills, bills that strip away dozens of legal protections and rights for LGBTQ+ people, coming as the newest form of attacks on the community 
• More than 125 bills would prevent trans youth from being able to access age-appropriate, medically-necessary, best-practice health care, in addition to more than 45 bills banning transgender students from playing school sports and more than 30 “bathroom bills,” a figure that exceeds the number bathroom bills filed in any previous year. 
• Some states that have been the most aggressive in advancing anti-LGBTQ+ laws include Florida,  North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas

BENEE and Youthline New Zealand Unveil "Bagels": A Song to Ease Anxious Thoughts and Support Youth Mental Health

Alt-pop musician BENEE has collaborated with New Zealand mental health charity Youthline and leading neuroscientists on a new single, “Bagels,” scientifically designed to help reduce anxious feelings.

Written and produced specifically to support young peoples’ mental wellbeing, “Bagels” uses musical elements identified by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) neuroscientists to relax the nervous system, modify brain activity and ease feelings of anxiousness.

Neurological testing on teenagers and young adults found listening to “Bagels” lowered levels of “state anxiety,” which is the type of short-term anxiety experienced in stressful situations. The track also calmed brain activity in the frontal and parietal lobes – the areas often associated with regulating emotions and the fight or flight stress response.

As a big believer in using music to cope with her mental health challenges, BENEE was excited to work with producer Josh Fountain and AUT scientists to learn about why music impacts anxiety.

BENEE says, “I’ve always seen music as a kind of therapy, but it was fascinating to learn why certain sounds move your mood. ‘Bagels’ was a totally different creative process for us: every aspect, from the beat, the natural soundscape and harmonies, to the subtle message in my lyrics, ‘you are not alone,’ is designed to take away feelings of anxiousness.”

She continues, “I’ve huge respect for Youthline’s work, so it’s been awesome to partner on this track, to show young people that it’s ok to talk about mental health, and to provide them with another tool to try when stressed. We all need to find what helps us, and one way I find calm is swimming at the beach and having a bagel – I’ve made a nod to this in the song, and obviously its title ‘Bagels.’”

As well as advising on the musical principles behind “Bagels,” AUT Associate Professors Daniel Shepherd and Mangor Pedersen designed tests to measure the song’s impact on anxious feelings. Using electroencephalogram (EEG) imaging of brain activity, their research found “Bagels” was the most effective in easing anxious feelings and relaxing the brain of all music tested.

Associate Professor Shepherd says, “Our testing of ‘Bagels’ shows its effectiveness for managing anxious thoughts and shifting young peoples’ bodies and brains into a significantly calmer state, shown through their lower heart rate, patterns of brain activity, and reduced perspiration.”

“I’ve studied the psychological effects of music for 15 years and jumped at the chance to be part of this ground-breaking project. Powered by more than 10 billion data points mapping a detailed representation of brain activity, our research into ‘Bagels’ is an unprecedented study of how music can regulate anxiety, and I’m excited to see it help our youth.”

“Bagels”’ soothing melodies and natural soundscapes come to life in the animated music video which floats viewers through a series of playful, organic worlds. Anxiety-reducing principles woven into the video include smooth color transitions and hypnotic swaying of organic forms, a technique to move our eyes repetitively from left to right. This strategy is a feature of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprogramming (EMDR), a therapeutic tool used to help with anxiety.

Southern Utah Drag Stars File Lawsuit Challenging the City of St. George’s Censorship of Drag Performances

Today, the Southern Utah Drag Stars (Drag Stars) filed a lawsuit against the city of St. George, Utah, which denied the organization a special events permit for a family-friendly drag show. The city’s refusal to grant a permit is part of a years-long effort to target drag performances and LGBTQ pride events in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as the Utah Constitution. Legal counsel intends to seek a preliminary injunction to allow Drag Stars to host its family-friendly drag show in June.

On March 3, Mitski Avalōx applied for a City of St. George special events permit to host a family-friendly drag event, Allies & Community Drag Show Festival, at J.C. Snow Park. 
A few weeks later, the city denied her application, alleging that she violated its advertising ordinance, an obscure local rule which prohibits advertising for special events until the city grants a permit. The advertising ordinance was not routinely enforced, in part because it is unworkable – permits are typically not issued until the day of or the day before events, making advertising an event practically impossible. Drag Stars appealed the City’s permit denial and at the hearing at least one City Council Member acknowledged that advertising ban is not enforceable, but the City nonetheless denied Drag Stars’ appeal

To make matters worse, while Avalōx’s application was pending, St. George decided to suspend considering any new special event permits for six months, denying Drag Stars the opportunity to submit a new permit application after the initial rejection. The city later exempted “city sponsored” events from the six month ban on new permit applications, creating a scheme whereby city officials selectively grant permits to favored events while denying all others. St. George’s special events policies discriminate against drag performances and are so opaque that no one can know what is allowed and what is not. 

“Requiring drag performers to meet unreasonable standards to receive a permit, or denying them these permits without legitimate justification, is censorship,” said Valentina De Fex, Senior Staff Attorney with the ACLU of Utah. “Our lawsuit challenges the attempt by elected officials, who must uphold the rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and Utah State Constitution, to push subjective viewpoints of what they deem appropriate." Regarding the impact of this case, De Fex stated, "With this filing we continue our commitment to stop efforts to discriminate against and silence LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse individuals in Utah."

“Drag is dance, fashion, and music - it is also deeply rooted in political speech - all protected by the First Amendment,” said Emerson Sykes, Senior Staff Attorney with the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. “This is the latest offense in a larger pattern of attacks discriminating against gender-diverse and LGBTQ+ people and their rights in Utah and throughout the country.”

Just last year, lawmakers in six states proposed bills to ban drag. Under some of these bills, a business would be considered a “sexually oriented enterprise” – and therefore be subject to strict zoning requirements and fees – just for letting female comedians wear pants or male magicians grow their hair out. Drag performers and host venues across the country have had no choice but to move to higher security or cancel performances altogether.

Governmental attempts to restrict drag performances claim to protect children from so-called obscene material. However, drag is not obscene, and restricting access to a supportive community only causes more harm to trans and LGBTQ+ youth, who are already at a higher risk of depression and suicide.

“The city of St. George is violating the First Amendment rights of Drag Stars and discriminating against them through a façade of permits and ordinances that have never been applied in this manner with any other group or organization,” said Jeremy Creelan, Partner at Jenner & Block. “LGBTQ+ performers are entitled to protections under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, and we are asking the court to protect these fundamental rights and put a stop to this deeply troubling attack on free expression.”

Southern Utah Drag Stars (Drag Stars) is represented by lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah Foundation, Inc. (ACLU of Utah) and the law firm Jenner & Block.

The brief can be found online here.